Money and the Christian

[@PatristicNectarFilms]

Give your thoughts below 🤔 💭

[@ronaldedwards6266]

What's the name of the church ?

[@Isaakios82]

Father, your blessing. This is wonderful teaching. Truly, "the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." The key to happiness is learning to live modestly and in simplicity. St. Tikhon of Zadonsk say that we hold our wealth in trust for the benefit of ourselves and of others. It's the Lord's wealth, not ours. Moral/ethical teaching needs to be given to the American flock; quite often we hear about ascetical teachings, but not moral ones. For instance, the Orthodox Church does employ the distinctions between mortal and venial sins. It's in our official catechism, approved by all the patriarchs. It's in Bl. Gennadius Scholarius. It's in Ss. Ignatii Brianchaninov and Theophan the Recluse. And yet, I've never heard a sermon on it. It wasn't until I read Bl Gennadius Scholarius that I feel like I truly got a grasp on what it really means.

[@Wesaw-d9x]

What an odd thing to do, say $1’s and $5’s don’t matter and laugh at people who use them. Inflation is high and we are in a debt based system ruining the purchasing power of the dollar. Father you may be well off and those around you as well, but have a little more empathy and awareness, especially with the increase of young men joining the church who probably can’t afford to give much. This was very off putting, and your concept of $1’s and $5’s being offensive, is offensive to the people who see those increments as meaningful and useful in everyday life.

[@wisps-vn7oy]

@@Wesaw-d9x did you not watch the next 2 minutes where he explains this?

[@mariaarcheaellinida941]

Hello Patristic Nectar ❤☦️🙏🏽 your Chanel is such a blessing. Would you mind making a video about the humility of a women and how to dress or if it even matters and why ? The discission rises , and there so many opionions, it gets very difficult to see through. Ofc only when possible . God bless you , thank you so so much for your ministry❤

[@cox2060]

My church had a situation where one very rich family was supporting the priest and his families pay, and also paying off our church building. They went through a horrible tragedy, and lost a lot of money, and they could no longer pay to support us. We prayed, God gave us the means to keep our church together, and now we are thriving. Every Sunday our building is near overflowing, and we will soon be building a new church. Glory to God for all things!

[@NTNG13]

I hope the church members remember that family and their support now they're in a time of need.

[@unknownn520]

​@@NTNG13 Exactly!

[@cox2060]

@@NTNG13 They moved away unfortunately, but I have heard that they are doing well again.

[@floridaman318]

I bet y'all didn't help them.

[@JeremyTaylor-bh6dx]

Glory to the father, and to the son, and the holy spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of Ages

[@solitaryone1536]

Money is not evil of itself, rather it is our relationship with it that creates the evil as spoken.

[@anathamon]

Yes just like many things it can easily become an idol. In our modern world it is a very enshrined idol.

[@shiiniigamii]

"not the money is the root of all evil but the love for it"

[@francefradet2116]

The LOVE of money is the root of all evil.

[@stormshadowctf]

Ill say this: you have to take care of yourself before you help others financially. If you have nothing, then your ability to help is minimal. But like father says, you must not become a slave.

[@fujikokun]

I wish I had enough money to give more to God and to my neighbors…my husband and I are living with his parents because we can’t afford a home, and we are trying for children, my husband is struggling to find employment after so many years of depression and health problems. He’s applied to hundreds of jobs. We have so much student loan debt. His parents are planning to sell their house soon, and I don’t know what we’re going to do…we give ten percent but I want to give more.

[@andreass2903]

God bless you and your husband. You don't need to give when your in such a need yourselves. It is great to give when the funds are there to give but keep your heads above ground first. 🙏🏼☦️

[@stuntman083]

when you apply to jobs make sure all the key words match

[@jasonfox9992]

@@stuntman083 also, there is a greater chance of getting a job by reaching out to people that you know in real life, and clearly explaining what your needs are and your willingness to learn. I am 44 years old, and I have worked for 20 years after college, and none of the jobs I have ever had have been only from applying. They have all been from a personal relationship, knowing somebody, going in person, asking, and being, persistent in person

[@joyjadin]

Why would you want children when you’re unhoused yourselves?

[@user-yg5qs9kc4r]

@@joyjadinthey are house. Children are the best thing in this world and we should pray that Gods will be done.

[@magnithorsson2154]

I gave up pursuing wealth for a much more meek yet peaceful and fulfilling life. I had more money than I knew what to do with and never had peace.

