President Message
National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas
Issues Message for new Ecclesiastical Year
"May the Lord bless our nation and our servicemen and servicewomen protecting our lives and freedoms. As we begin this new ecclesiastical year, please pray for peace in the world. Please keep in your prayers the victims, their families and their loved ones on the ten year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedy."
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National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas Addresses Direct Archdiocesan District and Philoptochos Conference May 16, 2011
Christos Anesti!
I am delighted and honored to be present on the occasion of the 2011 Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos Conference.
Thank you, Maria Skiadas for your kind invitation to share with all this glorious day. I am privileged to work with Maria, a dedicated and devoted National Philoptochos Executive Board Member, respected by her peers. I recognize National Philoptochos Board members in attendance and thank them for their service. Please rise when I announce your name. Lily Katos, Stella Fiorentino, Nellie Logothetides, Georgia Kaloidis, Stella Pantelides, Callie Tsitsipas, Sylvia Vellios.
On behalf of the National Philoptochos Society, and on behalf of my home parish family and Church of Our Saviour Philoptochos delegates President Jennifer Constantin and Past President Chrissa Skeadas, I extend to you warmest greetings and welcome you to our parish.
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Metropolis of Pittsburgh Hosts Successful Daffodil Fundraiser
National President Aphrodite Skeadas Keynote Speaker
Christos Anesti!
On behalf of the National Philoptochos Society I am delighted to be here and extend to you warmest greetings. Thank you, Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos President Rosemary Nikas and the Pittsburgh Metropolis Board for hosting the annual Daffodil Luncheon benefiting the Metropolis Philoptochos Social Services Fund and the University of Pittsburgh Melanoma Research Program. Thank you for your gracious invitation.
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National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas Pascha 2011 Reflections
"I greet you during the Great and Holy Lent as we walk together towards the sacred mystery of unconditional love found in the crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The anguishing events of the past months that have unfolded throughout the world, natural rippling catastrophes, man created wars and the dampening economic crises, make us pause ruefully and truly appreciate the delicate, yet perilous, nature of life.
We are constantly reminded that the environment, humankind and our lives our fragile. The events that occur in nature directly affect us all and our own actions and decisions have powerful ramifications for ourselves and others. All this reflection, with spiritual solace, makes us more aware of how precious the gift of life is, how truly priceless each day is and the need to protect both the environment and humankind for universal redemption....?
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Philoptochos Supports Veterans
A Chapter "Call to Action" to support our Veterans (click here for more information)
2010 National Convention Enthusiasticaly Endorses Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy
National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas in her address to the Clergy Laity Plenary Session stated, "I am honored and humbled to announce to this body that, with the blessings of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, the delegates of the 2010 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."
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NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS INVITES MEMBERS
TO COME AND SEE
Witnessing our Faith in Christ through Works
The National Philoptochos theme for the upcoming 2010 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention on July 4th through 7th in Atlanta, GA is: “Come and See…Witnessing our Faith in Christ through Works”. Understanding the importance of this spiritual calling and its relevance to the Philoptochos mission, National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas, along with the Convention Chairmen, Helen Ballerano, Diane Tseckares and Georgia Vlitas, as well as Evangeline Mekras Scurtis, the Host Chairman for the Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos, are utilizing the theme as the framework for the deliberations of the entire Convention.
President Aphrodite Skeadas' Pascha 2010 Message
"We celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord with loved ones and friends at midnight on Holy Saturday as we "Come and receive the Light", the radiant expression of God declaring triumphant victory over death."
"The Great and Holy Lenten period provides us with the most sacred opportunity for deep prayer, forgiveness, self-reflection, fasting, retreat and charitable acts. This is a time to affirm and strengthen our relationship with our Lord.
GO RED SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 7, 2010
GO RED FOR WOMEN is the American Heart Association's national call to increase awareness of heart disease, the number one killer of American women. This is a national call for women, by women, to take charge of their wellbeing and liver stronger, healthier lives.
NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS DONATES $20,000 TO HAITIAN RELIEF EFFORT ISSUES A CALL TO CHAPTERS TO SUPPORT APPEAL
National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas announced that the National Philoptochos Society responded immediately to the appeal of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios with $20,000 in aid from the National Philoptochos Society's Emergency Fund.
Haitian Relief Fund Letter
Dear National Board Members, Chapter Presidents and Members of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society,
It is with great sadness we learned of the loss of human life and devastating destruction following the earthquake of magnitude 7.0 that hit Haiti on January 12, 2010.
2010 Vasilopita Letter
January is important month for the Philoptochos Chapters Nationwide as they seek support for two critical ministries:
Social Services Letter to Chapters
Dear Chapter Presidents and Members,
On behalf of the Department of Social Services we to thank you for your generosity this past year which has enabled us to make a real difference in the lives of those who seek our help.
2009 Christmas Message
Then the Angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people..." Luke 2:10
Care Packages for Troops Overseas
Dear National Philoptochos Board Members, Chapter Presidents and Members of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, A recent article in the New York Times (Raising Morale Far From Home, November 12, 2009) emphasizes the importance of supporting our troops who defend our freedom far from home. "Getting a care package from home can work wonders for morale," said Major Gary Bourland, 39, a Marine on his fourth deployment. He reports that it will be snowing in Afghanistan on Christmas Day, and his Marines will be sitting in the dirt, cold and miserable. "You are in 14,000-foot-high mountains and not bathing for 30 days. The dirt is like flour and gets in everything - your lungs, pores, everything." Melissa Letizio, 28, a master sergeant deployed in the United Arab Emirates reports, "You never feel like a girl...you are in uniform all the time and you are sweaty, dirty...your hair breaks off in your hand because of the heat...you can't wear makeup because it sweats off your face...you feel like you look terrible and that can cause women to get depressed."
National President Aphrodite Skeadas Addresses The 2009 Saint Basil Academy Graduation
National President Aphrodite Skeadas joined His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios; Executive Director, Rev. Father Costa Sitaras; The Honorable Consul General of Greece in New York, Mrs. Aglaia Balta; The Honorable Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York, Mr. Andreas Panayiotou; Mrs. Evellyn Tsiadis, President and the Board of Trustees; the 2009 Graduates; National Philoptochos Board Members; Family, Supporters, Friends and the Children of St. Basil Academy at the 2009 Graduation ceremonies on June 20, 2009.
View Past Messages from the Philoptochos President:
- New Ecclesiastical Year September 2011 Letter
- Southern States
- Japan Devastation
- National Philoptochos Responds to Nashville Flood Relief Effort
- Philoptochos Daffodil Luncheon
- President Aphrodite Skeadas' DAD Philoptochos Conference May 16, 2011
- National Philoptochos Invites Members To Come and See
- President Aphrodite Skeadas' Pascha 2010 Message
- Haitian Relief Fund Letter
- Agiasmo of National Philoptochos Office
- Care Packages for Troops Overseas
- National Philoptochos Office Relocates
- President Aphrodite Skeadas' Pascha 2009 Message
- Christmas 2008