Vows and Tithes

Question:
Is it possible for vows to be fulfilled from the tithes?
And what should I do if I cannot carry out the vow?

Answer:
Vows are something different from tithes and are not fulfilled from them…
For you are obligated to give the tithes, whether you have made a vow or not. A vow is a special, optional matter that you undertake based on the fulfillment of a particular request that you asked of the Lord and He answered you.

A vow must be fulfilled exactly as it is: it is not right to cancel it, delay it, or change it. Concerning this, the Scripture says:
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it.”
“It is better not to vow than to vow and not pay” (Ecclesiastes 5:4–5).

If you are unable to fulfill the vow, pay it in installments. Make an effort to fulfill it—even after some time—for this is better than not fulfilling it at all.

A vow is a covenant between you and God, and it is not right to break your covenants.

An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III – Al-Keraza Magazine – Seventh Year (Issue Four), 23-1-1976.

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