State expenditure for rural clergy salaries in Cyprus continues to rise

The Republic of Cyprus reported a total expenditure of €8.8 million in 2025 for state contributions toward the salaries of rural clergy and religious minority groups. Data from the Treasury shows a consistent upward trend in this funding, which rose from €7.2 million in 2022 to €7.6 million in 2023 and €8.3 million in 2024. Projections indicate the figure will reach €9.1 million in 2026, eventually hitting €10 million by 2029.

Most of the 2025 funding, specifically €8,565,186, was allocated to the Central Ecclesiastical Fund of the Holy Synod. Smaller amounts were distributed to the Maronite Archdiocese (€120,920), the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (€110,843), and the Armenian Church (€40,306). According to the Accountant General, the increases are driven by a growing number of clergy members and periodic salary adjustments, such as Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) increases, as these positions are linked to the A5 government pay scale.

This system of state support originates from a 1971 agreement established during the tenure of Archbishop Makarios III, who served simultaneously as the President of the Republic and the Archbishop of Cyprus. The government remains committed to this ongoing financial obligation as outlined in the approved state budget through 2028.