Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
In 2012, a philanthropic organization in New York started Giving Tuesday with a simple idea: giving back to others brings joy, and is the logical response to the observance of Thanksgiving.
Today, over 37 million people participate each year and collectively have given $3.1 billion on Giving Tuesday in the United States. The Giving Tuesday movement continues to grow.
In 2014 the community of St Vladimir’s Seminary both on and off campus participated for the first time in Giving Tuesday. It was so successful we decided to continue. We all felt such joy as we focused on “cheerful giving” to seminarians and the mission of St Vladimir’s, remembering that “Everyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of salvation and eternal joy” (+Fr Alexander Schmemann).
Giving is woven into the St Vladimir’s Seminary DNA: our professors give their hearts to teach the gospel of Christ. Our students give their time to prepare for service in the Church. Our graduates are giving their lives to minister to Christ's flock. As an outgrowth of this, Giving Tuesday has become a tradition, a reminder during the Nativity Fast of the blessings of open-handed giving. Seminarians, alumni, trustees, faculty, and faithful ministry partners from Alaska to Maine, all step up to support the work of St Vladimir’s before, during, and after this day of generosity.
This outpouring is born out of hearts of love: love for the Church and love for a world in need of Christ. In 2024 the need for well prepared clergy and lay catechists has never been greater. The Orthodox Faith is growing rapidly in North America and the call for new laborers in the harvest is urgent! With the help of our remarkable extended family, we will rise to the challenge.
We pray that “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” Happy 10th Giving Tuesday to the entire St Vladimir’s Seminary family!
Previous Giving Tuesday videos
These Orthodox Children Love Playing Church
Diary of a Seminarian
SVOTS Kids Tell the Story of Esther
