Greek Americans fund reconstruction of destroyed Balikli Greek Hospital in Istanbul

Greek Americans are set to fund the reconstruction of the fire-stricken Balikli Greek Hospital in Istanbul, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America told Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar on Tuesday, with an initial amount of 350,000 US dollars already.

Funds have been donated by the Greek-American community, "who responded immediately to our call," as Elpidophoros tweeted, and by the Archbishopric itself, which expects more funds to come in privately.

The Greek Orthodox Archbishop, who arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday for the third pilgrimage organized by Archdiocese of America in celebration of the 100th anniversary of its founding, will be visiting Balikli in coming days.

The fire broke out on August 4 and destroyed the roof of the philanthropic institution's historic building. Elderly residents and  patients had been evacuated and no injuries were reported.