Parish Council Letter to the Greek Orthodox Community of Greater Salt Lake

Moderators' Note: the following letter was sent to the community today. The original may be viewed here.
========================================================================

July 30, 2013

Dear Parishioners,

As we reviewed the financials at our parish council meeting last evening it was painfully evident that the community finances have reached a critical point. Our community is out of money and unable to meet payroll this week. After much discussion of the possible options to relieve our community of its chronic deficit, a motion was passed to reduce the base salary of each of the three assigned clergy by 40% for a total annual reduction in expenses of $124,890 which translates into 30% of their total compensation package. This will take effect July 31st.

Last week a letter was sent to His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah updating him on this critical situation. The Parish Council President has also left voice messages for His Eminence but has not yet heard from him.

It is with heavy hearts that the Parish Council must take such action, but feel this is what must be done to try and keep our community solvent during this trying time.

In His Name and Service,

Your Parish Council