Economy strains church

The Greek Orthodox Church is providing near-unprecedented assistance to the needy in the biggest mobilization to help the disadvantaged since just after World War II, reflecting Greece's recessionary woes. The Wall Street Journal reported Dec. 26 that the church is feeding 10,000 people each day just in Athens as the country nears bankruptcy and unemployment numbers swell. While Greek Orthodox Church leaders say they are doing their best, critics charge that it should pay higher taxes and start paying its clergy — the latter an expense that the government now bears.