National Philoptochos Board Bulletins - November 2007
NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD FALL MEETING
FAIRMONT HOTEL NEWPORT BEACH, ILLINOIS
NOVEMBER 9, 2007
SUMMARY REPORT
SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios offered the opening prayer and honored the National Philoptochos Board with his participation throughout the National Board Meeting. His Grace, Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, the National Philoptochos Spiritual Advisor was also present at the National Board Meeting.
Archbishop Demetrios offered opening remarks to the members and said it was good to be on the West Coast with the warm weather and hospitality. He remarked that he is a "Fan of Philoptochos and the work we do is far more important than we can see and has an impact on people and institutions far more then we can imagine." His Eminence thanks everyone for the support throughout the country for the Greek Fire Relief Fund and announced that the Archdiocese is approaching $4 Million. The Greek Fire Relief Committee will meet to determine the distribution of the funds for development. His Eminence reminds all the Philoptochos that we are chosen and must continue our work in three components: The Work of Faith, the labor of love and steadfastness of hope.
PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
President Georgia Skeadas opened the business meeting and asked for a moment of silence for deceased members and family members of our board. She stated that the profound love for children manifests itself in the Children's Medical Fund Luncheon and she is grateful for what has been accomplished to reach this day.
President Skeadas thanked His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for honoring us by attending the meeting and told him that he is a continual inspiration to us. She congratulated His Eminence on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of his elevation to the Episcopacy and for receiving the Athenagoras Award from the Order of St. Andrew.
President Skeadas stated that the synergy of all members working together has allowed the National Philoptochos to become the great organization it is.
- We are looking forward to the future Philoptochos and must create enthusiasm and determination so we can serve humankind on a greater scale.
- Specific actions will be implemented supporting continuous improvement.
- We will continue to enhance communication at all levels and focus on participation.
President Skeadas introduced the new Metropolis Philoptochos Presidents:
- Maria Skiadas, Direct Archdiocesan District;
- Joanne Stavrakas, Metropolis of Chicago;
- Barbara Latsonas, Metropolis of Denver;
- Evan Scurtis, Metropolis of Atlanta, and
- Eleni Zeferes, Metropolis of Detroit.
President Skeadas encouraged members to support the following;
- Archdiocese Family Outreach Sunday and to embrace and support families;
- To connect with national days of commemoration for Aids, Heart, etc.,
- To support the OCF Connect Kit for students on campuses who need to know we are thinking of them.
- Sending in information for inclusion in all our media outlets.
The 2008 National Convention will be held from July 13 - 17, 2008.
- Location is the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington DC
- The theme will be Mentorship pairing current and new members.
President Skeadas announced the following Programs:
- 2004 Chapter Challenge projects the Nouna and Afghan projects are being replicated in some chapters
- National Philoptochos will partner with the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Center) to support a Zimbabwe Rehab Center and provide a container of pediatric wheelchairs. A video will be produced documenting this project.
- Wheelchair Foundation - 280 wheelchairs are being delivered to Greece with 55 going to Komotini and the remainder to Thessaloniki.
SPECIAL GUESTS
Past President Dina Skouras Oldknow was recognized.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Treasurer Aphrodite Skeadas announced that as of September 30, 2007 the fund balance was $1,139,838. A fund disclosure letter is sent to all chapters in January of each year.
- Congratulations to all the chapters for the increase in funds received.
- Vasilopita increased over the previous year
- Membership as of September is 25,000 with memberships received continually.
- National Philoptochos conducts an independent Audit each year.
The following distributions were approved by the National Board:
- $52,500 - Saint Basil Academy Sisterhood Fund for new roofing on girls dorms
- $37,500 - Hellenic College Scholarship Fund for 25 scholarships to students in good academic standing who are members of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
- $40,000 - Retired Clergy Benevolent Fund
- $150,000 - Children's Medical Fund distribution for seven Metropolis of San Francisco Hospitals and special children's medical programs
- $30,000 - IOCC for its work with the Parktown Medical Clinic in the Archdiocese of Zimbabwe to serve children with HIV/AIDS
- $20,000 - Children's Medical Fund for the "Cure Autism Now" project
- $20,000 - Archdiocesan Missions
- $15,000 - IOCC
- $20,000 - Support A Mission Priest (SAMP)
- $25,000 - National Emergency Fund to assist Fire Victims in Southern California
- $94,098 - Proceeds from the National Philoptochos Greek Fire Relief Fund to be presented to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for distribution to appropriate agencies.
REPORTS
The Metropolis Presidents each described activities in their respective areas.
Archbishop Demetrios asked that Philoptochos nationally honor senior members who are figures of courage, history and continuity.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The standing committees offered reports including:
| By Laws | Chapter Challenge |
| Commitments | Family and Society |
| Membership | Public Relations |
| Social Services | Spiritual Enrichment |
| Children's Medical Fund | Luncheon |
| Ecumenical Patriarchate |
**Faye Peponis reported on the recent historic First National Philoptochos Pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Archbishop Demetrios stated that there are four major issues regarding the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
- The title "Ecumenical" for His All Holiness
- Non existent legal status of the Patriarchate
- Heavy confiscation of properties
- Opening of the Theological School at Halki.
"This is not a nationalistic issue, but rather it affects American citizens of the Orthodox faith living in the United States. We must think of the Patriarchate as part of the Church."
Prepared by Christine Karavites, Publicity Chairman.
For additional information contact the National Philoptochos office at philosny@aol.com.