[@julia7753]

Amen. Congratulations for making the transition. But, you may feel a zeal some day to walk the money ladder, with peace, with dignity and all for the Christian purpose of supporting those in need. I think this is more that ok. I've seen it play out for a fellow brother in Christ. God bless you. ☦️

[@robschaller9061]

Paul says confidently that he has learned how to be content in ALL circumstances. You are essentially ascribing money with an attribute IT DOES NOT POSSES. If you had no peace when you had money that tells more about YOU than money

[@hueylongenjoyer3747]

@@robschaller9061 Because he was pursuing wealth was what caused his problems. Not having money itself

[@mattdellarosa7365]

Thank you Father. You have no idea how timely this word is. I work in sales and yesterday I made the biggest sale of my career. While I am celebrating the success and the blessings God has bestowed on me, this is a subject I frequently wrestle with. I'm consistently evaluating where my heart is and what my true desire and motivation is. This is very helpful for me. Thank you.

[@stevecooper7883]

So long as you have a desire to do good in the world with your newfound wealth the Lord has blessed you with, you will still have His Spirit

[@robschaller9061]

What struggle? What you do is you DONT look for a way to bless others in need. At your grocery store you have an option to GIVE money to food banks to feed the hungry and those who need shelter. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT IS A CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION OR NOT!!! if they are feeding the poor YOU have the opportunity to give... there are local Charities that minister in the bad areas of town.... STOP GIVING PLATITUDES about your motives and desires... is GOD a liar??? THE HEART is DECEPTIVELY WICKED... who can know it let alone TRUST IT.... Im going to be blunt you may consider it harsh, I am not usually the one that handles that... you are TALKING SH*T... And YOU NEED TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR WITH YOUR FAUX righteousness its FILTY RAGES! BTW the term filthy rags was a saying to mean rags that women used during there menstruations... That's how God views IT... IF YOU ARE serious bout your "motivation" you would already KNOW where these charities are and have gone and volunteered time and seen 1st hand if they would be good stewards to entrust your potential giving... but YOU like me and most Christians I know, talk a bunch of BS they have absolutely no intention of doing anything about it... just a form of ritual to say they are being placative and contemplating the right action.

[@ccdev]

Congrats! Hope it would not change your devotion to Jesus.

[@felixfaster]

One counter argument on the point of it being a failure to die with money in the bank; leaving an inheritance to your children or family is not a failure but a virtue.

[@NFS0038]

I wrote the same under a lecture by Father Spyridon, but it bears repeating. The Righteous Joachim, father of Mary Theotokos, was "an exceedingly rich man" "such that no one else was like him among all the sons of Israel". Joachim divided all his wealth into three portions: one third he gave away to the needy, one third he gave as a tithe to the Temple, and one third he kept for himself. When considering this 1/3 figure, it is important to keep his vast wealth in mind practically, because wealth is not equal to all people obviously; bread and milk might as well cost nothing to a millionaire. But It is also important to remember that it is said that God multiplied Joachim's herds and made him the richest in Israel precisely because of his incredible selflessness, i.e. the selflessness came first before the riches.

[@ShowmanJonathan]

Thank you for sharing. St Joachim offers a powerful yet tangible example to us. Imagine if, as we grew in earthly wealth, we followed his example? Imagine if there were Christians at the head of great industries and powerful companies investing such a significant portion of what they control in all manner of good works in the Lord's name? God please have mercy on our nations that something like this would be so.

[@Romeo089]

Thats also what St Paisios the Athonite said to a rich man who visited him, if I remember correctly.

[@harveygosal]

“I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing.” There’s great wisdom in the words of king David. Also makes sense considering we value the things we put more effort into. Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

[@CVilla49]

Wow, what an incredibly eye opening talk. Thank you Father. Im coming from a Protestant background (now catechumen in the Orthodox Church) and 10% was/is the standard, the high standard for most Churches I used to frequent. When you said that the standard for Chrisitans should be everything, it absolutely blew my mind.

[@baloneyusmonk]

“All things come of thee, O LORD. And of thine own we have given thee.”

[@joshandjamesvosperfromhere6887]

We give Thee but Thine own, Whatever the gift may be; All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee.

[@gymclasshero88]

It so hard. I am the only one that has no money in my family and friends and peers. I don’t think I would handle money well which is why god probably stops me from having more than food and money but I would like to have been blessed just a little more. Anyway if you see this comment let’s find each other other and give a high five in heaven

[@cpSharkBlast]

God bless you!

[@cpSharkBlast]

You have enough! Your soul is full!

[@francefradet2116]

A fisherman who lives on our street brought us fresh sardines the other day. I took him cherries in syrup and olives from my partner's olive grove in exchange a few days later. Lunch today I ate a pomegranate for dessert. The Mediterranean basin is still very biblical in the food way. People have land and grow stuff and swap. That's wealth.

