In response to the tragic humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and the immediate aid needed there, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announced a major fundraising effort that will help those most affected by the Russian invasion.
The first action taken by Archbishop Elpidophoros this morning was to donate $100,000 to the Ecumenical Patriarchate to support the efforts of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Archbishop Elpidophoros also announced the creation of the Ukrainian Relief Effort, which was established in collaboration with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)*.
Together, the Archdiocese and IOCC aim to raise $1 million for both immediate and long-term support of the Ukrainian people.
In his Encyclical on the crisis, Archbishop Elpidophoros stated:
“We join our spirit to the spirit of His All-Holiness and exhort all our Faithful: offer prayers and tangible support for all the Ukrainian People, those of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and those of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Moscow Patriarchate, those of the Ukrainian Catholic and Jewish communities, and all who find themselves in the dire circumstances of war.”
