You must receive his blessings in order to Liturgize or conduct services. ), If you are still serving a parish when you turn 65, you have several health care decisions. Pursuant to the terms of the GOA Pension plan clergy based on years of service will receive a pension upon retirement of approximately 23.4% of the annual earnings; You have two options: If you are unmarried when benefits start, your pension will be paid to you in the form of a Single Life Annuity Benefit. It may open new horizons and opportunities for new experiences and fun. The answer to this question depends on the salary you receive from your parish each year and the number of years you have worked under the pension system. Retired Orthodox Priest Red Bank, New Jersey 500+ connections. Under this option, the spouse will continue to receive the full amount of her husband's monthly pension benefits after his death. Health considerations will determine your actions. Such expenses cannot exceed the amount of your annual pension benefits. John Chakos retired as the priest of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Mount Lebanon, PA in order that he and his wife, Presbytera Alexandra, could spend their retirement in helping to establish the first Orthodox seminary in Latin America and build up the fledgling Guatemalan Orthodox Church. For additional information on the "household expenses" exemption you may refer to IRS publication 525. Consider all your options and choose the one that seems the most attractive to you and your family. If on the other hand you decide to move to another city, or state, for your retirement, you will need a new circle of friends who will be an important support group for you and your spouse. Iakovos served the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America for 37 years, until his sudden and unexpected retirement in 1996. He can participate in the celebration of the Liturgy or in any other service only when invited, or if he receives permission from the pastor of the Church. The Website of Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church. In a sense; life begins with retirement. Priests, whose general health is good, may continue in their active ministry for as long as it is feasible for them. Members of the Council include the hierarchs, leaders of affiliated institutions and representatives all of the Metropolises and the Direct Archdiocesan District. They can be researched by going to www.medicare.gov on the internet and entering your state or zip code. “Taxable and Non-Taxable Income” and publication 517, “Social Security and Other Information for Members of the Clergy and Religious Workers”. If you are adventurous, moving to a new city in another part of the country can be very exciting. First of all, you should notify the social security office (or go online at www.ssa.gov) and sign up for Medicare Part A. Most of the titles do not exactly correspond to the terms used in Greek, Russian, or the other native languages of the national Orthodox Churches, but they have been widely accepted as standard English usages. John Zanetos on April 26, 1988 to continue and promote the fellowship of the retired priests; to encourage the utilization of the retired priests’ expertise as a resource; to guide and help those who are about to retire plan for their retirement; to help the retired priest … If you are retiring for health reasons, you have no choice. Many large drug companies offer their drugs to low income persons of any age; your doctor or pharmacist may have information on these programs: Some pharmaceutical companies offer medication assistance programs to low-income individuals and families. He does not need an invitation just to attend church wherever he may be. A sympathetic and understanding expression of support by his peers and superiors will go a long way in alleviating feelings of isolation and loneliness. 8 East 79th Street You will have to plan your budget requirements and choose the place where you want to retire. Winnipeg, MB R2W 0X5. Constantine ordained deacon at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church In Aliquippa, PA and on May 18, 1958, Ordained priest at Annunciation Greek Orthodox … "Home page for the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Some prefer moving to a warmer climate, like Florida, Arizona and California. As part of the pension benefits program, you are also entitled to life insurance benefits. WHEREAS, a pension plan for all clergy in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese was created and became effective as of January 1, 1973, hereinafter referred to as the GOA Pension Plan. The monthly cost of Part B ($96.40 in 2009) can be billed to you or automatically deducted from your social security check. The daily routine is drastically changed. It would be ideal if a way could be found to lessen the burden for older priests and enable them to continue in their ministry to the Church and their congregations. If you do not sign up when eligible, you can only sign up during the year-end open enrollment period, and there is a penalty added to your premium of 1% per eligible month that you did NOT sign up for part D. You should research Part D offerings in your area carefully, considering any drugs you currently take on a regular basis (each plan is different in drugs it covers, monthly premiums, and co-pays.) Pension benefits, as generous as they may seem, are not enough. It is our hope that our active brothers will avail themselves of the assistance that their retired brothers may render to them and to their parishes. Resist all fanciful and