In accordance with a new law on the salaries of higher civil servants, the base monthly salary for an archbishop is 2,600 Euros, 2,210 for a metropolitan, and 1,820 for bishops. Archbishops are higher than metropolitans in the Greek hierarchical system. An additional 75 Euros is given for those holding a PhD, and 45 for a master’s degree.

Ordinary priests with a higher education receive 678 Euros, after 10 years of service—1,032, and after 30 years—1,410.

For those clergy who have only graduated from seminary, the basic salary is 644 Euros, and after 30 years—1,099.

Due to limitations in recent years, the government has seriously restricted the possibility of ordaining new clergy, which has led to the emergence of so-called “unpaid clergy.” Such priests receive no pension, have no medical insurance, and have no authority to sign official documents, as they do not serve as government officials.

Thanks to the efforts of Archbishop Ieronymos II, the state will allocate this year almost 180 new places for priests in rural areas.

August 2018