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Priests

moderndaypharaoh
edited January 2019 in Coptic Orthodox Church
So I have a question about priesthood. If an individual is nominated can they refuse the priesthood?I've heard stories about people being locked in roo.s before they accepted nomination but I honestly feel like choice should be given in the matter

Comments

  • ItalianCopticItalianCoptic
    edited January 2019
    It's actually up their wife. The first person my Priest asked to even suggest it down the line was my wife. That was four years ago and I still have another 3-5 years before it can happen.

    A Priest's wife is the main income, especially in the U.S. You don't get health insurance, a 401(k) or any pension as a Coptic Priest. You cannot support a family on an average salary. Your wife would have to work and be ok with being the bread winner.

    If you aren't comfortable or meant to serve as a Priest, then that's the fault of the Bishop. I know some Deacons who would be great Priests, but they just don't want the responsibility.

  • moderndaypharaoh
    @Italiancoptic, you didn't get a say in the matter
  • ShareTheLordShareTheLord
    The Bishop,
    The father of confession,
    The family,
    The candidate himself,
    And finally the church he is nominated to,

    All have a say in the matter. In the end, all 5 of these should be seeking to hear God’s will, not their own. If they all are, all 5 will align.
  • ItalianCopticItalianCoptic
    The average Deacon who would be considered would have to do certain things to show they are capable. If a person is adamant about not serving, of course they can decline.

    My case is somewhat more complex than just being asked. It has been a long process, and there are a lot of bumps and delays along the way. I was extremely into it, almost expecting or desiring it by taking it for granted. I even had a guy come in to the church and become the main Deacon as I slipped back a little.

    It's almost like you don't want it after a while.You begin to see the human side of it when you interact with more and more people and see what a Priest does in a day.

    A Priest is not perfect and even in some circumstances prefers to be treated as a normal person. I believe the most important trait is humanity, and sometimes someone may need to be convinced, but probably very rarely. I would think they are just trying to be humble more than outright rejection.

    My specific story is for another day.
  • Jojo_HannaJojo_Hanna
    @moderndaypharoah What stories ?
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