The Clergy Family Initiative

Parish Council Nominee Training Video Series

A two-part video series has been produced which highlights and discusses the unique and special calling that is the Holy Priesthood and what it means to his family and each of us as parishioners.

Through valid, personalized, and understandable information offered by experts filmed throughout the country, this educational video series delves into the unique psychological and financial challenges our Clergy and their families face…often in silence.

The responsibility of Parish Council members is illustrated clearly through the recognition and support of the Parish Priest, as well as ensuring that all obligations are met, as set forth by the regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Uniform Parish Regulations.

Not all of the information will be specific to your Church Community. You will need to review the material to identify what applies to your individual Parish and with your area’s cost of living. It all begins with the Parish Council.

You can access this two-part informational video series today by logging onto goarch.org. Each Metropolis, as well as the Direct Archdiocesan District, has a personalized message from their Hierarch, to be used at their respective regional meetings and gatherings. The Archbishop and the Metropolitans speak of the importance of having each Parish view this video and address the specific needs and concerns of their community.

Part I of the video is 16:46 in length and Part II is 11:57 in length.

 

Statistics across all faith-based denominations show that
a happy and healthy Parish Priest equals a happy, healthy and vibrant Church Community.

 

"Our involvement in the Clergy Initiative and the Dave Ramsey Program has (brought) very positive experiences for our family…The Clergy Initiative has provided the tools and means for us to move toward debt freedom and financial "peace" and flexibility, allowing us to plan and prepare for the future rather than only today, and to provide tools and knowledge for our children and our Parish. This program will change lives, not only today, but for generations."

 

The Clergy Family Initiative, a ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Benefits Office, is pleased to announce the launch of the first-ever Parish Council Nominee Training Video Series.

These programs, made possible through a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, will be used by Parish leadership as part of the mandatory Parish Council Nominee Training -- as mandated by the regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

The goal of the series is to have each Parish Council Nominee better understand the challenges that our Clergy face and how they, the Council Members, have a direct role in assisting the Priest in his ministry to the flock entrusted to him.

 

We invite you all to view the Clergy Family Initiative video of your particular Metropolis.

View the Training Videos »

We encourage the beloved Clergy of our Archdiocese to apply for the Clergy Family Initiative Financial Literacy and Grant Program.

Apply »

It is our heartfelt prayer that, as Parish Lay Leaders, you will learn more about the ministry of your Priest, and his personal challenges, and the need to grow as co-workers in sharing the Ministry of Christ.

 

Additional Information

The Clergy Family Initiative

The Clergy Family Initiative Brochure

The Clergy Family Initiative Endowment Fund Brochure

The Clergy Family Initiative Fact Sheet

Useful Links / For More Information

It has been shown that this program benefits the financial health and well-being of the priest and his family, and by extension, their parishes and parishioners."

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

 

The Clergy Family Initiative Objectives

Our program is multipronged and designed to accomplish six objectives:

  1. To educate our Laity on the unique challenges our Clergy and their families face and how those challenges can impact their ministry.
  2. To educate our Clergy on recent data from within our own Archdiocese on the personal, educational, and financial challenges our Clergy face.
  3. To provide research for Clergy, Presvyteres, and other Church Staff.
  4. To discuss the importance of managing personal and Parish finances, leading to an understanding of how efficient management both leads to healthier and more vibrant Parishes.
  5. To review our Ministerial Excellence Fund and the grant process associated with our Lilly Endowment Grant.
  6. To establish a community of Clergy support throughout the Archdiocese and its philanthropic ministries.