Chios, Greece, October 7, 2025
Photo: romfea.gr
The Metropolis of Chios of the Greek Orthodox Church has completed the distribution of approximately $175,000 (€150,000) in aid to victims of the fires that raged across the island this past summer.
The funds were provided with the assistance of the General Philanthropic Fund and significant donations from compatriots, reports Romfea.
The money was distributed to area residents whose primary homes were completely destroyed, as well as to shepherds and other professionals in the region, following recommendations from a committee established by the Metropolitan.
The announcement concluded with the prayer that Amanis and all of Chios would never again experience such a trial.
The fires on Chios broke out on June 22, 2025, in multiple locations including Kofinas, Agia Anna, Agios Makarios, and Agios Markos. The blazes forced the evacuation of at least 16 villages and burned over 11,000 acres of forest and agricultural land. Hundreds of firefighters with aerial support worked for several days to bring the fires under control. Greek authorities declared a state of emergency on the island and investigated arson as a possible cause, as the fires appeared to have started simultaneously in multiple locations.
The Monastery of St. Mark was engulfed in flames during the fires, and the Monastery of Panagia Voithia was also threatened by the blazes. Three residences were completely destroyed, along with damage to numerous homes, vehicles, greenhouses, olive groves, and infrastructure. Power outages and water shortages affected large portions of the island during the firefighting efforts.
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