[@marshallkarl7956]

Glory to God!☦️

[@WORKOUTSOLUTIONS]

✝️ CHRIST IS RISEN ✝️ ❤💪🙏✝ GOD BE WITH US AGAINST EVIL AND TEMPTATIONS ✝🙏⛪️🕊

[@michaelearlgrey]

People. Watch out for scammers in the comments here. Don't email them. Don't call them. DON'T SEND THEM FEES.

[@OrthodoxChristian809]

Try to report them 👍🏻 I've just reported one.

[@KnoxEmDown]

Who would ever fall for those weird comment chains where they have to separate out their scam phone numbers over three comments? I imagine only old people might, but they are hardly tech literate. It's a marvel that indian scammers for example manage to squeeze money out of them.

[@ketogenic_ron]

In the Old Testament, as the Levitical priests were the civil government, tithes were required taxes for funding the national budget in Israel. By the New Testament, Christians were not commanded to tithe anymore but rather encouraged to voluntarily give to the church (and to God) in proportion to their wealth.

[@christaylor8337]

Yeah, ten percent seems a bit much

[@DontDoSwears]

When I fully gave my life to God and was no longer Luke-warm my finances were immediately improved to the point of me not able to explain it. God did that for me. Who even am I? The last will become first.

[@Invest4Cashflow]

Greetings from a Serbian orthodox Christian 🎉🎉🎉🎉 let’s go - let’s make money together

[@goodideas5659]

Well said. Tithing is indeed Jewish not Christian. Giving all is Christs benchmark and then staying very modest and being very giving to any in need...this is the blessed path in Christ.

[@micahpezdirtz8196]

Thank you for speaking on this today, Father. People become so preoccupied with taxes and what the state is doing with those funds, yet do we ever stop to think about what fruits come from God working the finances in the hands of His bride?

[@bigblackcandle]

exactly what i needed im in the position right now where im finding my purpose and what to do in life, ive been learning to trade and business and all that but i don't hear or feel gods presence and im struggling with sin and faith, i dont know if i should stop chasing my dreams, i ofc also dont want to but i have a feeling i have to do it to hear gods voice again, idk what to do but im trying to make him the center of my life, god bless you

[@markomarko494]

Regarding money it is equally important on how the parish priest and committee spend the donations given to the parish. Unfortunately Iv seen both priest and committee make wrong decisions leading to the wasteful loss of donated money. Even after advice from more experienced parishioners is ignored….

[@MichaelWhite-c2z]

I just need enough money to live a normal life. To have my own home and that my children are not hungry. I have given to charity even if i dont have much. I help everyone who needs help. I love God and am so thankful for my beautiful wife and her kindness and wisdom and for my 3 healthy and wonderful children I work 2 jobs to take care of them, my wife works as well. I need nothing more and i my life goles is to see my children marry before God and have their own families and God willing lots of grandkids. I leave everything to them. I dont need fame or power of wealth. I just want a family who is christian, healthy and togeather. Thank you Lord my God for granting me your blessing and reward what i needed. Your faithful and humble servent Micheal..

[@Florin_Dragoș_Minculescu]

Hi, Here are my two thoughts: 1. Offering money to God through the Church is at some level synonymous with offering thoughts, attention and love to God himself, in our very being. The more of ourselves we offer to God, the more that free space is filled by God. It can be both a cataphatic and apophatic experience. 2. With the help of churches, the existence of monasteries can be supported where people withdraw to dedicate themselves entirely to God. God bless us!

[@buffaloSoldier519]

Thank you. The more I read, practice, and get outside my comfort. The more perspective I get and the more scripture and tradition clicks. Make choices and live with them, don’t be lukewarm. I’ve been with people who have nothing and everything to give, and people who have everything and nothing to give. You just can’t help those who refuse to help themselves because they’re so full of doubt. Those in between just tend to exist in a state of limbo where they say one thing while doing another, their actions speak for themselves and they end up miserable. Do I have things figured out? No, plenty to learn and grow. Does it feel good? No, because I don’t want to live in a state of apathy which prevents me from empathizing.

[@ICXC_Humbly]

Our true riches are the unexpected joys and chances to help others that God presents us with. It gives more life to sacrifice than to indulge.

[@julia7753]

What a WORD. Lord have mercy! God bless you my beloved priest.

