Showcasing Beacons of Orthodoxy and Hellenism
Over the last decade, FAITH has granted support for initiatives and projects that showcase the historical legacies of Hellenism and the Greek Orthodox faith within the United States and around the world. In response to special appeals from His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as His Eminence (former) Archbishop Demetrios of America and Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, FAITH has generously provided lead donor support to projects and events of great symbolic significance in the history of the Greek Orthodox community such as the Rebuilding of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at Ground Zero, The Imvros School, the Patriarchal Institute for Patristic Studies and the Great and Holy Synod.
Rebuilding St. Nicholas Church: Remember, Rebuild, Inspire
Originally built by Greek immigrants in 1922 to venerate the sacred Saint Nicholas revered by those whose lives involve the Sea and also the patron saint of children, the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at Ground Zero was destroyed in the brutal attacks of September 11, 2001.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the new St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at Ground Zero will be a visible and inspiring tribute to 9/11 and a shining beacon of light symbolizing the core values of our Greek Orthodox faith and Hellenism: love, respect, peace, healing, forgiveness and hope. The new St. Nicholas Church will be a National Shrine from which will emanate the ideals of Hellenism and Greek Orthodox Christian values that were passed down to us for our Nation and all of the world to see.
Since 2015 to present date, the FAITH Endowment has given over $18.7 million through a series of grants to support the construction of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. This is a unique opportunity of tremendous historical significance to showcase the Greek Orthodox faith, the story of Greek immigration to the US and engender pride in our community for future generations. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine will serve to remind our community and the world who and what was lost on 9/11 will always be remembered in our hearts.
The Great and Holy Synod
In 2016, FAITH issued a grant to support the historic Great and Holy Synod convened by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Crete. The first of its kind in 1200 years, the gathering invited representatives from 14 autocephalous (internally self-governing) Orthodox Churches to discuss issues related to the mission of the Orthodox Church in the modern world and its relations with other Christian churches. The Holy and Great Council met in Crete in June of 2016.
The Imvros School
In 2015, FAITH issued a grant to the Imvros Greek School on the island of Imvros in response to a request on behalf of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew via His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America to fund the reopening of this Greek junior/senior high school. After a two-year restoration project, the Imvros School reopened on September 28, 2015 after 40 years of closed doors with the mission to provide and meet the educational needs of students in the Çanakkale area of Gökçeada. Read more about the school here.
The Patriarchal Institute for Patristic Studies
Located in Thessaloniki, Greece, the Patriarchal Institute for Patristic Studies was establishing in 1965 as a special wing of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Vlatadon. The mission of this renowned academic and theological institute is to promote the study and research of patristic studies and Christian literature in addition to hosting conferences and supporting the development of international dialogue based on related theological disciplines. In 2014, in partnership with other philanthropic organizations, FAITH offered substantial support to the restoration and expansion of resources of this Institute in honor of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
