Philanthropy Witness

Transcription

1 Philanthropy Witness The Official Newsletter of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Volume 2 Issue 1 March/April 2014 Great Lent 2014 His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela My beloved Sisters in the Lord, On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, I wish you and your families a blessed Lenten Period full of spiritual victories. Our Church provides us at this time with beautiful hymnography that helps us to stay focused while on the path to spiritual development. The following Lenten hymn offers to us a summary of the purpose and meaning of the Great Lent: The arena of virtues is now open; those who wish to compete, enter therein, girded by fasting in the good contest, for those who compete according to the rules shall receive their laurels rightfully. Taking up the full armor of the Cross, let us do battle against the Enemy. As an impregnable wall, we have the faith, prayer as our breastplate, and acts of mercy as our helmet. Instead of sword, we use fasting, which cuts every evil from the heart. He who does this shall attain a true crown from Christ, the King of all, on Judgment Day. The more we take seriously our spiritual struggles during Great Lent, the greater our reward. This is the time of personal reflection and deliberate battle to replace our vices with virtues. This is the time we seek first and foremost the Lord and trust that He will provide for our physical and spiritual sustenance. This is the time to forgive one another and reconcile with our brothers and sisters and with our Lord. This is the time to reach out beyond our immediate circle and bring the love of God to the unloved and unwanted. This is the time to fall on our knees and seek God s forgiveness, to fall into His arms, which are full of mercy and unconditional love. In all these spiritual struggles, our Church provides for us the tools we need to achieve our goal: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving. First of all, our Church increases the number of Divine Services during Great Lent so that we may spend more time with our Lord, to speak to Him and listen to Him, to enjoy communion with Him and with one another. Secondly, we have to understand fasting as more than a dietary restriction. Fasting is a deliberate change of mind, to stop putting our trust in earthly things and return to God, to start anew and become the beautiful image of God. He intended us to be loving, kind, forgiving and caring. Thirdly, we have to practice Almsgiving. We have to keep in mind that, as His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios said to us during the Thyranoixia of our Philanthropy Center, almsgiving has to be done through faith and prayer. We give seeking nothing in return, and our heavenly Father who sees our deed will reward us in Heaven. Kali Sarakosti, Blessed Lent, my dear sisters in the Lord. May the celebration of Pascha this year be unlike any other you have ever experienced, full of victories, unity and love with one another. May it be filled with blessings and sanctification from our loving Lord who gives Himself as ransom for us all. In Christ s love and service, +Bishop Sevastianos of Zela Page 1

2 President's Message Aphrodite Skeadas, National President Beloved National Board, Chapter Presidents and Stewards of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, I pray that your spiritual journey through the Holy and Great Lent will enable you to acquire the essence of prudence, humility, patience and love as so beautifully expressed in the prayer of St. Ephraim. Saturday, March 1, 2014 was a day of great joy for the entire membership of our Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. The morning began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy led by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, special prayers were offered to Almighty God for past National Philoptochos Presidents, Directors, stewards and benefactors who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Immediately following the Divine Liturgy, hundreds of Philoptochos Stewards and faithful enjoyed the lovely reception and embracing fellowship graciously offered by the Archdiocesan Cathedral Philoptochos. Shortly thereafter, the Philoptochos Stewards and guests arrived at the front door of the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy, awaiting His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and National Philoptochos Spiritual Advisor, His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, to cut the golden ribbon at the iron gate entrance. The jubilant crowd outside included the Consuls General of Greece and Cyprus, honored guests, esteemed members of the National Board from throughout the USA and our beautiful Philoptochos sisters and staff. Excitedly and enthusiastically with electricity in the air, we followed our beloved Archbishop through the open doors and participated in the Agiasmo Service. The Thyranoixia Grand Opening weekend was expertly chaired by the very capable National Philoptochos Second Vice President Maria Stavropoulos from the Metropolis of Detroit and Third Vice President Kathy Gabriel from the Metropolis of San Francisco. Our prayers and hearts were joined together in thanksgiving to God as we inaugurated the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. The seeds planted by your good works are bearing fruit benefitting our Philoptochos Chapters throughout our nation and beyond. Your unceasing love and support made our home of permanence a reality. In witness of your generosity, the Chapter Giving Tree stands adorning the prominent wall at the Center. On each leaf of this tree is the name inscribed of each Philoptochos Chapter which comprises our national body. We are united by our blessed mission and we make a difference in this hurting world by responding to the call of Christ. Your excellent stewardship is demonstrated through your good works as doers of the Word. Your new National Home is located at 126 East 37 th Street between Lexington and Park Avenues in the historic district of Manhattan known as Murray Hill. It is a humble and modest building that serves the needs of our Philoptochos with the possibility of expanding our ministries. It will be our joy to have you come and visit your new home. In His service, Aphrodite Skeadas Page 2