[@andreass2903]

I'm very happy to give to my local church St. Ana here on the Gold Coast in Australia. But to know that our Australian bishop Makarios is living in a $6 million dollar plus penthouse apartment is a disgrace. It has rubbed the Orthodoxy community in a real bad way. There shouldn't be any percentage or a certain amount that should be given to the church. Everyone should give to their local church to help it run. 🙏🏼☦️

[@silverecho1201]

6mil? How? That's disgraceful

[@Kyriakyriaki-onlyaservant]

Lord have mercy on the blind. If this is true, $6M could help build many churches, feed the struggling priests and their families, the poor and the unemployed. 😢

[@markomarko494]

A monastic Bishop in a plush $6M apartment…….

[@LemonJuice516]

Dont be surprised. If you go too any orthodox country the clergy are living it larg while the ordinary people can barely keep up. The corruption in the orthodox church is never talked about and for good reason.

[@mlorthio]

I live in Armenia and see similar things to a lesser degree with the church here. Also lived in Russia. Patriarch Kirill has a yacht and some fine jewelry. Meanwhile, tons of Armenians and Russians are dirt poor, but the church will still ask you for a dollar to light your candle and say your prayer.

[@elijahmountainfire888]

The Root of all necessary evils. 'Seek GOD's Kingdom first and everything else will be added unto you.' I testify to this with my life. The Lord provides. Indeed. He always sends not too much and not too little. But just enough. And a little bit extra. So that we can be grateful. Thank You Jesus our Lord. You are the Owner of our Vineyard. AMEN.

[@christopherliontas1603]

This was beautiful! Thank you father!!

[@iTzPhyzqk]

Thank you Father Josiah :) I love you

[@UncleJoeyPodcast]

Thank you 🙏 Father 0:38

[@philipalayeck2917]

Bless father. Thank you for all those supporting materials for our Christian Orthodox life. I am very interested in hearing about the Church's approach to AI, Robots and all the latest "Tech" inventions. Thank you

[@KH-vp4ni]

30% income tax and inflation through the roof we dont even have hardly anything in retirement. Idk what to do 😭

[@alexkokarev2184]

the main principle is to own the thing, but the thing should not control you.

[@QuailBois]

Very convicting. Thank you

[@metamentality9818]

Thank you, Father

[@kylehorak1632]

Give from the heart ❤

[@Lucas-jy7cv]

I tithe. I also love to volunteer whether it be for the community or my labor when asked to fix things that are broken or routine maintenance

[@Janine11155]

We should consider labor and effort also as "wealth" or "resources" we spend to help. Amen.

[@elKarlo]

Shamefully I’ve never been willing and now not able to tithe. It gives me great shame. May the Lord have mercy on us all.

[@keatonfoster4950]

How great is the virtue of charity. The sacrifice, the self control and the love of justice and mercy.

[@HemeraAeon]

Thank you Father, just in time 🙏

[@leonkennedy9263]

I want enough money to have a house and a wife.

[@pamarks]

I've really appreciated your turn towards these issues.

[@czarlev]

thank you for reminder God bless you

[@Letlovelead831]

Don't simply retire from something; have something to retire to.

[@ddxl459]

Absolutely! Profits are possible, especially now, but complex transactions should be handled by experienced market professionals.

[@DaveMorris894]

Some persons think inves'tin is all about buying stocks; I think going into the stock market without a good experience is a big risk, that's why I'm lucky to have seen someone like mr Brian C Nelson.

[@jacolabuschagne170]

Finding yourself a good broker is as same as finding a good wife, which you go less stress, you get just enough with so much little effort at things

[@DavidMickelson609]

Brian demonstrates an excellent understanding of market trends, making well informed decisions that leads to consistent profit

[@ThickMommy]

I'm surprised that you just mentioned and recommend Mr Brian Nelson. I met him at a conference in 2018 and we have been working together ever since.

[@rameybutler-hm7nx]

Father, may God bless you and grant you many years. My wife and I are not able to give every week, I want to, but with sickness, and bills. Its not always possible and i feel ashamed every time i have to let the plate pass.

[@revelation2-9]

I have seen what money has done to people, including my own family members. The love of money is the root of all evil, despite being a necessity in today's dark era. I firmly believe that having food, a roof over your head, and loved ones is enough. Excess materialism has destroyed the world.

[@ChristianSoldier-y6k]

What do you guys do with the channel and brands income?

[@deidrevermaak9348]

Thank for this Fr, it has been something on my mind for sometime now. A question, in one of your previous talks, you mentioned that it is our duty to provide an inheritance for our children. Please could you expand on how in reality we’re should prioritise these things. How do we prepare for retirement especially in an age where children don’t want to take care of their parents, leaving many to have to try and prepare for their old age. I would really value more detailed information on this. Glory to God.

