The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation (EPBF): For the Sacred See of Saint Andrew (the “Foundation”), has been established as an endowment by the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Ours is a global mission. We aim to unite everyone from the various Eparchies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in order to preserve, grow and support the missions that His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, is entrusted with through his Holy See. Together, we can ensure that the Ecumenical Patriarchate, “the Light – continues to shine in the darkness.” The Board of the Foundation accepted this charge with humility, great care, and professionalism. In an effort to be transparent to our benefactors and show the application of the highest fiduciary oversight, we would like to report several key developments.

Our Board of Trustees, led by Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, Chair of the EPBF, has created committees to work with our professional partners and provide expertise, discipline and transparency to the Foundation, its benefactors and stakeholders. After diligent reviews of multiple proposals and scopes of work, we have engaged the audit, tax and consulting firm of FORVIS LLP, a top ten North American Audit firm. FORVIS LLP was created out of the merger of Baird, Kurtz & Dobson (BKD) and Dickson, Hughes & Goodman (DHG). FORVIS LLP offers first-in-class audit experience with non-profit corporations as well as the for-profit side. Their insight, access and availability make them the right choice for our Foundation.

The same level of care and diligence went into comparing leading investment management teams from across North America. In accordance with the Investment Policy Statement compiled by our Investment Committee, we are proud to have selected J.P. Morgan Private Bank as the Foundation’s investment manager. Our team at J.P. Morgan delivers guidance and access to investment opportunities from world-class specialists. J.P Morgan is a global institution that has, historically and consistently, weathered every storm and guided their clients to calmer seas.

The Board takes very seriously our responsibility to be good stewards to the Foundation and our commitment to our Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and New Rome, His All-Holiness Bartholomew and the See he is serving in such an ecclesiastically majestic and loving way. In a short period of time, we have raised commitments in excess of $22 million with current contributions received of over $9.55 million. To those of you who have entrusted us with your precious contributions, we thank you. To those of you who have yet to decide, please take heart in the processes and protocols we have put in place to be worthy stewards of your gifts that serve the greater missions of our Mother Church.

For information on becoming a contributor and the various levels offered please contact Ms. Leah Katz at: lkats@bartholomew.foundation or 212-774-0572

Your Brothers in Christ,