NEW YORK – On September 2, 2021, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America delivered a multimedia presentation to the Synaxis of Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne gathered from around the world concerning the foundation and progress of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, which to date has raised over 15 million dollars to secure the financial foundation of the Mother Church in perpetuity.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros explained: “The core mission of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation is fundamental to our Holy Church: sustaining the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and securing its financial stability for future generations. The Hierarchs’ support for the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation is the quintessential fulfillment of this mission.”

The Archbishop’s presentation reflected his longstanding desire and dream to establish a Patriarchal Endowment. From the very beginning of his Archpastoral Ministry in America when he was fully apprised of this watershed initiative, he embraced it wholeheartedly and has promoted it among the Metropolises of the GOA and all the major organizations of the Diaspora in America.

Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Chair of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, stated, “the presentation of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros that was given to the Synaxis at the invitation of the Ecumenical Patriarch is consonant with the strategic plan to develop the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation into a global initiative. We are encouraged that hierarchs around the world under the ‘omophoreon’ of the Ecumenical Throne will lead their flocks, parishes and metropolises to become essential constituents of this watershed undertaking of the Order of Saint Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America, to ensure the financial foundation of the Holy Mother Church.”

Dr. Limberakis added, that, “the establishment of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation by the Order truly is a watershed response to a deep and longstanding need to establish a solid financial foundation for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Indeed, the time has finally come for Orthodox Christians around the world to join together and ensure that the voice of the Apostolic Throne of Andrew never goes silent and the Spiritual Center of our Faith is able to lead Christ’s Holy Church for generations to come. We are gratified that the Synaxis of Hierarchs was fully apprised of this global initiative by Archbishop Elpidophoros to establish a reliable, substantial charitable foundation to fund the worldwide salvific ministries of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; increase the Orthodox Christian presence on the global stage; foster increased inter-Orthodox dialogue; and expand charitable and humanitarian aid… We are all inspired by the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: ‘I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.’ (John 15:5).”