“The Priest's Livelihood”

This is a phrase that I have extracted from the last statement of the Antiochian Synod. Those who have read the statement do not miss that, like some of its fellow phrases, it is a rushed phrase that does not carry any detail or direction or order to the Churches. Do not be surprised that a priest’s attention is drawn to a phrase related to the livelihood of ministers like him. I lived my whole life averting talking about money for well-known fears. When I was freed from my need, my fear fell off. I know, just like you, that it is not realistic to generalize talking about the priests’ needs. However, there remain among us some who are really poor, whose numbers may have increased these days. How do we keep the priest, our father, from being humiliated by need? I do not see that there is anything, for which the Churches sacrifice everything, more precious than supporting the poor, be they priests or little brethren. This is not a ball to be tossed far away. I said before: “uphold your priests”. I am repeating it today, with brotherly humility, to you and to all Church leaders.