Is tithing an expectation or just an ideal thing? So I give like $990 from $1,800? I talked to my Father of Confession before about tithing, but he seemed kind of chill in general about it.

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-08

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, there is a distinction between the "commandment" and the "blessing." While your Father of Confession (FOC) may be "chill" or lenient, it is because he is acting as a physician of souls, looking at your heart rather than just your wallet.

Here is the straightforward breakdown of the expectation versus the ideal:

1. The Expectation (The Tithe)

The basic expectation for every Coptic Orthodox Christian is the Tithe (the 10%). If you earned $1,800, the expectation is that $180 belongs to God. This is considered the "minimum" for a faithful life. If you do not give the tithe, the Church Fathers, following the Prophet Malachi, suggest we are essentially "robbing God" of what is already His.

2. The Ideal (The Firstfruits)

The Firstfruits (offering the entire first paycheck) is a higher spiritual level. It is not a "law" in the sense that you will be excommunicated if you don't do it, but it is the traditional practice for a new source of income.

For a summer job, the calculation you mentioned ($900 first check + $90 tithe from the second = $990) is indeed the "Full Blessing" model.

Why your Father of Confession was "chill":

1. Stewardship vs. Legalism: The Church doesn't want you to give out of resentment. St. John Chrysostom emphasizes that God looks at the intent of the heart. If you give $990 but spend the rest of the summer complaining about being broke, the spiritual benefit is diminished.
2. Necessity: If that $1,800 is required for your tuition, books, or basic survival, a priest will often tell you to tithe what you can. The Church is a mother; she does not want her children to starve.
3. Encouragement: For many youth, starting with a consistent 10% is a massive spiritual victory. He may be trying to build your "giving muscle" before asking you to lift the heavy weight of firstfruits.

The Truth of the Matter

If you are asking what the Coptic tradition describes as the right way to handle a new job: Yes, the first paycheck is the firstfruit.

However, if you feel that giving $990 out of $1,800 is a burden you aren't spiritually ready for, do not just give nothing. At the very least, be disciplined with the Tithe ($180).

My advice: If you can afford to do it—meaning you won't be in debt or unable to eat because of it—challenge yourself to give the firstfruit. It is a powerful way to kill the spirit of materialism early in your life. As the Fathers say, "Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty" (Proverbs 3:9-10).

If you decide to stick to the tithe, do so with a clear conscience, but perhaps make a small "extra" offering as a token of your first summer job.