NEW YORK – At a special meeting on August 18, the Leadership 100 Executive Committee unanimously approved an emergency $200,000 matching grant to support the fundraising efforts of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The grant, in response to a direct appeal of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, will go towards the total funds that will be dispersed in Greece, with the support of IOCC, to support long-term assistance in the wake of the recent catastrophic fires across Greece.

The devastating fires over this summer period have caused untold damage to countless homes, businesses and thousands of acres of Greece’s natural landscape. Argyris Vassiliou, Chairman of Leadership 100, stated: “We have all seen the devastation that our brothers and sisters are experiencing in Greece, and it is heartbreaking. Leadership 100 is proud to stand side by side with our Archbishop and the Archdiocesan effort so that those affected will get the help and support they need.”

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, reflecting on the news, said: “Once again, Leadership 100 has risen to the call of our Archdiocese, its faithful, and the Greek people. Even as fires are still burning, the true damages are not just to property or forests, but affect the heart and soul of the Greek Nation. Just as Greece has always stood by our Archdiocese in our times of need, so too we must now be there for Her. This matching grant will help us maximize our efforts and provide as much support as possible.”

This matching grant marks the single largest contribution to the Greece Fire Relief Fund. Donations are being collected online at https://www.goarch.org/greecefiresdonate, and in addition faithful individuals, parishes and organizations can donate by sending a check payable to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese with “Greece Fires Fund” in the memo.