Historic National Philoptochos Pilgrimage to Ecumenical Patriarchate Part 2

On Friday, October 5, 2007 the historic Philoptochos Pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, sponsored by the National Philoptochos Board, embarked from cities across the United States, led by National Board Advisor, His Grace Bishop Andonios of Phasiane. Plans for the trip emanated from the work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Committee of the National Board to create a sense of support and connection to the Phanar and its philanthropic ministries beyond the substantial monetary commitment sent each year. Our physical presence would allow us to visit the institutions we support, observe and discuss their needs with leaders, and create a personal experience and bond which would hopefully blossom into fruitful activity throughout the Philoptochos chapters of the United States.

Our itinerary began in earnest on Sunday, Oct. 7th with services at the Church of St. George at the Phanar with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew officiating. The Phanar, beautiful within its walls, reflects the difficulties faced over the centuries to this very day in maintaining this ancient seat of Orthodoxy in the midst of physical and legal restrictions. After services we met with His All Holiness in the Patriarchal offices, finally rebuilt in 1985 after restrictions prevented their replacement following a disastrous fire in 1941. After greetings and remarks by His All Holiness, Faye Peponis, chairman of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Committee of the National Philoptochos Board on behalf of National President Georgia Skeadas, presented the Ecumenical Patriarch with a check for $10,000 to aid in the work of patriarchal ministries.

Activities followed in quick succession with visits to the Greek Orthodox churches in Istanbul; sailing to the Princes Islands to visit the world renowned Halki School of Theology, spotless and groomed, ever hopeful and anticipating the day classes will resume; being greeted with flowers by the students of the Zographeion Lycum who looked so much like any GOYA group here at home but face such challenges every day, and Baloukli Home for the Aged whose residents were well cared for and so loving and appreciative of the many visitors eager to exchange a caress or a story.