Data on clerical salaries published in Greece

In accordance with a new law on the salaries of higher civil servants in Greece, the base monthly salary for an archbishop is 2,600 euros ($2,900), 2,210 ($2,465) for a metropolitan, and 1,820 ($2,030) for a bishop. Archbishops are higher than metropolitans in the Greek hierarchical system. An additional 75 ($84) euros is given for those holding a PhD, and 45 ($50) for a master’s degree, reports Pravmir.

Ordinary priests with a higher education receive 678 ($755) euros, after 10 years of service—1,032 ($1,150), and after 30 years—1,410 ($1,573). For those clergy who have only graduated from seminary, the basic salary is 644 ($720) euros, and after 30 years—1,099 ($1,225).

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 primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, the state will allocate almost 180 new places for priests in rural areas.

Read also