[@birukhailu7113]

Thank you

[@angelachiorean5151]

Slava Domnului 🙏

[@suganthinysriharathas2385]

Very well said Fr. 🙏🕊

[@BryantMoore87]

Does not donating all of your money before death contradict Proverbs 13:22? "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous"

[@ShowmanJonathan]

That is a great question, I would love to hear commentary on what that means. Very big practical implications to the answer. Is it selfish to labor in order to give an inheritance or a leg up to your children as they establish their families and build their own enterprises?

[@KhABCDLeo]

Agree , I think there is a video either from him or another priest on KZbin that says " parents should provide for their children

[@KhABCDLeo]

​@@ShowmanJonathanChildren should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children” 2 Corinthians 12:14.11

[@ShowmanJonathan]

@@KhABCDLeo good reference. These issues call for a great amount of practical guidance and context dependent discussion to fill out the overarching principle laid out by Fr Josiah. If someone took Fr's broad message simplisticly, they would come away with the idea that the church and state are the only ones who should rightly have any money in the bank to develop projects or achieve long term goals.

[@magnithorsson2154]

That inheritance is part of donating all money before death.

[@cal5566]

Unfortunately, literally my bills to pay for life won't allow me to give like you said, I had a dentist bill come in this month and I literally had no spare money for collection. I do try to give more, I have probably given more in the months I've came to Christ than the rest of my entire life. I will continue to keep trying to give because the path with Christ is to be better day by day

[@KhABCDLeo]

I understand you Everything is getting more expensive I give when I can even it's only a few Euros God knows better 🙏 what we can do

[@KittehNow]

Convicting!!!!❤❤❤

[@AstjaGro]

Father Josiah, are you referring to our Orthodox Christian churches and cathedrals? Any names specific, so that we can immediately send money there? Besides temporarily financially contributing, we can also become members as well! Please respond when you get a chance! I would greatly appreciate this!

[@Mr.Neko1]

This is beautiful advice.

[@kaprizibeauty912]

Can you please do an episode talking about manifestation/ visualization and law of attraction? In a way people believe it’s all about positive thinking but is it as innocent as that?

[@jamesdykes3379]

Not every Christian has the means to give the required 10% of their income, let alone before the government takes their share. Some would end up without a roof, without food. We live in a day and age where some must choose between a roof or food, or whether they have heat during a cold winter. “One dollar bills are an insult”?

[@KhABCDLeo]

Agree One dollar is a lot of money for many people these days It shouldn't be a " must " to give, special churches. They have more than individual who are begging in the street

[@Alex_Vlass]

While I agree, and I myself am young and broke myself, but he’s referring more to the very well-off, primarily cradle born Orthodox who don’t give much. If you can’t do it, it’s not directed at you, but if you can then act according the will of the Lord ☦️

[@I.Am.Will.]

Father Josiah, can you do a video about usury? I've heard we should strive not to be in debt to usurers, and to not support their institutions by having interest accounts and avoid US Bonds to the best of our ability.

[@improvisedchaos8904]

This would also include 401k and the like as well. I'm interested in this as well.

[@I.Am.Will.]

@@improvisedchaos8904 I have heard stock in businesses aren't usury whilst interest accounts and bonds are. I hope he sees our comments to clarify this egregious sin.

[@paulcaskey]

I would also be interested in this. It always confuses me because it seems like all "investing" is based in sloth and greed rather than wanting to earn a living through your own labor.

[@kirerunte1046]

​@improvisedchaos8904 all money invested and spent goes to black Rock and dei

[@magnithorsson2154]

@@paulcaskey Would you still consider that to be sloth and greed if every gain from investing is used for the family, community, and church? If the person investing spends most of their time performing labor for their household and community and church? Does that seem slothful and greedy to you?

[@KingTragic02]

As a Orthodox inquirer I find it hard to speak to any of the priests as there’s so few and no decaons America needs more men of the cloth

[@athkon]

Father, I know that your audience is mostly American, but I believe it is important to note that not all people can afford the minimum of 10% pre-tax standard. In Greece, if a family upheld this, they would be left with 50% of their money, which is worryingly low if that family has more than two children. These children won't have the funds for education, the family will need to ration everything, and other things that are necessary for its members are going to be in short supply. I am sorry if I come across as dismissive. This is not my intention. What I mean to say is that A Lot of folk (here at least) cannot realistically manage that minimum. Of course, we also have differences on how our parishes are supported and how our priests are taken care of, but I just wanted to make a note of this, because I don't think it is wholly correct to let the reality of such cases aside. May God be with you Father. Please pray for me.

[@VasileStoiculescu]

same for Romania

[@Makeloafnotwar]

It's the same in America. We are not all wealthy. It's hard for most Americans to pay their bills these days. Not many people have savings anymore.