unrealistic options that may come your way. Rev. The Retired Clergy Association (RCA) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was founded and established by the late Fr. On behalf of all the Retired Priests of our Archdiocese, we express our deepest appreciation and our utmost respect to His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory for establishing our Pension Program; and to Archbishop Spyridon, Archbishop Demetrios and all the Metropolitans for continuing it and supporting it. If you take your social security benefit before reaching “full retirement age”, and you continue working, you will forfeit part of your benefit, based upon your earnings, until you reach your “full retirement age”. This merely involves your own pension payments to the Archdiocese. In an interview in 1995, he said he had accomplished a major goal — “to have the Orthodox Church be accepted by the family of religions in the United States”. The proposal was set forth to the Administrative Committee of the Archdiocesan Council by Fr. The Single Life Annuity Benefit is the highest monthly income of all forms of payment. It should be noted that in most cases it is financially advantageous for the spouse, who is not working, to start collecting Social Security benefits prior to age 65, even if her husband is not retired. Priest (Retired) Palmer, Priest John. To qualify for this, you have to request from the Archdiocese certification of your "household expense." Using this can save you a trip to the local social security office. You will also receive an annual personalized statement of the pension benefit you've earned over the years as it stands at the end of the statement year. Permit me to offer a word of caution, however. No matter how one may fantasize about retirement, one's active and productive life comes to an abrupt end. Two of the most stressful experiences in a person’s life are when you move and when you retire. You may qualify to get help paying your Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) and Part D (Drug Assistance) premiums, as well as programs that could save you money on Medicare expenses (like deductibles and coinsurance). For others, being active is very important and essential to their well-being. (This selection cannot be changed after your pension has started. Retirement may give you an opportunity and time to relax and take it easy. Look on your applications for questions about low income or help with premiums. Basil Greek Orthodox Church in New Haven, CT where I continued for 14 years until I retired from fulltime parish ministry in December 2019. A native to Savannah, he and his wife, Presbytera Sophia, live in Savannah. Your accountant, or preparer of your income tax return, will help you. Our people delight at the sight of clergy celebrating and working together. She is entitled to receive 50% of her husband's benefits. Parish Priests. He is working under Metropolitan Athenagoras of Mexico City, … Even if retired, a priest canonically has the right to celebrate the sacraments and continue his ministry as assigned by his Bishop. Fr. Ioannis Kalomas at the Clergy Laity Congress in Atlanta GA in 2010. Single Life Annuity - $15,000 a year for life; no benefit paid to your spouse after you die, 50% Joint & Survivor - $13,650 a year for life; spouse receives half, or $6,825 for life after you die, 100% Joint & Survivor - $12,450 a year for life; same benefit paid to your spouse for life after you die. When a priest retires, he finds himself freed from the great demands of a busy parish. Fi… Retirement may very well be a welcome alternative to help you overcome this problem. (Your benefit amount may increase if you continue working and paying in to social security.). To our knowledge, all retired priests render their services when asked. You may estimate, at will, how much your pension benefit would be at different ages and dates by accessing NYLIM's Benefits Complete-benefit information system on the internet at www.bcomplete.com. You do not have to sign up for Part B if you have health care coverage from another source. If you are unmarried when benefits start and have a dependent parent or child, you will be eligible for an optional form of payment (as described below). Article: Court Orders More Records Released in Lawsuit Involving local Greek Orthodox Priest. Yet, it might be wise to look into the possibility of purchasing a condo, which may be more suited to your reduced housing needs as a retiree. However, the total value of your pension and that of your surviving spouse or dependent will always be equal to the Single Life Annuity Benefit because its value is actuarially calculated to provide benefits equal in value regardless of the form of payment you select. Carrying a mortgage on your retirement home may be an advantage for you. Medicare Advantage plans can save you a lot of time and money if their participating doctors and hospitals are a good match for your needs; and if they include Part D drug coverage, their covered drugs reasonably match drugs you are taking or expect to take. The Retired Clergy Association (RCA) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was founded and established by the late Fr. A proposal to force clergy and bishops of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to retire by the age of 75 has been rejected by the Archdiocese’s Holy Synod— the same individuals who would have been impacted by the plan. We are trying to alleviate this iniquity. Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver. Alexander Karloutsos, a clergyman serving in various capacities of the Archdiocese, including as one of the parish priests … BOSTON, MA – A newly-assigned priest that has just graduated from the Seminary should make an annual salary of $49,128-$66,528 plus extra benefits such as insurance, an … Clergy Etiquette. These are subject to change each year depending on the contracts Medicare negotiates with health insurers. In general, you must use doctors and hospitals that are part of your selected plan. The Archdiocese Benefits office or NY Life will provide you with the required 1099 forms for your tax return. These also can be researched at www.medicare.gov for your area, they also vary state by state. If the parish is paying for your health care benefits, you may continue your current plan or change to a retirement plan such as the Orthodox Health Plan “Retiree Medical Coverage.” If you do not continue a private plan, the following are available at age 65 to those with sufficient social security/Medicare coverage, in addition to Part A: Part B – this covers many doctor fees, laboratory tests, therapy, imaging, and durable medical equipment, subject to deductibles, co-pays, and limits. George Delis, Archimandrite Timothy Bakakos, and Fr. Our Bishops can help by encouraging parish priests to call upon retired priests who live in their area to serve as substitutes, speak before parish groups, act as visiting confessors, and in many other capacities that will help the active priest in his ministry and work in the parish. The Rev. (Priest Retired) Father John Caparisos is a retired Greek Orthodox priest and retired as a colonel and chaplain in the United States Air Force. There are four parts to Medicare, as of January 1, 2009. There can be a real savings through the "parsonage allowance" tax break available to retired clergymen. b) You may elect the "Joint Option." There are also state programs to help pay your Medicare costs if you have low income. Everyone qualified is entitled to this at age 65. New York, NY 10021. Most of your social activities were connected with your pastoral responsibilities. It is more so when you retire. the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America a new Charter which affirms the unity and ... Priests and lay people were enhanced by significant ... Archdiocesan Benefits Committee, Retired Clergy Association and the Archdiocese Administration staff. Even the combined benefits of pension and Social Security are not enough. You may apply for social security benefits any time after turning 62, but they will be noticeably reduced for life from your “full” benefit obtainable at age 66 (check your full benefit retirement age based upon your year of birth.) “C” and “F” are the most common; Medigap plan “C” from any provider is the same, so normally choose the lowest cost provider. Father Payiatis served as Treasurer of the RCA Board for eight consecutive years. In some cases that have come to our attention, priests were forced to retire on reaching age 65. Some private health insurance plans require you to have Part A when you turn 65; you should notify your local social security office when you turn 65 in order to receive Medicare Part A, whether you actually retire or not (full social security retirement benefits are not reached now until age 66, and this age is based upon your year of birth. It would be wonderful if our Church initiated a program that could use the talents and experience of its retired priests. They may also require that you have either no health insurance or no prescription drug benefit through your health insurance. You will have to let your successor be the "Proistamenos" with no interference on your part. This enables them to exclude "household expenses," such as utilities, repairs & maintenance, mortgage payments and real estate taxes if they own their home. In order to avoid embarrassment and misunderstandings, the Board of Trustees of our organization suggested to the Archdiocese a scale of fees applicable for such occasions. Theodore Dorrance . To all our brothers-in-Christ and fellow priests who are active, we extend our warm greetings in the spirit of brotherly love and comradeship. Parishes prompted by their pastors could show some initiatives along these lines and Bishops could initiate programs in their Metropolis to take advantage of such opportunities. Lieutenant Colonel, USA-Retired Dean and Executive Director of Orthodox Military & Veterans Administration Chaplains 2028 E Lombard St. Baltimore, MD 21231 Phone: 410-276-3422. In the Orthodox Church a married man may be ordained to the priesthood. Taxes will follow you even in retirement. Dimitri Kokkinos John Zanetos on April 26, 1988 to continue and promote the fellowship of the retired priests; to encourage the utilization of the retired priests’ expertise as a resource; to guide and help those who are about to retire plan for their retirement; to help the retired priest readjust to his new status as a retired clergyman; to promote the improvement of benefits to the retired clergy and help them manage in their retirement years; to provide support and guidance for clergy who may be facing emotional, personal, family or financial problems; and to communicate news of interest to the retired clergy. If your spouse or dependent dies before you - but after you begin receiving pension benefits - you will continue to receive the same benefit as before your spouse's or dependent's death. If so, benefits taken prior to this “full benefit” age will be reduced depending on your earnings. It also applies to those who rent. Part C – Each year, Medicare may enter into contracts with private