The Greek Bishop Who Donated His Entire Pay Raise
Greece's new government budget bill includes pay raises of up to 95% for senior church officials, according to Skai. The raises cover metropolitans and other high-ranking clergy across the country, and have already sparked debate about their size and social impact.
Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira and Antikythira responded to the news in a different way than most. Appearing on the show "Weekend Live," he announced he would not be keeping a single euro of his raise for himself. Every bit of the extra income, he said, will go toward housing support for doctors and teachers stationed on the islands, along with direct aid to people in genuine need.
"The money would go where it was needed most" — Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira and Antikythira
The raises are tied to a broader multi-bill from the Ministry of National Economy and Finance, which is currently moving through parliament. Some clergy will see their salaries nearly double under the new provisions.
Seraphim did not frame his decision as a protest against the raises or a political statement. He simply said the money would go where it was needed most.