[@lauramatos1181]

Yes its really the same everywhere, some people I know in the US are living in a garage efficiency to be able to afford it. I dont think it’s so black and white. In my case, we have family in Cuba who we support monthly because they simply cannot in that country, if it werent for us, they would not eat (this is the story of every cuban living in America with family in Cuba and other similar countries). We give 5% to the church and the other part we send to our family.

[@marincusman9303]

This is why we have priests that we have a relationship with and can work it out with them

[@andreaslaugh2487]

@@lauramatos1181 Not Cuban here, but have read about "pensioners" trying to survive on $10 a month--which buys what? A dozen eggs if they're lucky? And forget about any medicine, if good people like you don't send it over (somehow). Bless you and all the Cubans in America who haven't forgotten those souls.

[@stpdncr]

This is not a problem for me, I’m just a working class lady, going month to month, I wish I had to grapple with this.

[@OrthodoxChristianTheology]

There needs to be more serious money in missions. Orthodoxy at this juncture is intent upon poaching converts from sects that care more to be doing the work of Christ's Great Commission. Serious missions require schools. Apart from converting a nation's nobility (which is now anachronistic), schools have been the most successful form of evangelism. In a third-world country, even this honestly costs about $3-5 million dollars. To purchase a building and run an Orthodox school here I am sure costs much more. This is "big kid" stuff, it requires serious giving and commitment. We will all be judged for the souls that don't learn about Christ, who apostatize, or become a sectarian due to a lack of serious evangelism and education. I know a Presbyterian parish that gives half its budget to missions. Half. We need to be giving to our parishes in such a way that they can do the same. If each parish adopted a mission, and each region pooled resources and built a school here and then a school there, we would get somewhere. But, we can't be waiting for some random Russian millionaire to dump a bunch of money. Giving is for everyone.

[@houstonka]

Is it bad that insted of giving money i do buy food and bring to church food pantry for poor. I just dont trust when i give money where it will go. Is money going to a right person?

[@willtoms7209]

I’m not a member of OCC but have attended a couple times. One of my biggest questions is why has this expression of the original Church seemingly puts such emphasis on expensive buildings, (which aesthetics I certainly appreciate)rather than multiplication and getting out to the people? Especially as Jesus had no place to lay his head. The closest OCCs for me are an hour’s drive, while numerous Protestant churches are much closer, some within minutes.

[@noahworley4884]

My wife and I live 1.5 hours from the closest Orthodox parish. It's certainly worth the drive! A long trip provides a great opportunity for prayer and reflection on one's sins

[@brentbrandon1062]

I definitely need to do a bettwr job with giving. I am horrible at it and this video was a blessing. May God have mercy on all of us. Throughout our busy days, we should be helping at least one person a day in some manner. If we don't as Christians, who will?

[@OrthoLou]

When I struggle just to get by while working 50-55 hour weeks... what I put in the church basket is plenty, I feel, but I guess God will let me know when my time comes. And no, it's not just 1 dollar bills.

[@healthyandwealthy5844]

According to a Forbes article in 2006, Kirill's wealth was $4 billion, and a 2019 Novaya Gazeta report estimated his worth at $4 billion to $8 billion, i guess money can be necessary, even more in this times, hope will not help in crisis situations, money does.

[@S62r]

LDS tithing is pretty effective. It’s 10% period. No passing the plate, no fundraisers, no donation boxes. Write your 10% check or direct deposit online. And no paid clergy helps a lot!!

[@Nschulze18]

I respectfully disagree with the idea that tithing 10% of your post tax income is "ripping God off", I mean, yes your gross pay, is not your "full pay," but its not as though we have a choice to pay the government. I mean in a practical sense, your post-tax income is your full "real income," you don't have access to the funds you pay the government.

[@floridaman318]

Priests like money.

[@Thisisnotaboutyou97]

One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. Proverbs 13:7 (English Standard Version)

[@alfredspic481]

Yes

[@J.J._777_]

Watching this as a 35 year old with a negative net worth in 2024 is honestly a pretty strange experience. Who is the target audience of this video? Is the takeaway that young people ought to become monastics earlier in life before they get drowned with debt? Or are the creators of this video utterly oblivious of the financial reality of most young people in the West?

[@anon2867]

In modern english culture it's considered very rude to ask for money. So most are ashamed to ask.

[@zasdertu1]

Father, I have heard there is one more place you can find $1 bills, but it would be improper to say.

[@micheleolding1473]

thank you for this message! I am over 60 and single and would enjoy direction to the devotion to God for the remainder of my life....the Catholic Church says - No you are too old. Is there any way with the Orthodox way?

