April 2008 -Detroit Metropolis Holds Retreat and Area Meeting

DETROIT METROPOLIS HOLDS
RETREAT AND AREA MEETING

The Springfield, Ohio Ladies Philoptochos Chapter hosted a Lenten Retreat and Area meeting in April 2008.  His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas opened the Retreat whose theme was "One Thing is Needful" and Fr. William Cassis of Cincinnati, Ohio offered the opening prayer.  Rev. Fr. Mark Emroll of Dayton and Rev. Fr. Andrew Walsh of Springfield served as Retreat leaders relating the story of Martha and Mary and their relationship to Christ.  They encouraged the Philoptochos to be like Martha who is always ready to help but also like Mary and become closer to Christ and God. Metropolitan Nicholas provided additional reflection on the topic. 

Detroit Metropolis President, Eleni Zeferis, congratulated the Springfield Philoptochos and thanked all those who attended from Dayton, Middletown, Cincinnati and Lexington, KY. 

A light Lenten luncheon of soup, salad and dessert was served to emulate the Empty Bowls event held by the Wittenberg University Art Students.  The Springfield Philoptochos serves as a major sponsor for this event whose proceeds benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.  The simple meal is served as a reminder of hunger that exists in the world.

Everyone present learned the "One Thing Needful" is Christ in our lives.