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STAS Vision Statement

Saint TikhonSaint Tikhon of MoscowThe St. Tikhon Archdiocesan Stewards program, will assist in the growth of our missionary diocese, and assist those who labour in this vineyard, both clergy and laity. It will Insure a strong healthy witness of the Lords unfathomable love for this his Church, and for this his people. Through the involvement of the faithful of the Archdioceses of Canada, demonstrated in above-and-beyond contributions to the funding of the Archdioceses.

STAS Mission Statement

The St. Tikhon Archdiocesan Stewards (STAS) is a method in which the faithful Orthodox Christians of the Archdioceses of Canada can contribute in a straightforward, intentional, and meaningful way, to the witness of Orthodoxy in Canada.

This type of giving is above-and-beyond our regular parish stewardship, and is not intended to replace or diminish current tithing to your home community, but rather is a call to more deeply invest in the mission of the Orthodox Church across Canada. It is a sacrificial investment in the mission in Canada, cultivating the present and future health, stability and growth of the Church.

STAS funding will used to provide administrative assistance to the Episcopacy, the Chancellery, Deans, and additionally in time, provide additional support to seminarians (in the form of debt relief), and missions, and may be developed to compensate clergy stipends, to support camps and youth programs, for missionary outreach, and so much more.

Every step will be made to insure that the decisions regarding STAS, its funds, and their allocation, will be accessible and transparent.

STAS provides an opportunity for the faithful to live the words of the St. Tikhon in “devoting our self’s to the Orthodox faith not in or tongue only but in deed and truth”

FAQ’s

  1. Where does the money go?
  2. Are the budgets and proposals posted?
  3. How is the STAS committee composed?
  4. If I want to change the amount I contribute can I?
  5. Where do I find further information on STAS and the Archdiocese of Canada?
  6. Why should I contribute to STAS?  Doesn’t our parish contribute enough?
  7. Does any of the STAS funds go to the United States?
  8. Who is accountable for these funds?
  9. Given the importance of seminarians and missions, why has the administrative assistant been given priority?
  10. Does STAS have a charitable status?

1. Where does the money go?

The STAS committee has made a primary commitment to the Archdiocesan council, to cover the salary of the Episcopal secretary. The STAS committee has also provided a ten-year plan with the goal of providing for deans, seminarians (in the form of debt relief) and missions.

2. Are the budgets and proposals posted?

This is an Archdiocesan issue that falls under the accounting practices of the Archdiocesan Council. Reports to the council from the STAS committee will be made available on their website as well on the Archdiocesan website semi-annually.

3. How is the STAS committee composed?

The STAS committee administered by the Archdiocesan Executive Committee (ADEC), (Ruling Bishop, Chancellor, Secretary, and Archdiocesan Treasurer). In addition to the ADEC, a chairperson is appointed by the Archdiocesan council for a term of three years (no more then two consecutive terms).

4. If I want to change the amount I contribute can I?

Yes the amount contributed can be changed by contacting the Archdiocesan Treasurer, or a local STAS representative.

5. Where do I find further information on STAS and the Archdiocese of Canada?

Information on STAS, its committee, and related issues can be sourced from our website or from the Archdiocesan website. Information can be mailed upon request.

6. Why should I contribute to STAS?  Doesn’t our parish contribute enough?

Our Archdiocese is growing. We are at a tipping point where contributions from the parish are falling short in fulfilling the greater administrative needs.  STAS is a way individuals can give to fill that gap. 

7. Does any of the STAS funds go to the United States?

No. 

8. Who is accountable for these funds?

The STAS committee is responsible for the raising of the funds, while the Archdiocesan council is responsible for their allocation.

9. Given the importance of seminarians and missions, why has the administrative assistant been given priority?

The diocese has traditionally had collections specifically for seminarians and missions where there is no such appeal for the administration although it has been a priority for the last fifteen years.

10. Does STAS have a charitable status?

Yes it does under as a unit of Archdiocese of Canada, as per CRA regulations. At the end of the fiscal year tax receipt would be issued from the Archdiocese to the donor.