The Orthodox Church of Cyprus has announced a major financial assistance program for large families in an effort to combat the country’s falling birth rate. The initiative, aimed at families with three or more children, will be funded through the Church’s own revenues, according to reporter.com.cy.

Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus stated that families will receive €1,500 upon the baptism of their third and each subsequent child born after January 1, 2025. Additional payments of €1,000 will be provided when the child begins primary, secondary, and high school. Families will also receive annual vouchers worth €100 each for Easter and Christmas until the child turns 18.

The program, estimated to cost around €2 million per year, will be available across the island. To qualify, at least one parent must be an Orthodox citizen of Cyprus, the family must permanently reside on the island, and the parents must be married in the Church.

“We have realized how crucial it is to preserve our presence as a people on this land. The Church is ready to invest its resources to support families and encourage childbirth,” Archbishop Georgios emphasized.

Applications for participation will be accepted through the official website epidomateknou.iak.org.cy
. The Archbishopric estimates that by 2039, approximately €72 million will be allocated to benefits and vouchers under the program.