Ministry
Support clergy when circumstances may make it harder to continue pastoral ministry.
About
A shared commitment to clergy
The Clergy Assistance Fund is a diocesan undertaking of lasting care for priests, deacons, their wives and children. It aims to provide financial and practical support during ministry, in retirement and in times of need, to care for families after a clergyman’s repose, and to support future generations of clergy. Regular, voluntary participation by families and parishioners is the foundation of this work.
Why the Fund was created
From occasional help to lasting support
The appeal to Parish Councils identifies the initiative’s main milestones: discussion at the diocesan Pastoral Conference in November 2025 and the bishops’ blessing in May 2026. The Fund is being established as a Diocese-wide undertaking to make care for clergy consistent and sustainable.
This is more than collecting money when an urgent need arises. At its heart is the renewal of a culture of personal care for the Church, in which each family and parishioner participates in caring for those who have served, are serving and will yet serve, together with their wives and children.
Small, voluntary monthly gifts from many families are intended to form the foundation. Larger and one-off donations are welcome, but do not replace regular participation across the Diocese.
Why the Fund is needed
Parishes do their best to support their clergy, but very few can provide a salary. Local arrangements may barely cover ordinary needs; illness, family difficulties or exceptional expenses can leave no resources available. The Fund supplements, rather than replaces, each parish’s support.
This is also care for the future: those considering a life of service to the Church should know that they and their families will not be left without support.
A shared commitment across the diocese
The Fund is intended for all priests and deacons of the Diocese of Great Britain and Western Europe of ROCOR and their families. It supplements local parish arrangements with Diocese-wide assistance.
Particular care is given to clergy wives and children, including widows and orphans, retired clergy and those preparing to dedicate their lives to the Church. The form and amount of support depend on individual circumstances and available resources.
Our mission
To provide financial and practical support to clergy, their wives and children during active service, after retirement and in every time of need, including care for families after a clergyman’s repose; and to support those preparing to dedicate their lives to serving the Church.
Family
Care for clergy wives and children, especially widowed matushkas and orphans.
Shared care
Bring together the modest participation of many people and parishes into steady, organised support.
What brings us together
Three distinctions help explain its purpose.
Continuity
Not only a response to emergencies, but attention to the everyday needs of families.
Voluntary participation
A donation is not a compulsory parish levy.
Personal dignity
Requesting support does not require making family circumstances public.
From participation to practical support
Regular donations provide the basis for assistance, while parish involvement helps identify the needs of clergy and families. The Assistance section explains the initial procedure through the rector and dean; the online form remains an additional way to provide initial information.