Statement by Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythira Regarding the Pay Increase for Archbishops

In light of the uproar and the resulting commotion throughout Greece—and beyond— due to the increase in the salaries of the Archbishops of the Greek State, deeply saddened by the scandal that has been caused, I declare before the Lord Almighty, Christ, our true God, the following:

1. Like a bolt of lightning in a clear sky, the news described above. In a time of poverty and hardship, rising prices for everything, low wages and pensions, etc., the favorable treatment of the Archiepiscopal Corps by the State became apparent. This fact has provoked—and continues to provoke—negative comments, complaints, judgments, and criticism.
2. From time immemorial, however, there has been a tendency to judge and criticize the clergy—and especially the bishops—for corruption. For example, the newly emerged and recently proclaimed Saint Kallinikos, Bishop of Edessa, It is said that in the 1980s he encountered a newly appointed professor, who persistently claimed that clergymen were being bribed and were getting rich. He tried to convince him that this was not the general rule, and when the professor persisted, he said: «Bring me a sheet of paper so I can sign it and authorize you to withdraw from the banks whatever deposits you find in my name.» And only then did he fall silent…
3. It is best not to be too absolute in our judgments and to leave room for sound judgment. An increase in payroll can, quite often, also mean an increase in charitable service.
4. As for my own humility, in this regard, I am fully expressed by what the Apostle Paul writes to the Christians of Philippi (note: Kavala) to the Christians of Philippi: «…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to live in humility, and I know how to live in abundance; in everything and in all circumstances I have been trained to be content, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in abundance or in need; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.» (Phil. 4:11–13). And the interpretation of these words of the divine Paul: «I have learned to be content with whatever I have, no matter what circumstances I find myself in. I know how to endure with humility a lack of clothing and food, hunger, and poverty. I know how to conduct myself even when I have more than enough material goods. In everything that happens to me and in all the circumstances of my life, I have learned the secret of being satisfied and of going hungry, and to make good use of these blessings when I have them in abundance, and to endure deprivation with peace. »I can do all things through the strength that Christ gives me.”.
5. In light of these godly statements by the Apostle Paul, and content with my current salary, I declare that, provided that the proposed increase in our remuneration is approved, that amount, except for a minimal portion to be set aside for emergency aid, will be deposited via standing order at the National Bank into the account of our Public Benefit Charitable Association, under the name: «FILOSTORGIA – TSIRIGOTIKI SOCIAL CARE,» which was established by Decision No. 5550/09-10-2025 of the Piraeus Court of First Instance, the Association’s Articles of Incorporation were published, and the General Assembly of March 14, 2026, unanimously elected seven (7) regular members of the Association’s Board of Directors for the next four (4) years, under the chairmanship of the Metropolitan of Kythira.
6. Health and Education These are the two fundamental and primary objectives of the «Philostorgia». A good education system, excellent health care, and the ability to provide adequate support to vulnerable population groups.

In the fields of education and health, however, despite the existence of schools and, in particular, the establishment of a General Hospital—a model for Greece, There is an urgent need to provide housing for both teachers and doctors. The low salaries of education officials, as well as those of doctors, deter almost all candidates from choosing Kythira as their place of work. That is why we have had a shortage of teachers for months, since the start of the school year, and doctors as well. Fourteen (14) physician positions are authorized for our hospital, and of these, only four (4) are currently filled. Housing and certain allowances must be secured. There is an urgent need to construct housing. This will serve as a strong incentive for doctors and educators to choose Kythira, and

7. My contribution, as mentioned above, which will result from the increase in payroll, for the important work of «Philostorgia,» is certainly minimal. May it, however, serve as the «leaven» for something greater and for the realization of our aforementioned goals.

We have reached out to all the associations and organizations of Kythira, both within and outside Greece. We hope and pray that a miracle will happen! May our fellow Kythirians—both those here and throughout the world who are well-off—and the Friends of Kythira do everything in their power for the benefit of their beloved homeland.

†K.S.