Οn Tuesday, September 22, 2020, Archbishop Elpidophoros was recognized by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams as one of “Brooklyn’s COVID Heroes” for the Archdiocesan COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Established in March 2020 under the direction of the Archbishop Elpidophoros, the fund was an important part of the Archdiocese’s efforts to support those around the country impacted by the coronavirus and who faced hardship. The maximum assistance was $2,500 per applicant, and payments were made on behalf of applicants directly to vendors to whom they owed money for critical items such as mortgage, rent, medical, gas, electric, food, childcare, and funerals.
The COVID-19 Relief Fund began with a generous donation and grew with donations large and small, from all over the country to $620,000. From its inception through the recent closing of applications, the Fund has been fully distributed to Orthodox Christian and non-Orthodox Christians alike. Recipients come from 25 states, with the majority of assistance to the most hard-hit areas across the nation, such as New York City.
Upon the citation’s conferral, Archbishop Elpidophoros thanked the Borough President, with whom he marched together with in June in honor of equal rights for all citizens. “Today, we give great thanks to God for the generous benefactors who made contributions big and small, that allowed us to help so many people across the country. This pandemic has had so many consequences, and some have not yet been realized. We are committed to being a part of any solution that will offer comfort and assistance to those in need. Thank you to Borough President Adams, and may the Lord continue to bless his work!”
The Archdiocese responded immediately to the effects of the pandemic and continues to receive words of deep appreciation from grant recipients across the country for its nationwide support of those who most affected.
