Financing of religions
Agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the Orthodox Church
As of January 1st, 1999, the Republic of Cyprus has begun to pay salaries to the priests of all religious groups. This is the result of an agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the Orthodox Church. According to this agreement, the Church has granted immovable property to the Republic, which in return contributes to the payment of the salaries of the parish clergy in rural areas. Although the Orthodox Church is the only denomination to have granted the Republic immovable property, the State nevertheless decided to assume the responsibility for the salaries of priests of all religious groups, to forestall any accusation of discrimination.
28 March 2013