Assembly of Bishops launches national study on giving in US parishes

January 2015

A national study — “Exploring Orthodox Generosity: Giving in US Orthodox Parishes” — is being launched by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA.

“We need and invite as many pariticipants as possible,” said Alexei D. Krindatch, the Assembly’s Research Coordinator. “Both Orthodox clergy and laity are invited to take part in this unique project.”

Examples of the questions the study will explore include the following.

• Why do people give or not give to their parishes?
• Are Church members satisfied with how “money matters” are handled in their parishes?
• How do parishioners make decisions on how much, when and why to give?
• What causes “boost” people’s generosity and encourage greater giving?

The study is being conducted as an on-line survey and may be accessed here.

“The study is anonymous—no names are asked and no individual responses will be shared with anyone,” said Mr. Krindatch. “Please share this invitation and link to the study with your Orthodox friends, relatives and fellow parishioners via e-mail and on your Facebook pages and parish web sites. We are grateful for your input on this unique study project.”

Questions may be directed to Mr. Krindatch at orthodoxgenerosity@gmail.com .

In related news, results of the Assembly of Bishops’ latest research report, “Orthodox Monastic Communities in the United States,” is now available here.

Designed as a first step in studying and comparing US monastic communities, the report’s findings are based on a survey taken in late 2013 and early 2014. It offers a wealth of insight into over 70 Orthodox monastic communities, focusing on their significant diversity in terms of size, liturgical practices, openness to visitors, and educational programs.

Summaries of and links to earlier Assembly research reports are available here.

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