The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, led by Archbishop Elpidophoros, has outlined beneficiary distribution priorities for the Greek Fire Relief Fund following assessments of the unmet needs of individuals and institutions affected by the summer fires in Greece.
A delegation, visited impacted sites to conduct due diligence, engage with those affected, and obtain detailed cost estimates for identified needs.
The assessment identified several critical needs:
⦁ Holy Monastery of Axion Esti, Varnavas: In collaboration with Archbishop of Athens Ieronymos II, there is a pressing need to restore infrastructure for the monastery and the adjacent “ Athanasios Martinos I & 2” Protected Living Homes for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The estimated cost for necessary equipment, including generators and water supply restoration, is 116,000 dollars.
⦁ Penteli Volunteer Fire Department: This group played a vital role in combating the fires and requires updated firefighting equipment. Needs include a new fire truck (estimated at 400,000 euros), a fire pickup truck (60,000 euros), firefighting gear (24,000 euros), and Jaws of Life equipment (20,000 euros).
⦁ Kimisis of the Theotokos Church, Ilia: Fires damaged the church’s holy altar and interior. Restoration costs are projected at 50,000 euros.
In response to Archbishop Elpidophoros’s appeal for donations, the National Ladies Philoptochos Society has allocated 116,000 dollars for the restoration efforts at the Holy Monastery of Axion Esti and the Protected Living Homes.
Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Philoptochos, stating, “ Wherever there is a need, our Philoptochos responds. I am grateful for the faithful and dedicated women of Philoptochos for their great and generous gift and for always answering the call to help those in need.”
The Archdiocese will oversee project management directly, ensuring all funds are paid to vendors and service providers. A full accounting of funds raised and spent will be provided, as done for the Greek fires in 2021.
SOURCE; ANA-MPA
