The Orthodox Church in the Czech Republic is facing serious financial problems. Czech Television has initiated enforcement proceedings against it over unpaid fees, and its headquarters in the Prague district of Dejvice is already under seizure by the financial administration due to tax debts.
According to the website Odkryto.cz, a bailiff is seeking 11,000 crowns (451 EUR) from the church. The initial debt to the television was 2,500 crowns (102 EUR). Czech Television spokesman Radek Konecny confirmed that the debt to the tax authorities is over 1.2 million crowns (49,000 EUR). These are unpaid social security payments to church employees. Seizure and enforcement proceedings are also weighing on another church building in the center of Prague, which currently houses a hotel and a restaurant.
Church spokesman Tomas Jarolim said that the debt to the television station has already been paid, and the debt to the tax authorities is in the process of being settled.
Meanwhile, it has become clear that the Orthodox Church is also having difficulties paying its clergy. According to information from Odkryto.cz, priests did not receive their July salaries in August.
The Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia has 3 dioceses in the Czech Republic, and two dioceses in Slovakia, where the majority of believers of this church are. The Primate is Metropolitan Rostislav of Prešov, Slovakia.