[@JoeHonestTruth]

I dare say that Heaven has considerable numbers of the poor that received salvation versus the rich arriving to Heaven. Riches always come from God who made this earth with resources and the human brain to accumulate riches. So it is a matter of balance for the rich where the pitfalls lie with greed, avarice, hoarding wealth, and stinginess in failing to help others in need. The hardened heart is the ailment that may very well deny salvation. An open and generous heart with charity to the needy and suffering is likely a good foundation to reach heaven.

[@sitka49]

Sounds like communism - Studies show that giving people a handout will make there live worse in long run - eventually they still spend more money than they get.

[@richoux212]

I wonder what Father would say about Dave Ramsey which I think would be beneficial for many orthodox Christian’s looking to have financial guidance and stay out of debt…

[@jasonfox9992]

I have been orthodox since I was 16. In my late 30s I became a financial advisor, and I actually taught the Dave Ramsey financial peace University course at a different church ( a Lutheran church in my town.) it was a fantastic experience. I strongly encourage every orthodox parish to utilize the financial peace university curriculum. The curriculum is solid, and the fact that it comes from Protestantism means that we can take it even further in orthodoxy! My favorite part is the end when we get to look at how we get to bless others with financial resources. It is not our money is money. If we utilize the resources foolishly, we are like the servant that buried the talent in the ground. We must be like the servant that took the five talents and made five talents more. Glory to Jesus Christ and all things!

[@johnsambo9379]

When I saw the priests in the local Orthodox Church driving luxury cars and living better than the patrons it rubbed me the wrong way.

[@donxnik]

I have a question about your statement that priests have to have secular jobs due to poor stewardship. If that's the case, why doesn't God take care of them? And if they are dependent on money (which unfortunately many of us are), how does God's help come to them?

[@MeanieKuyaSteven]

God doesn't just fix all of our worldly problems. We each have our cross to bare and struggles to submit to. It is true that the congression needs to meet the needs of the Priest, but the situation is something that we must work toward; also, in the meantime, perhaps the priest's presence in the workforce is putting him before others that need his wisdom and hopefully an introduction that brings them to the Church.

[@BindingTheYoke]

The problem with the modern era is that people who are working class or middle class "rich" think they are rich because they have stuff, but are not actually rich at all because they often have excessive debt. They are actually poor due to usury. 🙃 So many ought to do the charity of repaying their debt as to benefit thier children and community. Since more often than not their assests will return to their investors upon their death. Every tithe they give is not from their surplus but from their want. 😅 I really get tired of the lack of prudential judgment when addressing the label of "rich", the religious preach poverty but depend on the charity of the working class. Modern financial understanding is upsidesown. Where they think the "rich" are being stingy but maybe really they are barely making ends meet. 2c

[@andreaslaugh2487]

There's a lot of truth in what you write. I have a relative who makes a 6-figure salary--and has made that kind of money for many years. He works very hard but is so far in debt that now--when he's at retirement age & in very poor health--he can't quit because he still owes so much. (Plus, he set almost nothing aside for retirement--because he was buying "stuff"). He's got the big house, the late model truck with all the bells & whistles, nice furniture, big screen TV, the Rolex watch--yet he's a total slave. Anyone looking from the outside would say the guy's a huge success. But he has no financial freedom at all. Is "rich" only on paper.

[@BindingTheYoke]

@@andreaslaugh2487 suppose that's why judging by appearances is unjust.

[@LemonJuice516]

So by your logic everyone who looks rich its actually poor. Sound logic right there.

[@BindingTheYoke]

@@LemonJuice516 no that's by your logic,.. read again.

[@gundog4273]

Kind of insulted by that dollar bill comment. Saving change is important to us, our coins may be going to buy homeschool carriculum for our daughter this year.

[@Makeloafnotwar]

Groceries, gas and rent are high. We feel your pain. ☦️

[@andreaslaugh2487]

I'm a "change saver," too & the coins do add up over the course of a couple months. I also have a jar of dollar bills, clipped together in $10 increments. This little stash lets me help the local food bank, the animal shelter or poorer friends who sometimes have "more month than money." Dollar bills probably aren't much in SoCal (where I think Fr. is from), but if you live in cheaper areas of the country, they still have their value.

[@FailingAtFarmChores]

In your offense, you're preventing yourself from seeing the point. He metniked that the woman who gave her last dollar gave the most. He also mentioned David saying that I will not offer sacrifices which cost me nothing. He's speaking colloquially about people putting a couple bucks in the plate, as an offense- when it "cost" them nothing. If you are giving freely and of a pure heart and all you have is a dollar, God honors that. If you've got a few grand in the account and throw a buck in, thinking that you're honoring God, you're probably not.