health care providers for HMO or PPO type coverage, possibly with some added benefits (for instance, covering an annual physical, limited dental coverage, hearing tests, and vision tests.) You will have to decide whether it is best for you to buy or rent. The Clergy Benefits Department of the Archdiocese will advise you on the specific conditions permissible in granting early retirement. There is even a theological basis for this. They are: Part A – basic hospital coverage. If you presently are living in a Parish House you must upon retirement be prepared to move unless you have a previous arrangement. The age to receive “full retirement benefits” for workers retiring now is 66; there are many variables affecting the most advantageous time to retire which should be considered. With Medigap plans, you still will need a Medicare Part D drug plan. Retirement involves decisions regarding social security (ages 62 and 66 are key ages here) and Medicare (65 is key here) or other health care coverage. Priest (Active) Bingham, Archpriest John. Together with the late Fr Demosthenes Mekras, they served congregations which had no full-time priest. How much can you expect to receive monthly from the Archdiocese Pension program? These plans differ by your location based on state and county. Let's assume your annual pension benefit, based on your contributions and years of credited service, is $15,000 and that you and your spouse are both age 65. He may not remarry and continue in his ministry even if his wife should die. When a priest is needed to substitute for the parish priest, the question of remuneration comes in. In addition to these benefits, you will need savings and investments that will generate additional income. This can change. For a priest, a lifetime 'dedicated to serving God and his Church and ministering to the spiritual needs of his people ends. Fr. This is explained in the booklet "The Clergy Benefits Program Handbook" sent to you by the Archdiocese. On May 6, 1958, Fr. You have to accept retirement. You may, also, elect under this option to have your spouse collect only half of your monthly benefits after your death. There is a feeling of let-down that one has to overcome. Very Rev. These pretty much will pay the deductibles and co-pays of basic Medicare parts A & B. Retirement for priests in our Church, according to the Uniform Parish By-laws and Regulations, is not mandatory. With a condo you do not worry about grass cutting or snow removal. It covers hospital and skilled nursing facility costs with an annual deductible, daily co-pays, limits, and other restrictions. These programs typically require a doctor’s consent and proof of financial status. The Orthodox Church in America. The Guide for Retirement deals in the practical aspects of retirement. I continued as a priest with a secular vocation for 10 years at St. George Cathedral and then in 2005 was assigned Proistaminos at St. You have no time to make mistakes. You will have to be tactful with your friends and former parishioners and remind them in a pleasant way that they have a new pastor who is in charge now. Father Zacharias Thornbury Presiding Priest. You will have to plan your budget requirements and choose the place where you want to retire. Under IRS regulations (Ruling 75-22 under Section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code), clergymen are entitled to exempt part or all of their pension from being reported as income on their tax return. A group of Greek clergy, including Archimandrite Evgenios Papas, Bishop Dimitrios of Mokissos, Fr. Where do you want to spend the rest of your life and your retirement years? But don't put all your available cash into a new home. Address: 555 E. Butterfield Road, Suite 201, Lombard, Illinois, 60148 . How much money does a retired priest need in order to live, if not in luxury, at least in reasonable comfort? Follow Us: Receive Metropolis News: Sign Up Today. It has been brought to our attention that current Archdiocese policy limits the life insurance benefits to only $2,000 for those" who had retired prior to 1986. Voice: (321) 254-1045 Email: Contact Fr. In most cases selling a house one can buy a condo for less money than the value of a home he is selling. The Retirees are however individually under the Omophorion of the local Metropolitan. Officials of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America suspended him within days, meaning he could no longer serve as a priest, even on a fill-in basis. An annual up-to-date statement of your pension benefits is usually mailed to you by the Archdiocese. You are entitled to one complete physical within six months of enrolling for Part B. Part D – this is the drug assistance plan for seniors and should be researched and taken at age 65 or within six months of termination of private drug coverage (like Part B.) Obviously, your pension benefits will, be somewhat reduced under this option. Zacharias is the son of a career Air Force father and has been blessed to live in many different places across this country. An Example of How Your Pension Benefit is Paid. When you are approaching retirement age, you can get from the local Social Security office the approximate amount of your monthly Social Security check. When a priest retires, he doesn't somehow cease to be a priest. A good relationship between the retired priest and the new pastor benefits both of them and is a blessing for the parish and its faithful. The Mission of The Orthodox Church in America, the local autocephalous Orthodox Christian Church, is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”