What Does it Mean to be a Parishioner in Good Standing?
Our “Little Contract” with our Lord
Archdiocese & Parish: Good Standing Edicts
Every person who is baptized and chrismated according to the rites of the Orthodox Church is a parishioner. The religious, moral and social duties of a parishioner are to apply the tenets of the Orthodox Faith to his/her life and to: adhere to and live according to the tenets of the Orthodox faith; faithfully attend the Divine Liturgy and other worship services; participate regularly in the holy sacraments; respect all ecclesiastical authority and all governing bodies of the Church; be obedient in matters of the Faith, practice and ecclesiastical order; contribute towards the progress of the Church’s sacred mission; and be an effective witness and example of the Orthodox Faith and Traditions to all people.
A parishioner in good standing practices all the religious and moral duties as described above. At a minimum, a parishioner in good standing must: be eighteen years of age or over; be current in his or her stewardship and other financial obligations to the Parish, abide by all the regulations herein stated and the Parish Bylaws; and cooperate in every way towards the welfare and well being of the Parish (Stewardship is recommended to be ten percent (10%) of one’s annual income as stated in Holy Scripture, to help meet the financial obligations of the Parish, the Metropolis and the Archdiocese, though one’s choices in a personal one, knowing their own life situation).
The Personal & Spiritually Practical- I have been a regular participant in the Sacramental life of the Holy Orthodox Church
- My Confession has been heard during the past twelve months (2 x year recommended)
- I have received Holy Communion at least once in the past six months
- I participate in receiving Spiritual Direction from my parish priest / Spiritual Father
- I have been a pledged member of St. Demetrios for at least the past year (or I am new)
- I have completely fulfilled my past pledges
- I have submitted a Pledge Card for this current year
- I have been making contributions and am current in fulfilling this year’s pledge
- I attend General Assemblies and contribute my thoughts for the betterment of parish life
- I volunteer my time and talents to the glory of God and for our parish’s betterment
- I am an active participant in ministries of St. Demetrios Parish
- If I would like to see a specific ministry developed at our parish, I have communicated this to parish leadership, (With God’s Help, I am also willing to help develop it)
- Daily Prayer (Typically Morning &/or Evening)
- Reading the Holy Scriptures, to encounter God & be fed by Him
- Reading the Lives of the Saints (aka learning from the experts)
- Time in silence; praying the Jesus Prayer
- Spiritual Watchfulness throughout one’s day
- Recollection of sins/mistakes at end of day, paired with gratitude/thanksgiving to God
