Metropolitan of the Greek Church Speaks of Priest Shortage in Greek Villages

Metropolitan of Kalavryta and Aigialeia Hieronymos. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency.

On August 9, 2026, Metropolitan of Kalavryta and Aigialeia Hieronymos spoke about the shortage of priests in small and remote villages of Greece, reports Orthodoxia News Agency.

The hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Church spoke about this following the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Athanasius in Kameniána on the Peloponnese. According to him, the metropolis strives to ensure that services are held in as many churches as possible, but the shortage of clergy seriously complicates this task.

The Metropolitan noted that a priest plays an important role in the life of small mountain villages. «A priest is one of the key links that sustains the life and unity of the local community», – he said, emphasizing that church life helps preserve the traditions and cohesion of the residents.

According to the hierarch, the absence of a priest leads to a decline in liturgical life and may accelerate the depopulation of villages. He expressed hope that new candidates for the priesthood, willing to serve in their home region, would emerge in the Eparchy of Kalavryta.

The Metropolitan also called on local communities to be understanding regarding the scheduling of church services, and reminded them that during the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Liturgy and the common prayer of the faithful should remain the central event.

Previously, the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported that the Ministry of Culture of Greece transferred two ancient Byzantine churches to the Church.

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