National Philoptochos Board Bulletins - April 2007
NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD SPRING MEETING
OMNI HOTEL CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
APRIL 20 - 21, 2007
SUMMARY REPORT
SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP
His Grace Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, Spiritual Advisor, opened each session with prayer and spiritual reflections. He spoke on the importance of faith to assist us with all matters in life and reminded the members of the important role of the Myrrh Bearing women as faithful disciples and co-workers of Christ. He urged members to focus on that which is good and loving, since "What we focus on is what we become." As leaders in the organization, we must remain committed to our mission, ensure we have an action plan with clear goals and outcomes to achieve and work with faith to accomplish the task as the Myrrh Bearing women.
PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
President Georgia Skeadas led the members through the one and a half day meeting with stellar leadership and inspiration. She stated that Philoptochos has evolved to respond to contemporary society and reflect the "Power of Philanthropy". She stated that, "our good works as a Philanthropic entity demonstrate to all people the way of love and giving, of justice and respect for life, and the dignity of each individual that we assist."
President Skeadas discussed the 75th Anniversary Founders Fund established at the Philoptochos National Convention in 2006 that honors the past members of the organization on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Philoptochos by targeting services for the aging. In addition, each Metropolis has been awarded a $10,000 grant for distribution through the chapters for the immediate physical needs of the elderly. The Metropolis presidents will be contacting the chapters regarding the process for accessing these funds.
SPECIAL GUESTS
His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos and Chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago addressed the board regarding the Bishop's Task Force on AIDS that was created in the Metropolis of Chicago in 1992 in which all the Philoptochos chapters participate to assist those who have become affected by HIV/AIDS.
Mrs. Paula Kappos provided information on the ZOE for Life founded by the ladies of the Sts. Constantine and Helen parish in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. This organization helps Orthodox women who need emotional and spiritual support during crisis pregnancies.
Honorary Past Presidents of National Philoptochos Mrs. Beatrice Marks and Mrs. Dina Skouras Oldknow extended greetings to the members and thanked everyone for their tireless efforts on behalf of Philoptochos.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Treasurer Aphrodite Skeadas announced that as of March 2007, three chapters were the top contributing chapters to the Saint Basil Academy Vasilopita. They are the Annunciation Cathedral, Houston, TX with a contribution of $11, 328; Holy Trinity, Dallas, TX with $8, 900 and Prophet Elias of Halladay, Utah with $5, 470.
The National Board approved disbursements in the amount of $168, 456 for the following national commitments:
Social Services - $2, 956 to provide for translation of materials for domestic violence victims.
Hellenic College/Holy Cross Scholarship Fund - $37, 500 for twenty-five students to receive $1500 scholarships for Spring 2007 and $4, 000 for four Special Merit Scholarships to four students at Graduation.
Hellenic College/Holy Cross Lenten Fund - up to $75, 000 for the following in order of priority: $40, 000 for the security perimeter fencing; $15, 000 for website server and a dedicated Internet connection; $20,000 for a multiuse Chapel bathroom.
Archdiocesan Missions - $25, 000 to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC).
Saint Photios Shrine - $20, 000
Sisterhood of Saint Basil - $1, 500 for graduation awards to the graduating college, high school seniors and grammar school graduates.
Cancer Fund - $2, 500 to the Stephen Giallourakis Cancer Research Fund at the Rainbow Babies and Adolescent Young Adult Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio to financially assist a research Fellow to investigate ways to eliminate adolescent and young adult cancer.
Treasurer Skeadas congratulated National Philoptochos for the extraordinary achievement of distributing $1, 395, 290 in calendar year 2006.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FIRST NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS PILGRIMAGE TO THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE.
This unique trip will occur October 5 - 11, 2007 and promises to be an unforgettable spiritual and educational experience. His Grace Bishop Andonios will lead the Pilgrimage which begins with a private audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, a private tour of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Vespers at the Church of St. George with His All Holiness.
The Pilgrimage Itinerary includes major Orthodox and tourist sites in Constantinople. An optional Cappadocia excursion is also available from October 11 - 14, 2007. For information contact the National Philoptochos at philosny@aol.com
ELEVENTH CHILDREN'S MEDICAL FUND LUNCHEON
The Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos is hosting the Eleventh Children's Medical Fund Luncheon on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach, California. General Chairman, Valerie Roumeliotis, Metropolis President and the Co-Chairmen, Patty Chacopulos, Kathy Gabriel, Marina Kookootsedes, Joan Pohas and Jeannie Ranglas with their committees are preparing a full weekend of activities. More details to follow.
STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
The National Committees met in break out sessions to review the committee mission statements and to establish action plans, goals and timelines for their committee activities.
- All committees reported the importance of enhanced communication with members and the chapters.
- Chapters are urged to provide information and photos of their activities to the National Philoptochos office to be included in the Newsletter, the Orthodox Observer and the website.
- Tools are being developed to assist with membership, public relations, special projects and other activities.
- All chapters should begin recording email addresses for all members so that they may be included on a list serve to receive regular updates from National Philoptochos.
- All members are encouraged to attend the Metropolis Philoptochos Biennial Conferences.
For additional information contact the National Philoptochos office at philosny@aol.com.