3 The City of Brotherly Love Convention Co-Chairs Anne Michals~Martha Stefanidakis~Evellyn Tsiadis Greetings from the 2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention Tri-Chairs. By now your Chapter President has received information regarding your Chapter s ability to submit a "Resolution" for a Bylaws or Procedural change at the Convention. In this issue we would like to remind any Chapter that intends to submit a request for a change to the National Bylaws at the 2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention is advised to review the request carefully with your Metropolis/DAD President and Board. All Bylaws/ Resolution Requests for Change must first be reviewed at the Metropolis level. Your Tri-Chairs are thrilled to let you know that an inspiring Program is being developed by our Program Chairmen, Christine Karavites and Evan Mekras Scurtis. They, along with Committee Members Jeannie Ranglas and Vicki Scaljon, are putting together a Convention Program that will inspire and educate our delegates. There will be an Evening of Education, Philanthropy and Service. Delegates will view The Doors Are Open - A Virtual Tour of the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. More details to come. The National Awards Program, a highlight of the Convention, is underway. By now you should have received information about how to submit details of an award winning project. It is also a time for all Chapters to make sure they have participated fully in the National Ministry Commitments Program. Certificates will be awarded to all Chapters having fulfilled these Commitments. Participating fully in the National Commitment Program enables your Chapter to join with others across the country in ways that maximize your outreach of philanthropy. Sponsorship of delegates through the Small Chapter Program has begun. Seven small Chapters of our Metropolises have already been selected to receive sponsorship of a delegate that will represent that Chapter at Convention. We are excited to report that Philoptochos Chapter Challenges continue to take place throughout the country. Chapter Challenges prove to be programs of interest to all Chapters seeking new ways to philanthropically serve their communities. Metropolis of Atlanta, The Holy Trinity Cathedral Philoptochos of Charlotte, North Carolina, is working on TLC Blanket of Hope Project. The Project involves the loving creation of blankets for senior citizens and this year plans to extend the outreach. Metropolis of Boston, The Annunciation Cathedral Philoptochos of Cranston, Rhode Island, is participating in the Prayer Shawl Ministry which will distribute handmade blankets to the needy. We wish to inform all Chapters that Registration Booklets for the 2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention have been mailed. We ask your Chapter to review the Booklet and register delegates as soon as possible. This year we included a new addition to the Registration material. The Delegate Profile appears on the back of the Registration Application and should be filled out by all delegates. Please take the time to do this so that we may use this information to provide each delegate a more personal experience. Can t wait to see you all in the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love...Philadelphia! Page 3

4 Historic Opening Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy A New Era of Giving Several hundred Philoptochos members, supporters and friends from across the United States joined His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America and President Aphrodite Skeadas on March 1, 2014 at the Ribbon Cutting and Blessing of the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy at 126 East 37 th Street in New York City. The morning began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy led by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, special prayers were offered to Almighty God for past National Philoptochos Presidents, Directors, stewards and benefactors who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Philoptochos Vice Presidents Kathy Gabriel and Maria Stavropoulos chaired this milestone event noting that Philoptochos arms are outstretched to everyone. National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas expressed gratitude to Archbishop Demetrios on behalf of the Society s 27,000 members. Mrs. Skeadas remarked that His Eminence s encompassing vision, profound wisdom and earnest encouragement initiated the magnificent journey so that Philoptochos may expand its philanthropic and humanitarian mission. We extend gratitude to our beloved Hierarchs and to each Metropolis in the United States who raised critical funds along with major and minor donors who ignited the flame of giving and who keep the flame aglow. The Philoptochos Chapters nationwide joined the campaign by donating a Chapter leaf on the Chapter Giving Tree that adorns the Center as a symbol of unity and love. The Giving Tree funds raised by the Chapters throughout the USA were matched by the generous Mary Jaharis Challenge Gift. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios spoke of St. Paul s message of love, joy, patience, peace, goodness, kindness and gentleness and stated, Philoptochos sisters are called today to renew what it means to be a responsible Christian in 2014 and demonstrate their philanthropy, faithfully and prayerfully. His Eminence commended Philoptochos for its philanthropy with prudence. His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, the National Philoptochos Advisor, the Honorable Consul General of Greece, Mr. Giorgios Iliopoulos and the Honorable Consul General of Cyprus, Ambassador Vasilios Philippou offered warm congratulations. Page 4

