Greek Bishop hands ultimatum to priests: get vaxxed or suspended without pay

A group of priests in Lesvos island, Greece, were given a one-week deadline to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with the alternative being getting suspended without pay.

A woman wearing a face mask kisses an icon during a church service at the Orthodox Christian church of Agios Dimitrios in the northern city of Thessaloniki, Source: AAP Image/AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos

Bishop Iakovos of Mytilene gave the ultimatum to 35 out of the island’s 83 priests in a letter, Greek media report.

The cohort is said to refuse vaccination on non-medical grounds with some allegedly presenting as covid deniers, urging parishioners not to wear face masks at church.

The Bishop reportedly made the decision following a spreader event involving a priest conducting a service on 26 October feast day of St Dimitrios, while infectious.

It is unconfirmed whether the said priest knew he had contracted the virus.

Meanwhile, Bishop of Dodoni Chrysostomos has taken a similar stance, publicly defending a vaccine mandate for clerics.

“Anyone receiving salary from the state should be obliged to get vaccinated. Should they choose not to they should have their salary withheld,” he told MEGA Channel, adding:

“Is it even possible to be a priest and not get vaccinated? Letting people die whilst hoping God will save them?”

It comes as Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens urges parishioners and clerics to abide by COVID-safe measures.

The latest announcement of the Holy Synod released on Wednesday, also urges people to get vaccinated.