Funny you should say that. I have Greek Orthodox friends who say, "If you want to be rich, become a
Greek priest or marry one."
There is a constant joke about priests running all over the cemetery looking for people gathered in
memorial of their loved one, just so they can get a good tip. Kinda sad really.
And if you want to become richer, become a bishop. Actually though, there is a reason behind this. In Greece the priests and bishops were not paid by the state. They depended on handouts.
The other thing, is that they had to acquire influential friendships.If some family was in dire need, it was the priest that would approach the rich in order to help them. Remember, welfare did not exist at that time.
What we have in this country, is priests that have a steady income that is supplimented by those that continue to believe that by giving to the priest, they are contributing to God. Considering the wealth of our present day, many of the most influential priests and hierarchs, have accumulated quite a fortune.
This is also true in the Middle East, if one should ever wonder why a high position ends up in the hands of those that are the most politically astute. Surely, a sorry situation. Of course it's counter acted, by what our Greek priests go through with their 'Greek' congregations.
Zenovia