5 Women to Welcome By: Vivian Siempos Frances Levas Boston Metropolis Philoptochos President Frances Levas is the newly appointed Boston Metropolis Philoptochos President. She recently attended her first National Board meeting as President and the Thyranoixia for the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. She was born in Brockton, MA where her parents met. Both of her parents immigrated to the United States from Greece. Her mother moved when she was 17 years old from Vromotsela outside Megalopoli and her father from northern Epirus. When she was five years old her family moved from Brockton, MA to New York City. She lived in Washington Heights and attended St. Spyridon Church, trading one large Greek community for another. Her family moved back to Massachusetts a few years later, choosing to settle in Watertown, MA in They attended Taxiarchae Church. She was in GOYA and taught Sunday School and was very involved in the church as a child, as a teenager and now as an adult. She is still friends with many of the people she met in GOYA. She has met so many wonderful Philoptochos women throughout her own Metropolis that she is looking forward to meeting and getting to know the women of the National Board. She joined Philoptochos when her son was four and she was in her 30s. Her son, who is now 27, is getting married this July. Over the last 16 years she has been a member of Philoptochos while also being a member of the parish council. She says that the church remains one of the two places she calls home. In her free time she loves to read and travel. Every so often she packs up her bags and gets away from her regular routine for a couple of days. One of her regular destinations is Falmouth, on Cape Cod, where her uncle has a house. She went to Simmons College in Boston. She majored in Business Management and minored in Biology and now works as Director of Development and Alumni Relations for a Catholic school. Let s welcome Frances Levas with open arms and wish her great success in her new role. Suggested Lenten Readings Great Lent: Journey to Pascha By: Alexander Schmemann The Lenten Spring: Readings for Great Lent By: Thomas Hopko The Lenten Covenant A Devotional Commentary on the Triodion of the Orthodox Church By: Fr. Leonidis Contos Daily Lenten Meditations for Orthodox Christians By: Presbytera Emily Harakas The Mountain of Silence A Search for Orthodox Spirituality By: Kyriacos Markides These titles were provided by Father Paul Kaplanis Dean Annunciation Cathedral Atlanta, Georgia Page 5

6 March Ministry Commitments Hellenic College Holy Cross Lenten Appeal By: Diane Minimos The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society has a great tradition of offering its love and support to Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology through the spring Lenten Appeal. The School continually strives to provide an environment of faith and love to the students as they prepare to serve our parishes, Holy Archdiocese and its ministries. Maintaining a safe campus and providing the best possible academic and social environment are a priority. In recent years, through the generous support of our Chapters, the National Philoptochos Lenten Appeal has provided the necessary funds for a computer lab, handicapped access bathroom, new desks and chairs, carpeting, air-conditioning for both the cafeteria, and classrooms and dormitory furniture. Currently, there is a need to improve campus security through a campus-wide electronic card reading/security system. Funds from the 2014 Lenten Appeal will be added to the proceeds from 2013 which have been set aside for this project. The total cost for the new system is estimated at up to $200,000. Our sincere gratitude to all Chapters for planning their Lenten events and continuing to promote HCHC in their communities. Orthodox Christian Mission Center Support A Mission Priest By: Marty Driscoll Celebrating the opening of the very first Orthodox church in Pakistan, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) continues to bring the Faith to people who long for Christ by building new churches, training indigenous leaders and by translating the many texts of the Church into the language of the people who will receive them. In March, Philoptochos Chapters can show their support and join the celebration of the first Orthodox church in Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country, by enthusiastically fulfilling their commitment to OCMC/SAMP. The Support A Mission Priest (SAMP) commitment will enable National Philoptochos to continue to sponsor the 45 priests serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over the past three years His Grace Bishop Meletios, through this support, was able to ordain 17 new clergy to serve the Congo s growing Orthodox communities. Overall, the SAMP program serves 370 priests in 18 different countries. Aid to OCMC will also help missionaries in Guatemala. A team consisting mostly of priests and presvyteres is training catechists who speak the local Mayan language to help bring tens of thousands of people into a sacramental life in the Body of Christ. This summer at the Orthodox Camp for teenagers in Moldova, Philoptochos member Leslie Hansard will serve on the OCMC team for the third time. In an emerging Moldovan youth ministry program, team members will assist campers in studies, sports, arts and crafts and fellowship. Leslie is her Chapter s Secretary in Marietta, GA. April Ministry Commitments Saint Basil Academy By: Evangeline Mekras Scurtis An exciting time for the Saint Basil Academy students is the Christmas Pageant that is always a highlight for them and for all in attendance. This year as in years past the story of Jesus was presented in full costume with much practiced dialogue. Guests travelled from near and far to enjoy this annual event. Generous gifts from individuals and organizations were given to the children which always makes them feel special. The Agnes Veras Trust renovated the dorms which are the children s home. The boys and girls participated in the selection of colors for the renovations and are enjoying their new bedroom and common area furnishings. The kitchen and bathrooms with beautiful granite counters are both modern and practical. Saint Basil Academy is grateful for this extremely generous donation for the welfare of the children. The Vasilopita cutting took place on January 25th. In spite of the weather, approximately 40 children joined the students in diving for the Cross. What a Page 6

