Metropolitan Methodios Announces Grant From Niarchos Foundation
Sunday, May 20, 2007May 20, 2007
BROOKLINE---His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios has announced that the Metropolis of Boston has received a $300,000 grant from the Stavros. S. Niarchos Foundation for the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH. The restricted grant calls for $200,000 to be used for the construction of a handicapped cabin for the special needs campers, and $100,000 to underwrite the cost of the elevator in the Retreat House on the grounds of the Faith and Heritage Center. The grant was made in memory of Mary A. Dracopoulos, sister of the late founder of the Foundation. Said Metropolitan Methodios, “It is an honor for us here in New England that the Niarchos name will forever be associated with a project of the Metropolis whose singular purpose is to pass on our Faith and Cultural Heritage to the coming generations. Our purpose is to develop this center into a radiant beacon reflecting the visionary goals of Stavros Niarchos and his family.”
Construction of the cabin to accommodate the campers with special needs will greatly enhance this camp program known as “Embracing the Children”. Initiated several years ago, the program features specially trained counselors who offer one-to-one-teaching to the children. Said Metropolitan Methodios, “Our experience has shown that the special needs of these youngsters do not diminish their enthusiasm and thirst to learn and to enjoy all activities. I want to emphasize that the special needs children are not segregated from other campers during the week they are at the camp but are integrated totally to the program.”
In announcing the Niarchos Foundation Grant for the Faith and Heritage Center, Metropolitan Methodios noted that the Niarchos Foundation has also offered financial support to the Philoxenia House of the Metropolis of Boston. Two generous grants, in 2002 and 2006 of $50,000 each, have greatly assisted the smooth operation of this philanthropic ministry. The 2006 grant enabled Metropolitan Methodios to extensively renovate the residence which for the past 21 years has hosted thousands from Greece, Cyprus and throughout the world who come to Boston for treatment of very serious diseases. The renovations include a much needed handicapped bathroom, an enlarged kitchen-dining room area, and the refurbishing of the 11 bedrooms, nine bathrooms and two living rooms.
The legacy of Stavros S. Niarchos is universally admired and respected. His commitment to education and culture was demonstrated throughout his life and it continues through his Foundation. His vision enhanced his business acumen and led to great success. By establishing the Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation, he truly created an enduring commitment to enriching the lives of others around the world. The generous grant to the Metropolis of Boston will go a long way to ensure that the St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center, which was established as an enduring commitment to the preservation and perpetuation of Hellenism and Orthodoxy in New England and America, will be a beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism for generations to come.
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