2006 Convention Theme

National Philoptochos Convention Theme

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society will convene its 2006 Biennial Convention in Nashville, Tennessee from Sunday, July 16th thru Thursday, July 20th at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. The convention will meet concurrently with the 38th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America presiding.

National President Georgia Skeadas announced that the Philoptochos Convention will feature the theme, Celebrating 75 Years of Philanthropy, as the organization celebrates its successful history. President Skeadas remarked, "Philoptochos has a long and noble history of philanthropic outreach and dedicated service to the Greek Orthodox community, and the community at large. Starting with just a few women of devout Orthodox Christian faith, the Society has now grown into a nationwide movement of 30,000 women dedicated to their faith, their church and their philanthropic mission. It is these women, of the past, and of the present, who have served and continue to serve, with love, dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ, who will be honored and celebrated at the Convention."

Convention Chairmen, Maria Stavropoulos, (National Board Third Vice President), and Co-Chairmen Katherine Kotsis, (Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos President), and Eleni Zaferes, (National Board member) along with Nashville Host Committee Chairmen, Lisa Solon, (Philoptochos Chapter President) and Presbytera Stella Sfikas invite Philoptochos members from throughout the country to participate in this historic convention to celebrate the combined efforts and successes of 75 years of philanthropy.

Philoptochos members have the unique opportunity every two years to participate in organizational decision making and help shape Philoptochos for the future while also engaging in interactive discussion groups to exchange thoughts, ideas and experiences. The Skills Forums to be offered are designed to build organizational capacity as members enhance their knowledge of the skills necessary to lead an effective and responsible not-for-profit organization.

The Convention opens on Saturday with Registration, the National Philoptochos President’s Brunch, the National Board Meeting and the Grand Old Opry Concert. Sunday begins with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios officiating. The Philoptochos Opening Ceremony and two specialized sessions: Budget Preview and Mock Elections are held Sunday afternoon. Monday following the Official Opening Breakfast, members will participate in interactive Discussion Groups and in the evening attend the historic Celebration of 75 Years of Philanthropy Philoptochos Banquet. The Philoptochos General Assembly commences on Tuesday concluding with a panel discussion featuring the topic of "Aging" and in the evening members will attend an Evening at the Parthenon. The Philoptochos General Assembly reconvenes on Wednesday with highlights including: Awards Presentations, Spiritual Commentary and the Philoptochos Challenge. The day concludes with An Evening to Enjoy Family and Friends. Thursday’s program begins with Breakfast with President Skeadas offering her Presidential Farewell. Skills Forums and the Healthy Heart Wellness Program conclude the day’s events followed by the Grand Banquet on Thursday evening.

New program formats have been designed to inspire, motivate and enthuse the delegates with a new zeal for the mission of philanthropy, so that working together we may build an even more dynamic organization. The celebration of 75 years of philanthropy will be truly an historic milestone for the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society.

For Registration information contact Helen Lavorata, National Philoptochos Director at PhilosNY@aol.com