7 sight to see children swimming in the pool while snow was falling outside! It was inspiring to attend Chapel with the children and witness their participation in the service. God Bless these children and all the children of the world! International Orthodox Christian Charities By: Elaine Cladis, Chair Maria Stavropoulos, Co-Chair International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) continues to expand its mission to reach out to those in dire need. To quote Mr. Dean Triantafilou, the Executive Director of IOCC, Christ teaches us that we should extend love and compassion to everyone in our lives, from family and friends to complete strangers. At IOCC, we strive every day to extend a loving hand without discrimination, to those who are in greatest need families, refugees, and displaced persons, orphans, the elderly, school children and people with disabilities. Wherever IOCC responds on behalf of the Orthodox Christian community, we respond as a family. We are all God s children, and we must heed His call to help our brothers and sisters wherever they may be, whoever they may be. Because the happiness and well-being of all families should be important to us. To date, since 1992, IOCC has disbursed more than $480 million in humanitarian aid to 50 countries. IOCC provides immediate aid to those in need. IOCC teaches and provides necessary resources so that people may become self sufficient and knowledgeable in a profession that not only provides for their families but restores their dignity. With Federal Grants USAID; Grants from European Governments; Action by Churches Together (ACT), IOCC is often able to leverage donations up to seven times. This translates into additional food, medical supplies and services to those receiving aid. National Philoptochos gave three disbursements to IOCC in 2013 totaling $70,000: $25,000: in support of the program to eradicate Podoconiosis in Ethiopia. $25,000: in support of the $1million Challenge Grant for Aid to Greece from the Jaharis Foundation. $20,000: from the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign. Loukoumi Wins National Make a Difference Day Award By: Nick Katsoris For five years Loukoumi has been inspired by USA Weekend Magazine's National Make A Difference Day, which over 3 million Americans participate in. In October 2013, as part of our Make A Difference with Loukoumi Project we rallied over 20,000 kids to make a difference by reading our book, Loukoumi's Good Deeds, and then doing a good deed of their choice on national Make a Difference Day. Our project raised funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and dozens of other charities. We were also able to donate over 1,000 books to children in need. I am now honored to report that our Make A Difference with Loukoumi Project has been selected from among these 3 million as one of 10 national winners to receive an award at a ceremony in Washington DC. In addition, sponsor Newman's Own is awarding us a $10,000 charitable donation that we will be giving to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I am humbled by this honor and would like to thank everyone in Philoptochos who helped make this Loukoumi movement a reality. Your participation and support has been so important as you rallied our youth across the country to make a difference! And so, I share this honor with you. Page 7

