The amount of 103,829 dollars was raised by the Archdiocese of Canada, to help those affected by the fires last summer in Greece.
The Archdiocese, responding to those events, issued encyclicals to each parish community, in order to raise funds for the sole purpose of assisting the affected brothers and sisters in Greece.
“We committed that all funds collected, without exception, would be transmitted to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for distribution to Greece.
In addition to the general wildfire relief funds collected, targeted funds were also gathered to help the St. Paraskevi Monastery in Maziou that was severely damaged by the fires.”
According to a statement from the Archdiocese of Canada, $103,829.00 was raised by the Communities across Canada following the call for assistance. The full amount was sent to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In particular, on November 23, 2021, the following was sent to the Ecumenical Patriarchate:
- One Hundred and Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Nine Dollars ($103,829), for the Forest Fires in Greece.
- Thirteen Thousand Dollars ($13,000), to help the St. Paraskevi Maziou Monastery, which was destroyed by the wildfires.
- Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000), for the Patristics Foundation.
- Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000), for the Diocese of Malta.
The total amount sent therefore to the Ecumenical Patriarchate was One Hundred and Forty-Six Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Nine Dollars ($146,829).
Transfer of the funds was delayed to ensure adherence to and compliance with relevant Canadian financial laws and regulations for a registered charitable institution.
Following receipt of the funds, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a letter of acknowledgment and appreciation on 21/12/2021 (Copy of the Original Letter included) as a confirmation of receipt of the fund and to show gratitude for the support provided by the faithful in Canada and their distribution according to the agreed letter dated 23/11/2021 (Enclosed) by Archbishop Sotirios.
“We extend our gratitude to all donors and supporters of this charitable undertaking and we encourage that additional efforts be made to assist with the long-term reconstruction of affected areas.
May our Lord Jesus Christ grant His great mercy to all benefactors and provide hope, patience, and health to those working to restore the damages caused by the fires,” the Archdiocese of Canada said