11-5-06 Metropolis of Boston Pays Tribute to Women
METROPOLIS OF BOSTON PAYS TRIBUTE TO WOMEN
Over 350 Philoptochos sisters and Metropolis friends joined with the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos to recognize The Age of Philoptochos - a Tribute to Women at its biennial charities benefit luncheon held on November 5, 2006 at the Newton Marriott, Newton Mass.
Under the spiritual guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and the leadership of Diane Miminos, Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos President, Janice Panagako and Yiota Simoglou, Luncheon Chairmen, and the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board, a program was created that paid tribute to outstanding women who exemplify stellar leadership in their respective persons. Metropolitan Methodios stated that through these women we honor all women who serve and have served our Metropolis Philoptochos for the past fifty years. Ms. Karen Swensen, New England Cable News Anchor, served as Master of Ceremonies and enchanted her audience with her personal reflections and love of her Greek heritage and her experience surviving hurricane Katrina. The program opened with greetings from Mrs. Eve Condakes, Honorary Luncheon Chairman, The Honorable Constantinos Orphanides, Consul General of Greece in Boston, Metropolis President Diane Miminos who then presented Mrs.Georgia Skeadas, National Philoptochos President. Mrs. Skeadas acknowledged the message of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios who called Philoptochos women to move forward in the "Age of Philoptochos - The Age of Philanthropy".
Following the luncheon, guests reminisced as they viewed "The Celebration of the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos 50th Anniversary Video" produced by Chris Pappas and directed by Christine Karavites. President Miminos then recognized the two Past National Philoptochos Presidents from the Metropolis of Boston, Mrs. Katherine Pappas, who was not in attendance, and Mrs. Eve Condakes, who received honorary recognition from the Metropolis of Boston for her leadership as National President of the Ladies Philoptochos Society.
The Reverend Dr. Diane C. Kessler, Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, delivered the keynote address where she cited the most profound gift of her ecumenical ministry is that of "friendship" She thanked the Metropolis of Boston for the hospitality and friendship during her thirty-two year career. The culmination of the program was the Tribute to Women that recognized five outstanding women who have distinguished themselves in the Greater American Community. The Reverend Dr. Diane C. Kessler, Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, Dr. Mary D. Lekas, medical pioneer, Dr. Zorica Pantic, President of Wentworth Institute of Technology, Mary Papoutsy, educator and great philanthropist, Catherine Pappas, humanitarian and philanthropic leader. Each honoree received a cross from His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and an icon of the patron saints of Philoptochos, Sts. Cosmas & Damian. Following the honoree program, Diane Miminos announced a special donation to the charities benefit luncheon from honoree, Catherine Pappas in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars. All attendees applauded this magnanimous gesture of philanthropy. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios closed the program with his blessings.