I have recently been to and Orthodox funeral where money was collected and given to the priest who conducted the Chuch service. These services continue for a few months after the death as well and they keep collecting money for them. What is this all about???
2007-11-17 04:08:35 · 21 answers · asked by Freedom 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Is this the same practice that the Catholic church calls "Indulgences"?
2007-11-17 04:30:55 · update #1
It is a tradition to give money to the priest in the USA. But not in Greece. They changed that over there.
I Cr 13;8a
2007-11-17 17:13:56 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been to the Catholic Church and I don't remember them collecting money for the dead. The Catholics can light candles for the dead, I know that. Usually money is given at the funeral service to help the family or the family can have masses being said in the dead honor. I'm talking about what I know of the Catholic practice.
2007-11-17 12:55:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know about Orthodox. But my aunt was married to a Catholic. She said @ her previous father-in-law's funeral people gave her money @ the funeral in envelopes. She asked her husband why. He said the priest must be paid. That it was part of his "job" just like being a plumber. But after the funeral no money was given, so I'm not sure.
2007-11-17 12:15:56 · answer #3 · answered by paula r 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't happen in my country. The only collecting money that orthodox church does in Romania is puting a wooden box somewhere inside the church, and anyone who wants to donate an ammount of money (no matter how little, even one dollar or less) just puts it there
2007-11-17 12:12:21 · answer #4 · answered by larissa 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Occasionally there will be a member of a church who cannot afford to bury a dead relative. It;s a very expensive thing to cover the cost of a grave and coffin , etc. Sometimes the congregation will collect money to help a family with these expenses.
2007-11-17 12:13:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's so the priest will continue to light candles and pray for the dead person. Catholics believe that will get their loved ones out of Purgatory quicker. (This practice is only one of my MANY issues with the Catholic Church.) It is also customary to make a donation to the church for the funeral service. My Mom had a Catholic ceremony for my stepfather when he died, so I know.
2007-11-17 12:13:22 · answer #6 · answered by Rebeckah 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is practices like this that prompted Martin Luther to nail his 95 theses on the door of the Catholic church in 1517. The church leaders wouldn't talk to him personally.
2007-11-17 12:26:02 · answer #7 · answered by Molly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like a version of selling indulgences to me.
A $100.00 honorarium given by the family to the Pastor who officiates at funeral or a wedding is very appropriate.
Beyond that, it sure sounds like they are selling indulgences.
Pastor Art
2007-11-17 13:11:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Find out where the money goes to, is it to pay for a funeral or what, you will just have to go ask them, I've never heard of it.
2007-11-17 16:24:37 · answer #9 · answered by Lynn C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just as it seems, collecting money and bleeding the bereaved for as much as they can! What a scam! Confront the priest, ask him why! What a despicable act!
2007-11-17 12:12:18 · answer #10 · answered by leolady0765 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