Cyprus Orthodox Church launches financial aid program for families with many children

In November, the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus began implementing a financial assistance program to combat low birth rates and an aging population. The initiative targets families with at least three children born on or after January 1, 2025. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of Cyprus, have performed an Orthodox marriage, and have at least one parent who is a Greek Orthodox Christian. Financial aid includes €1,500 at the child's baptism, followed by €1,000 each upon enrollment in elementary, middle, and high school. Additionally, the program provides €100 gift vouchers for both Christmas and Easter until the child turns 18. Applications must be submitted via an official online platform within 30 days of the qualifying event. Church officials state the program aims to address demographic concerns and the decline of the Greek Orthodox population, citing a fertility rate of approximately 1.4.