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Cyprus’ Archdiocese is stepping in where the state has struggled by offering families a little financial push to have more children.
Within the next few days, the Archdiocese of Cyprus will officially announce a new allowance for families who have had a third child since January 1, 2025, Archbishop Georgios revealed in an interview with Kathimerini’s Andreas Kimitris.
“This is an initiative of the Archdiocese, not the Holy Synod,” the Archbishop clarified. “The funding comes from the Archdiocese’s own budget, around €2 million per year to start with, and it will gradually increase. It’s an encouragement to boost the population.”
Whether it’s enough to convince Cypriot families to go for baby number three remains to be seen, but at least, for now, it’s one blessing that comes with a financial bonus.
Under the new plan, families will receive payments at several milestones in each child’s life, at baptism, when they start primary, middle, and high school, and at Christmas and Easter, continuing until the child turns 18.
While he didn’t reveal exact amounts (“Let’s not say everything now,” he joked), the archbishop confirmed that payments will vary depending on the stage.
Applications will be submitted online through a dedicated website, with in-person help available for those who need assistance. “The lawyers are finalizing the details to protect personal data,” Archbishop Georgios said.
To qualify, one parent must be Greek Cypriot, one must be Orthodox Christian, and the child must be baptized.
The Church’s move comes amid growing concern about Cyprus’ declining birth rate, which has dropped below the replacement level in recent years. Other European countries, Greece included, have launched similar incentives, but this is one of the few times the Church itself has stepped into the role.
Whether it’s enough to convince Cypriot families to go for baby number three remains to be seen, but at least, for now, it’s one blessing that comes with a financial bonus.
