Church of Cyprus Launches Island-Wide Support Program for Large Families
Abp. Georgios of Cyprus. Photo: Phile News
NICOSIA — On Nov. 13, 2025, Abp. Georgios of Cyprus announced the launch of a new support program for large families. The plan applies across the entire island, and applications will be submitted electronically, reports UOJ-Ukraine with reference to the Cypriot outlet Phile News.
The program provides financial assistance to families in which a third or subsequent child is born after Jan. 1, 2025. Benefits include: €1,500 at baptism; €1,000 when the child enters primary school, middle school, and lyceum; as well as annual vouchers of €100 for Pascha and Christmas until the child reaches 18 years of age.
According to forecasts by the Archdiocese, approximately €72 million will be allocated to the program between 2025 and 2039. Of this amount, €44 million will go toward direct payments to families, and €28 million toward annual holiday vouchers.
To participate, at least one parent must be an Orthodox Christian and a citizen of Cyprus; the family must reside permanently on the island and have a church marriage. The child must be baptized in the Orthodox Church.
Previously, UOJ reported that Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides called on Turkey to take “responsible” steps to end its 51-year occupation of northern Cyprus and work toward reunification.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.