[@CamBoyd71]

Father, can you speak and teach about the sin of usury? I learned a little about this recently and I am in shock of how this sin has taken over the modern world. Do you have advice for how to not participate in interest (neither to have interest due to others, nor to inflict interest on others).

[@SomeOrthoBro]

I’ll have to watch this video at least two more times later (it’s late at night for me lol) My 2 cents and correct me if I’m reaching on this: What was the financial situation of the people as the Lord came? I see similarities happening in similar matter before the Lord came the 1st time. Around the world many are struggling financially. Pride/lust/greed and other sins are rampant. Muslims/other non-believers are renouncing their faith more so than usual the past few years. Jesus is near. Very near but no one knows the day or hour. So in short, build up riches in His kingdom while you can. Tomorrow is not promised. Will watch again later thanks!

[@surenbono6063]

..should you get paid for preaching ? Should you get paid to Love ?

[@laceygreenwood]

It would be great if Orthodox people didn't sell mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and material things, esp. with holy symbols & emblems marked on them, to raise money; nor promote "fund raisers" for parish needs, when it is ordained of God that we give of our substance as we are prospered. Fund raising is a way out of personal giving of one's own income. Giving in order to receive something in return, like a plate of food, or a box of cookies, is not the kind of "giving" God has ordained. How clever we are at avoiding true and cheerful giving from a heart full of gratitude to God. In the Didache it says that whenever someone asks for money or donations, that is not of God -- found the source. It would also be great if glugging coffee wasn't so important. Precious few understand genuine Christian giving these days. "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt" . . . "for God loveth a cheerful giver" " . . . which is your reasonable service" (Matt. 6:20; II Cor. 9:7, Rom. 12:1 . . .).

[@Thhuradshfefnbck]

I agree!

[@Mpazito98]

Who cares what they are made of if you are a slave!That was something. 4:52 Greetings from 🇬🇷

[@1111Tactical]

I just want to afford getting married to my woman and affording kids, I have none. I have literally nothing after bills com in. I don't spend for myself at all now beyond food. It's very defeating.

[@dolphinitely_bro3944]

Praying for God to make a way for you. I myself am poor, but no wife or kids, but this scripture comforts me and hope it does you also. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. God bless and comfort us all ☦️

[@IgnatiusCheese]

We need to have large properties where Orthodox families can live affordably and semi communally.

[@orthodox_gentleman]

Absolutely agreed, I am finding that clergy may be shielded from the reality that lay suffer from. The clergy are guaranteed to be taken care of financially or they won’t go homeless and hungry. To be a lay man may be too difficult at this point.

[@bri8872]

Sometimes we are the ones helping, and sometimes we are the ones being helped. Both can teach humility. Don't feel too bad, you can only do what you can do

[@donxnik]

Eh, I was a programmer for 9 years, though I could never put my heart into it. I even doubted if this was my talent. For the last 2 years, I've been unemployed. I quit programming; I kept encountering lying, cruel, and rude company directors in jobs, and I came away with nothing but stress and trauma from it. After some time, I calmed down a bit and started writing a fantasy book, which I always wanted to do. But my savings have run out, and now I'm again facing the dilemma of finding a steady income. Without a profession and penniless, God's help isn't visible from anywhere yet.

[@SecureInMyHead]

Blessed am I to get overtime to pay for car damages in an accident. Returning anything I can spare is an obligation.

[@nikopawlowic6557]

I've only ever looked at money as an ammoral object, I don't view it as evil, but what men and women do with it. Personally, I'd rather be rid of it entirely due to so many people using towards ill-begotten gains, but in order to reward our brothers and sisters through their actions in which we cannot do ourselves, a proper reward should be given. That means through sustenance, but my main desire is to be grateful for every day and every gift that God has blessed me with. I'm not exactly rich nor am I poor monetarily, but I do need to do more in life, both for man and for God. Is that so wrong?

[@SirAdrian87]

Donating is well and good but what do you do when the priest uses the money to build an expensive villa for himself and the bishop travels around in luxury cars and wears a golden watch. I'd rather give the money to the needy directly.

[@floridaman318]

They'll tell you it's a sin to notice. 😂

[@HealingWord333]

Im curious to your view of the difference between content and complacency. I see content as being necessary but i see complacency as an issue.

[@jimwheeler7277]

So does this mean that we shouldn't leave our children an inheritence?

[@terripelly6896]

I thought we were supposed to leave an inheritance to our children the Lord says?

[@wasumyon6147]

What do people with 0 or less than 0 do

[@julz.canada]

With all respect, father, but regarding giving 100% is for monastics, not for the lay people. What about 1 Timothy 5:8 that says, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" ?