30 March 1995
Pious Priests and Deacons,
Esteemed Parish Council Members
Faithful Orthodox Christians
of the Holy Diocese of Denver
Beloved in the Lord,
"You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ." (1 Peter 1:18-19)
It has been the practice in some parishes of the Diocese to charge individuals wishing to receive the Sacred Mysteries of the Church, specifically Baptism and Marriage, a fee. Sometimes this is done directly by asking them to pay a specified amount before a sacrament is celebrated. At other times a "Church Usage fee" or a "Facilities Usage Fee" is levied. In other cases there is a requirement that individuals be "current in their stewardship" or be "fully paid members" to receive these Mysteries.
These practices constitute the very serious sin of simony which is condemned in Sacred Scripture (cf. Acts 8:18-23), prohibited by the Holy Tradition of the Church, and is also proscribed by the Canons. Being aware that such things continue in some places of this Diocese, it is my sacred obligation and grave duty to instruct you that these practices must immediately cease.
The Mysteries are given to us from God, not from man; moreover they were given to us freely, without cost. We therefore have a most sacred responsibility to abide by the divinely-spoken words of our Savior: "You received without paying, give without pay." (Matthew 10:8).
There is no question that there are individuals among us who attempt to take advantage of the kindness of our Priests and their Parish Councils by not participating financially in the upkeep and programs of our parishes. We can all agree that these individuals are in the minority. We must not, however, allow such persons to influence us into making monetary regulations regarding the Sacraments of the Church, for then we become responsible for faithful members distancing themselves from the Church. This is a grave sin on our part.
If certain persons are not current in their obligation to the parish, I paternally exhort you to take their word that they will become current. Never, however, associate any fees with any Sacrament or Mystery or with the use of the church proper. As far as the use of your parish center or hall is concerned, you certainly should have a schedule posted listing the appropriate terms of lease or rental.
Please review your present regulations and/or by-laws, and make the proper adjustments if needed.
With Paternal Blessings,
+ Bishop Isaiah of Denver