Speaking exclusively to SBS Greek, his Eminence said that the Parishes-Communities will be assisted in financial stress there are having due to the coronavirus.
Furthermore, he said that he has received assurances from the relevant authorities that the clergy will be receive benefits that have been announced by the Federal government.
Coronavirus has had a severe impact in our daily lives. Among others, activities are cancelled, businesses are forced to close down and employees are left without their jobs. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has not been left untouched by the spread of the virus.
«This affects our parishes, our priests and their families but also the staff who work in our schools, institutions, offices, or district offices of the Archdiocese» said his Eminence.
As a result, the Archdiocese has settled on a number of measures, soon to be officially announced by Mr. Makarios, to adapt to the current crisis.
Firstly, for the year 2020, Parishes-Coimmunities who are not able to afford to pay their 7% contribution to the Archdiocese will be relieved of this financial responsibility
«This is hard, but I do not want to be distant from the Parishes that are going through hardships» said Mr. Makarios.
The Archbishop also was eager to stress that there will be no lay offs. «We will sack none of our employees from the Archdiocese, our regional offices, our schools, other foundations, at St. Basil’s, or the welfare centres. No one will get fired».
The third major issue is the wage of the clergy, as many Parishes are unable to pay their priests.
«We are in communication with the authorities. I have assurances from the state that our priests will be able to be included in the welfare programs and receive the weekly allowance of $750 per week» said his Eminence.
According to the Archbishop, the priests will be able at the very least to secure a basic income for their families until the crisis subsides.
Press Play to hear the full interview with Archbishop Makarios in Greek.