8 Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos By: Metropolis President Anne Michals It was with complete joy that the Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos Board met Presidents, Officers and Stewards of Philoptochos Chapters from the southern half of the Metropolis of New Jersey for a Regional Workshop at the Annunciation Cathedral, Norfolk, Virginia. This year the National Ladies Philoptochos Society, joined forces with Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center, Kiwanis International, as well as many individual good deeders like Grace LaFountain, who raised funds for charity from her bake sale at the Utica Zoo and even my son Dean, who raised funds for Friends of Animal Rescue by making and selling rainbow loom bracelets. I am blessed by the partnership that we have collaborated on for our Make A Difference with Philoptochos and Loukoumi project and our Literacy Awareness program and look forward to continuing our work together. Together we CAN make a difference! Metropolis News Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos By: Joannie Ruppel On Saturday, February 1, the Denver Metropolis Philoptochos Board joined in a luncheon with stewards of three Philoptochos Chapters in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The luncheon was hosted by the St. John the Baptist Church Philoptochos Chapter in Euless with attendees from the St. Demetrios Church Philoptochos Chapter in Fort Worth and the Holy Trinity Church Philoptochos in Dallas. Our Parish Priest, Reverend Father Vasile Tudora showed the ladies our new church building and after lunch, a question and answer period was held and moderated by Marian Catechis, Denver Metropolis Philoptochos President. The Metropolis Board had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the beauty and commitment of the Ladies of Philoptochos coming from Maryland and Virginia. Taking the opportunity to meet face to face and to share each others joys and challenges alike, exemplifies the love they all share as Sisters in Christ, while making the Philoptochos Sisterhood stronger and more valuable to those who are in need of their loving attention. Much of the time was spent on discussing the importance of understanding that true philanthropy begins and ends with LOVE. Officers were not only offered guidance in the practical aspects of leading their Chapters towards the fulfillment of their Mission, but on the vital need to offer themselves as stewards of Christ to their Church. They were encouraged to find new ways to work side by side together with other ministries as One Church. In the northern region of the Metropolis of New Jersey, Presidents, Officers and Stewards of Philoptochos shared in the Annual Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos Visitation to St. Michael s Home for the Aged. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Andonios of Phasiane. Afterwards His Grace presented plans for a building project for a new Home for St. Michael s in Uniondale (Hempstead) New York, which includes a 90,000 square foot building comprised of independent and assisted living apartments, as well as a dementia and nursing care facility. Philoptochos women were impressed with the plans and offered congratulations and support. The Ladies of St. Philothea Philoptochos of the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian of Tenafly, New Jersey, took the opportunity to join Club 1000, a unique program of giving which entails an annual donation of $1000 for 5 years. Page 8

9 the Council of Congregations for SEARCH. Each month our parishioners prepare these lunches to be shared in answer to the message in the gospel of Matthew 25:31-46 "...for I was hungry and you gave me food..." Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral Philoptochos Denver, CO Visitation Day at St. Michael s Home for the Aged is a day filled with reflection and love as we remind ourselves of the Philoptochos Mission centered around the words of Matthew the Apostle, For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you took me in, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came unto me. Philanthropy Across the Country Chapters Helping in Their Communities Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Philoptochos Houston, TX Sunday, February 23, 2014 was Philoptochos The heart is happiest when it beats for others membership day. All new members were welcomed with an extended coffee hour and given an opportunity to meet and speak with their Philoptochos sisters. The ladies this year have delegated their many talents to help children both in the inner city of Denver and in other parts of the world. On this membership day, there were many sewing machines, fabrics, threads, laces, trims and very eager ladies who came to make beautiful dresses for young ladies in all areas of the world. This project, Dress a Girl Around the World, was introduced to our Chapter by our Philoptochos sisters at St. Basil Church in Chicago, Illinois. The Dress a Girl Around the World project was organized in 2009 and is now an international project. Since 2009, over 200,000 young girls have received beautiful handmade dresses. St. Basil Philoptochos started their Dress a Girl Around the World ministry in 2012 and to date, they have made 400 dresses. On our membership Sunday, our special guest speaker was Dorothy Bezemes from St. Basil s church. She spoke to us about the beautiful and rewarding ministry that her Chapter has undertaken. The Assumption Cathedral Philoptochos in Denver has made 50 dresses and our great ladies continue to sew! The ladies of the Annunciation Cathedral Philoptochos Chapter prepare 100 sack lunches to be distributed to the homeless in Houston through the SEARCH Center for Homelessness. Annunciation Cathedral is a founding member of Another project our Chapter undertook was Second Time Around Books. This project was to benefit inner city children. We asked and we received! Members of our church donated over 1,000 used children s books to Philoptochos! These were given to underprivileged children, each of Page 9

