Priests don’t chase after fashion or status symbols – they choose a car out of immediate necessity and to serve people.

Divine Service on Wheels: The Practical Reasons Behind Priests’ Choice

Priests don’t chase after fashion or status symbols – they choose a car out of immediate necessity and to serve people. In a world where every minute counts, a car becomes an indispensable tool that allows them to promptly help the sick or those in distress, regardless of the hour. It’s a vital means that helps maintain the connection between a priest and his congregation, making his service more effective and accessible.

The emphasis here is on practicality: expensive cars are often not a sign of ambition but a necessary component of daily work. Beyond its technological and operational functions, a car frequently becomes a symbol of the support and gratitude from parishioners who appreciate the sincerity and dedication of their spiritual leader. Thus, when a priest receives a vehicle as a gift or upgrades his car, it often symbolizes recognition of his hard work and personal contribution to the community.

This practice also reflects modern social realities, where transitioning to a new group or changes in life circumstances may require updating one’s attributes. The key in this process isn’t the pursuit of external markers of prestige, but genuine care for people and readiness to assist in urgent moments.

What are the reasons priests acquire expensive cars?

Priests don’t buy expensive cars out of a desire to show off or follow trendy fashions; rather, it is for very practical reasons related to their ministry. First, a car is an essential tool for quick and efficient response to the needs of parishioners – whether it’s responding to the call of the sick or the dying. As noted in one source, “Having or not having a car is not a reason to judge a person, let alone a priest. Today, a car – including a foreign car – is often a necessity for a priest, because he must be ready at any time of day or night to go to those who need him: the sick, the dying… Even before the revolution, clergy made every effort to have some form of transportation.” (source: link txt)

Second, the support of the community plays a significant role. Sometimes, priests are given cars as a sign of gratitude and recognition for their service. One example states: “In 21st century Moscow, foreign cars are accessible to the average Muscovite, which means that a considerable number of priests also own them. In my church, out of five priests, two have cars (the senior and the junior). Moreover, one priest, who previously served here and is a truly selfless man, was simply given a foreign car by a parishioner for his kind, loving attitude towards people. The main thing is not the signs of prestige, but the attitude towards them. Use them, but don’t get carried away.” (source: link txt)

Social context and changes in status may also explain such cases – when a priest moves to a higher social group, his previous attributes, including his car, might no longer match his new level, and he may donate or replace his old car. This is described in the following passage: “There are situations when a person moves to a higher social group. New requirements appear – what car you drive, in which district, and in what kind of building you live. His previous attributes no longer suit his new level, so he gives away his old but still good car.” (source: link txt)

Thus, the acquisition or receipt of expensive cars by priests is often dictated by the need to always be connected with people in times of necessity, along with the support and recognition from their parishioners. It is not so much a matter of prestige as it is a practical aspect of fulfilling their pastoral duty.