Report to National Convention 2010

PLENARY REPORT OF THE

2010 NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS BIENNIAL CONVENTION

Aphrodite Skeadas, National President

The 2010 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention convened on Sunday, July 4th, 2010 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Three hundred eighty two registered delegates attended the convention's general assemblies, discussion groups and social events. With their boundless enthusiasm and dynamic spirit, our convention Program Chair and Co-Chairs, Diane Tseckares, Helen Ballerano and Georgia Vlittas, succeeded in preparing an exciting agenda of programs and activities that were educational, informative and inspiring.

Our 2010 National Philoptochos Biennial convention represents the next step in our journey, - a broader vision – a fresh spirit – a brighter day – a new opportunity.

I am honored and humbled to announce to this body that, with the blessings of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, the delegates of the 2010 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention overwhelmingly endorsed and wholeheartedly pledged their support for the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy, to be located in Manhattan!! With zeal and enthusiasm, in a positive spirit, we are creating a blueprint for the future of Philoptochos and our philanthropic ministry, "Witnessing our Faith in Christ through Works."

Our program was designed to provide our delegates with a wide array of information that is specifically relevant to the successful operation of each level of our Society, capitalizing on our strengths and improving our weaknesses. We looked from within our Greek Orthodox professional women to lead presentations of the three important elements of our organization: membership, leadership and women's emotional well being. We were also moved and inspired by spiritual programs offered by our spiritual advisor, His Grace Bishop Andonios of Phasiane.

The convention assemblies were attended by a licensed parliamentarian to ensure that our business be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rule of Parliamentary Procedure. The Bylaws and Resolutions Committee, along with the Budget Committee met in preview sessions. From the Resolutions Committee, three resolutions were presented to the delegates. These resolutions were approved and now will be submitted to His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios for his approval before they can be implemented. Likewise, the National Philoptochos Treasurer, on behalf of the Budget Committee, presented the 2011/2012 budget to the delegates for their consideration. This was successfully and unanimously passed.

The general assemblies provided an opportunity for the delegates to hear personal reflections of individuals whose lives were and continue to be touched by the various ministries of our Archdiocese, the very ministries which are the heart and soul of the commitments of Philoptochos. Our delegates were enriched and inspired by the presenters' outpouring of their experiences. Those presenters were, Stella Virgadamo representing Saint Basil Academy, Father Gary Kyriacou representing Hellenic College – Holy Cross, Kenneth Kidd representing OCMC, Katerina Hondros representing OCF and Sara Tomczyk representing IOCC. We were also honored to have with us Nathan Hoppe, a missionary serving in Albania.

The mission of the Philoptochos Society is to promote charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach, to preserve the sanctity of family, and to perpetuate and to promote our Orthodox faith and tradition. The Society is renowned for its support of the institutions of the Archdiocese and its commitment to assist the needy. In the hearts and minds of Philoptochos members, philanthropy has no boundaries. During my administration in the past two years, Philoptochos as of today has contributed more than 2.8 million dollars to philanthropic causes and to the institutions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

During the convention, donations of $332,000 were distributed as follows:

$140,000 to pediatric hospitals, senior citizens centers and organizations in the Direct Archdiocesan District and each of the eight Metropolises and an additional $192,000 to the St. Photios Shrine, International Orthodox Christian Charities, Orthodox Christian Mission Center, Support A Mission Priest Program and the Retired Clergy Benevolent Fund. In addition, $10,000 was contributed to Blessings in a Backpack, an incredible outreach program, affording school children a backpack filled with non-perishable food to see them through the weekend where they might otherwise go hungry.

Our Chapter Challenge recipients of 2008 made presentations to our delegates, enlightening them of their outreach programs that they initiated after being charged with the responsibility in 2008 to find a project that would impact their particular community. The initiatives that were reported brought tears to many as most revolved around our present economic malaise in this country and how to bring emotional comfort through concrete actions. Blessings in a Backpack was one of those challenges. Children are our future. This should NOT be a challenge but rather our responsibility!! Over 375 backpacks were collected from our delegates and were given to the Atlanta school system as they will be starting the Blessings in a Backpack initiative this fall.

While focused and invigorating discussions and debates were the hallmark of our business meetings, the Convention offered the delegates the opportunity to meet one another and to make lasting friendships. On Monday we joined with the Clergy/Laity Congress and enjoyed a wonderful evening in the Georgia Aquarium. On Tuesday evening, our delegates joined together at the Michael C. Carlos Museum on the grounds of Emory University for a night of Orthodox Christian fellowship along with viewing an absolute "gem", the Michael C. Carlos Museum. We were honored to have with us as Honorary Chairperson, Mimi Skandalakis, Honorary Past National Philoptochos President. It was a spectacular evening that will not be forgotten!!

We are extremely grateful to all of our 2010 Convention Committee Chairs, their committees and the Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos, our Host Committee, and all of their exceptional members and volunteers, for their endless energy and tireless efforts to bring us a Convention that surely was a shining beacon of excellence.

By this standard, and indeed, by any other, the 2010 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention was a resounding success.

Thank you.