Topic: Gifts for my Priest and the congregate

[MichaelofSN]

Hello,

I am a catechumen with a VERY small OCA military community, and I, along with my wife and children, will be Christmated before Christmas liturgy.  My priest has devoted so much time to us, and is one of the coolest guys I know (my wife and I wait all week just for liturgy).  I'm not a gift guy; I don't like getting them, and I (normally) don't like giving them, etc... I'm terrible at it.  However, I really want to honor my Priest and Matushka and our congregate for all the personal time they've devoted to us.

My question is; what can I get my priest that will be meaningful to an Orthodox clergy?  I know so little about him because all we ever talk about is faith, which makes gift-giving difficult here.  I've thought about just having my wife ask him what Matushka would appreciate as a gift, and myself asking Matushka what he would appreciate.  Even that is difficult because he is paid well and does not want for much.  Ideas?

Also, is it even appropriate for the catechumen to give gifts to the families in the congregate?

Thank you in advance.

Warm regards,
Michael of SN

[katherineofdixie]

Gift card to an Orthodox bookstore or favorite restaurant?

As for the congregation, perhaps an icon? Or providing a nice lunch after your chrismation?

[podkarpatska]

Gift card to an Orthodox bookstore or favorite restaurant?

As for the congregation, perhaps an icon? Or providing a nice lunch after your chrismation?

Go for the restaurant option for your priest. As a PK I can tell you that most parish priests have more than enough books and icons and while he might appreciate another St. Vlad's or Holy Cross or whatever Bookstore gift certificate, Matushka would no doubt rather an evening out!  The lunch is a great idea.

[Tallitot]

Gift card to an Orthodox bookstore or favorite restaurant?

As for the congregation, perhaps an icon? Or providing a nice lunch after your chrismation?

Go for the restaurant option for your priest. As a PK I can tell you that most parish priests have more than enough books and icons and while he might appreciate another St. Vlad's or Holy Cross or whatever Bookstore gift certificate, Matushka would no doubt rather an evening out!  The lunch is a great idea.

+1000. My sig-o is PK and is a church organist/chior director. Clergy and church workers usually don't need anymore religious books.

[katherineofdixie]

Who said anything about religious books? 

[katherine 2001]

If the priest has a family, maybe a gift card for a grocery store or warehouse club might be helpful.  If he doesn't have a membership to a warehouse club and there is one in your town, that would be a great gift so that it will help him to feed his family.

[biro]

Everybody likes candy. 

[LBK]

Everybody likes candy. 

Yet to meet any Orthodox priest (married or monastic) who doesn't like good wine, good chocolate, and good coffee.

[podkarpatska]

Everybody likes candy. 

Yet to meet any Orthodox priest (married or monastic) who doesn't like good wine, good chocolate, and good coffee.

I knew a Bishop or two who were fond of fine, single malt Scotch as well....