The Greek government has approved a new compensation system for senior clergy

A government decree (FEK) has been officially published in Greece, establishing new rules for calculating the salaries of senior clergy of the Greek Orthodox Church. This reform aims to ensure transparency and bring church salaries in line with general civil service standards, according to Romfea.gr.

Under the new legislative initiative, bishops’ salaries are now strictly tied to the maximum salary cap for General Secretaries of ministries. Currently, this cap stands at 5,191 euros before taxes. From now on, bishops will not receive separate payments or additional allowances; instead, their income will be calculated as a fixed percentage of the specified government limit.

The new system provides for two pay levels: Archbishops and metropolitans will receive 90% of the limit (4,671.90 euros), while titular and vicar bishops will receive 70% of the metropolitan’s salary (3,270.33 euros). An important aspect of the reform is the complete elimination of all representation expenses, compensation for participation in councils, and other allowances that previously existed. Lawmakers emphasize that from now on, no payments other than the established salaries are permitted.

The transition to the new system is expected to proceed smoothly: despite the document’s current publication, the full transition to the updated payment system must be completed by July 1, 2026. This decision marks a significant step toward the administrative integration of the church administration into the Greek state’s system of financial discipline.