The Very Venerable Archimandrite Ephraim, Hegumen of the Great and Holy Vatopedi Monastery on the Holy Mountain, announced today, as he temporarily departs from the capital city of Belgrade, that the sacred Vatopedi brotherhood is placing at the full discretion of His Holiness Serbian Patriarch kyr Porfirije all funds contributed by the faithful during the veneration of the Honorable Cincture of the Most Holy Mother of God Mary.
 
In this regard, His Holiness Patriarch kyr Porfirije, in a spirit of paternal responsibility, informs the faithful people of this act of brotherly love toward the Serbian Patriarchate and, while publicly expressing heartfelt gratitude to Elder Ephraim and his brotherhood, likewise feels obliged to announce that he has decided that the donations shall be used to assist Serbian families in Kosovo and Metohija and for other philanthropic purposes.