Economic crisis threatens Greek Orthodox Church
April 23, 2012
Six decades ago, the Greek Orthodox Church turned over most of its property to the state in exchange for government payment of priests’ salaries. Now, as a result of economic austerity measures, the government is cutting priests’ salaries, and Reuters reports that “Athens will also fund only one new priest to replace every 10 who retire or die, causing shortages in remote parishes during a deep recession when the flock most needs help.”
“The crisis does not only affect our charities’ functioning, it also threatens their very existence,” said Bishop Efstathios of Sparta.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
