Christian Stewardship is…

…learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ’s Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work., for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God.…our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgment of Christ’s redeeming love.…caring for the needs of others.…offering one’s self to God as He offered Himself to us.…what a person does after saying “I believe…”, as proof of that belief.

…devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as diocese/metropolis, as national Church, and as Church universal.

Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life, which acknowledges accountability, reverence, and responsibility before God. A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty, and trust, and act on those beliefs. As Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him. Stewardship calls on the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed.

To become a Steward and a member of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, please contact Fr. Peter Smith.

Becoming a Member

Every person who is baptized and chrismated according to the rites of the Eastern Orthodox Church is a parishioner. The religious, moral, and social duties of a parishioner at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church are to apply the tenets of the Orthodox Faith to his/her life and to accomplish the following in faith:

1. One must adhere to and live according to the tenets of the Orthodox Faith.
2. Faithfully attend the Divine Liturgy and other worship services.
3. Participate regularly in the Holy Sacraments (i.e. Holy Communion, Holy Unction, and Holy Confession).
4. Respect all ecclesiastical authority and all governing bodies of the Church and be obedient in matters of faith, practice, and ecclesiastical order.
5. Contribute towards the progress of the Church’s sacred mission.
6. Be an effective witness and example of the Orthodox Faith and Traditions to all people.

In addition to the above, a parishioner must commit time, talent, and treasure to Transfiguration. These three words represent one’s Stewardship to the Church.  Each individual is called to be a Steward of God’s gifts which have been entrusted to him, for surely that which has been given to us shall be demanded in return by God (The Parable of the Talents).

From the Parable of the Talents found in the Gospel according to St. Matthew, you can understand that giving is a spiritual matter and a personal responsibility. Although giving is completely between the believer and the Lord, per principles in Holy Scripture and church tradition, it is suggested that parishioners give 10% of their annual net income.  Obviously, charity is placed on a voluntary basis, but we know that God loves a cheerful giver.

If you are an Orthodox Christian and new to Transfiguration, you are encouraged to speak with the priest about becoming an active member of the parish.  If you are not baptized or chrismated in the Eastern Orthodox Faith and would like to become a member at Transfiguration, a period of catechism in required before you become a member.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the church directly at (605) 334-5301.