10 whom was given a book of their choice to keep at home. Principals, teachers and students were overjoyed by these gifts. We were delighted to hear that a young 2 nd grader chose a piano instruction book. She asked her school music teacher to teach her to play the piano. Who knows what her future will play out for her? One child at a time. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos San Angelo, TX Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos President Marian Catechis, along with National Board members Martha Stefanidakis and Barbara Vittas visited the newly re-activated Philoptochos Chapter of Assumption Church in San Angelo, Texas. In this small, vibrant community fifteen of the sixteen active members and their parish priest, Reverend Father John Afendoulis, listened to National and Metropolis news while enjoying a delicious brunch. Chapter President Ann Burmeister and the ladies of the Assumption Church Chapter look forward to participating in the National and Metropolis ministries along with service to their church and local community. St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos Lubbock, TX By: Chapter President Prudence Kouris The St. Anna Philoptochos of St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Lubbock, Texas started a Prayer Bear project last summer. Bears are donated or purchased and decorated with a pretty ribbon. A tag is attached to each bear that says "This Prayer Bear has been to worship at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Lubbock, Texas. He has heard the prayers, the Bible readings, the hymns and the sermon. Now this Prayer Bear comes to you to bring you healing, comfort, inspiration and peace. We care about you and God cares about you". The bears sit on a shelf at the back of the church, and in the words of Father Peter, "They are the most faithful members of our community. They never miss a service". The bears can be taken by any parishioner, at no cost, to give to someone in need of some cheer. So far, about 35 bears have gone to hospitals, nursing homes, to the bereaved and lonely and to whoever has a need. They have been mailed to California and to Boston. All we ask is that the name of the recipient is written in our log to be sure there are no duplicates. We have had so many positive comments about the bears. One person said "It made my week". Another was so touched that someone was thinking of her. We have about 40 bears we are preparing to send various organizations around town such as Children's Protective Services, The Veteran's Clinic, Ronald Mc Donald's house, etc. We have enjoyed preparing the bears and are so happy that they bring cheer to others. It is amazing how much a small gesture can mean to someone. Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos Jamaica, NY By: Chapter President Artemis Tsekouras Our Philoptochos Chapter aims to help the Saint Michael s Home in Yonkers, not only financially, but also with outreach to residents. We schedule an annual Thanksgiving luncheon in the month of November and invite the residents of Saint Michael s as our guests. On November 19, 2013 the men and women arrived and joined in the festivities together with our members and other guests. A complete traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey, sweet potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, apple pie with ice cream, beverages, was all prepared, cooked, and served by the ladies. This event, as all the others before it, was an opportunity for all to enjoy dining and socializing. The proceeds from the raffles and the tickets that were sold were donated to Saint Michael s Home. Our December event is one that helps our local New York City Children s Center located in Bellerose, Queens. Its mission is to provide health care services to children with emotional disturbances with the aim of fostering recovery and successful functioning in the home, school, and community. They offer a wide range of services for children, including: education, recreation, and Page 10

11 rehabilitation. We arrange an annual visit each year with a party and the distribution of gifts. The gifts are purchased by our ladies according to a wish list made by the children. On December 17, 2013 the holiday party was held and the requested gifts given to the children in attendance along with gifts of clothing for those who were not able to attend. It is always an enjoyable occasion. St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos Irvine, CA By: Chapter President Nanette Bowman The Isaiah House is a shelter for homeless women located on a tree-lined residential street in Santa Ana, CA. This particular shelter hosts women and sometimes their school age children as well. They rely solely on volunteers...there is NO paid staff. St. Paul's Philoptochos has made a commitment to serve one dinner a month. Each monthly dinner is chaired by different groups or families from our parish. On one such evening, 47 women were fed. Marinated tri tip roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, assorted roasted vegetables, pasta salad and corn bread were served and for dessert there were trays of chocolate delights: chocolate dipped pretzel sticks, potato chips and bacon. The women of the shelter were so grateful and they raved about the meal. St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos Bellingham, WA By: Chapter President Harieklia Meras-Bryant We make and sell tsourekia (sweet bread) for Pascha. It is a day of baking and fellowship in our parish and we sell many loaves. As we are a small Philoptochos Chapter, we have a lot fun doing this for our parish and the community of Bellingham. Pictured with the tsourekia is Eleni Kipelides, who is a whiz baker and teacher. Social Media Links Look out for a new post every Thursday! Please Like us! National Philoptochos Web Page LinkedIn: Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Page 11