Although there are no actual fees or payments associated with any sacraments or services of the Orthodox Church, it is still customary to make a donation in appreciation to God for the blessings (grace) one has received. These free-will offerings to Christ’s Church should never be misconstrued as a payment as some materialistic-minded persons have assumed, because services and sacraments can not be bought or sold; and mandating obligatory donations for said services also renders any heartfelt gesture or sacrifice to God as meaningless and obsolete.

If someone wishes to extend their love of God by also offering a personal gratuity, gift, or honorarium to the Priest, Deacon, or Choir Master, this is to be done solely at the parishioner’s own discretion.