All full-time clergyman of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago (i.e., a deacon, priest, hierarch assigned to a Metropolis department, parish, or affiliate as their primary work) are eligible for benefits under this policy. Clergy may pursue a degree or take individual courses at approved and/or accredited institutions under this program, provided the course of study is related to the priest’s current church or a probable future assignment, and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago approves the course(s) prior to enrollment.

Expenses eligible for reimbursement include tuition, registration, required fees such as technology fees and books required to satisfactorily complete a course. Other miscellaneous expenses, such as parking, supplies, social dues, athletic fees, computers, etc. are not reimbursable.  Total reimbursement amount for degreed programs cannot exceed $10,000 per year.  Any additional costs can be covered by the priest’s parish.  Please note that exceptions to this reimbursement can be made with the approval of the Metropolitan and the Metropolis Council.

Reimbursement will be reduced by any other financial aid that does not have to be repaid (such as scholarships and grants).  Reimbursement is limited to one hundred percent (100%) of actual expenses.

The program will cover certifications and other non-degree continuing education programs provided they are being offered by an approved and accredited educational institution. Total reimbursement amount for these types of programs cannot exceed $1,500 per year.

An Education Assistance Request form with cost estimate must be submitted to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago office for approval.  The Metropolitan will assess the cost, course and/or degrees, considering the priest’s current and future assignments, and potential impact on the priest’s responsibilities.  

The priest must discuss his degree-seeking educational plans with the parish council and must receive a letter, signed by the Parish Council President, that the parish will provide the priest time for class and studies.  In addition, any required educational amount above the $10,000 reimbursable limits from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago can be, but are not required to be,  supported by the local Parish.  

The priest should initiate the approval process prior to enrolling in the course(s). Reimbursable expenses must be submitted for payment within 90 days from the end of the semester or term.  Reimbursement for expenses will be made provided the priest has satisfactorily completed the course with a grade (or numeric equivalent) of “B” or better or a “P” if taken Pass/Fail. The official grade record and itemized receipts documenting all expenses should be provided to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, Office of the Chancellor. There may be tax consequences or imputed income to priests participating in this program.

Certification-related expenses, including registration and licensing fees, are also eligible for reimbursement. There may be tax consequences or imputed income to priests participating in this program.

Please note that if the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago provides reimbursement for a degreed program, the priest is committed to staying at an assigned church within the Metropolis for a period of no less than 2 years following the completion of the program.  If the priest electively leaves the Metropolis of Chicago, it will result in an obligation to repay the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago a percentage of tuition advanced based on years of service to the Metropolis after completion of the program.

Full-time clergy who are in good standing in the Church and have completed twelve-months of service at their current assignment are eligible under this policy. 

To receive reimbursement for educational expenses, priest should follow the procedures listed here:

1. Prior to enrolling in an educational course, the priest must meet with the Metropolitan and provide him with information about the course for which he would like to receive reimbursement and discuss the relatedness of the continuing education. 
2. The priest must meet with the Parish Council and provide them with information about the program for which he would like to take and discuss the time commitment required of the continuing education.  The priest must obtain a signed letter from the Parish Council stating that they will support the priest during his enrolled time in the program and respect his class and study time.   
3. A tuition reimbursement request form should be completed by the priest, and the appropriate signatures obtained.
4. A copy of the tuition reimbursement request form must be submitted to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. The priest will maintain the original until he has completed the educational course.
5. Once the course is successfully completed, the priest should resubmit the original tuition reimbursement request form with the reimbursement section filled out, including appropriate signatures, as well as receipts and evidence of a passing grade or certification attached.
6. The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago office will coordinate the reimbursement.

Any questions or comments related to this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago.

The student loan assistance program provides eligible priests with assistance. 

Eligibility is limited to full-time clergy (i.e., a deacon, priest, hierarch assigned to a Metropolis department, parish, or affiliate as their primary work) who have received a graduate or undergraduate degree within certain parameters.