General News
Meropi Kyriacou Honored as TNH Educator of the Year
NEW YORK – Meropi Kyriacou, the new Principal of The Cathedral School in Manhattan, was honored as The National Herald’s Educator of the Year.
NEW YORK – On August 5, the National Board of the Philoptochos, in response to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros’ call for assistance in mitigating the devastating fire damage at Balukli Hospital in Constantinople, approved a $50,000 emergency disbursement. The funding will be used to provide care to the now suffering elderly Orthodox Christians in the Poli who have been displaced by the fire as well as to mitigate damage. The Philoptochos Executive Board sought immediate approval to respond to this tragedy, as is customary for Philoptochos when such catastrophic events occur.
National Philoptochos President Arlene Siavelis Kehl, stated: ”The National Philoptochos is saddened to hear today’s [August 4] news of the devastating fire at Balukli, a Patriarchal Ministry which we have supported for decades. It is particularly poignant for us since the Philoptochos has visited Balukli during each of our pilgrimages. Our love for the institution is profound, and we stand ready to assist His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros in any way we can to address the damage that occurred. We are thankful to Our Lord that all were safely evacuated and there were no injuries.”
On August 4, a fire started on the roof of Balukli Hospital, prompting the evacuation of over 100 patients and staff. Thankfully, there were no casualties reported in this horrific fire, but the damage to this historic structure is extensive.
“We are truly saddened that this devastating fire has touched our most vulnerable Orthodox faithful who throughout their lives have stood sentinel for us all in Turkey,” the National Philoptochos said in a news release. “The Balukli Hospital is one of the few hospitals that serve the remaining Greek Orthodox community in Constantinople. It is imperative that this hospital be able to continue its mission of caring for our elderly and sick.”
“On Tuesday, August 9, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros will be in Constantinople and will visit the Phanar and Balukli and will convey our concern and support to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on behalf of the National Philoptochos,” the statement continued, adding that His Eminence’s statement regarding the fire can be read online: https://bit.ly/3P5ssx1.
The Philoptochos prays for the safety and wellbeing of the Balukli Hospital patients and staff in this time of trauma and distress, with hopes that this contribution will assist with care, cleanup, and repair for a fully functioning facility.
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Society has historically responded immediately and generously when floods, hurricanes, devastating fires, and other disasters affecting those around us.
More information is available online: www.philoptochos.org.
NEW YORK – Meropi Kyriacou, the new Principal of The Cathedral School in Manhattan, was honored as The National Herald’s Educator of the Year.
CAIRO — Stalled talks aimed at securing a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas are expected to restart in earnest in Qatar as soon as Sunday, according to Egyptian officials.
Days after a Russian missile struck near where Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was in Odessa meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Greece moved to send more guns and ammunition to help against Russia’s ongoing invasion there.
UPPER DARBY, PA – The Saint Demetrios Greek School in Upper Darby held a celebration on March 17 in honor of March 25th, 1821.
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