Convention 2008 Address to Plenary Session

ADDRESS TO THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE
2008 NATIONAL PHILOPTOCOS BIENNIAL CONVENTION

Georgia Skeadas, National President

The 2008 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention convened on Sunday, July 13, 2008 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.  Three hundred ninety four 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, Maria Logus and Pauline O'Neal succeeded in preparing an exciting agenda of programs and activities that were educational, informative and inspiring.

Our 2008 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention represents the next step in our journey, as we Look Forward to the Future Philoptochos - a new vision - a new spirit - a new day - a new opportunity.  With zeal and enthusiasm, in a positive spirit, we are creating a blueprint for the future of Philoptochos and our philanthropic work, as we strive to achieve an even higher level of success in our philanthropic ministry, always remembering that "the future is something we create, not something we enter." 

Professional facilitators led the delegates in discussions regarding membership, leadership and compassionate giving.  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 were also moved and inspired by spiritual programs offered by three most dynamic clergymen, His Grace Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, the Society's Spiritual Advisor, as well as Father Mark Arey and Father Steven Zorzos. 

The delegates gave careful attention to, and successfully and unanimously passed, the Budget for 2009/2010.

The general assemblies provided an opportunity for the delegates to hear reports from Rev. Martin Ritsi, Director of the OCMC, Rev. Constantine Sitaras, Director of the Academy of St. Basil,  Rev. Nicholas Triantafilou, President of Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology, Mr. Dean Triantafilou of  IOCC, and Dr. Anthony Limberakis, National Commander Order of Saint Andrew, on the Ecumenical Patriarchate.  The assembly unanimously pledged its support for religious human rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

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 six years, Philoptochos as of today has contributed more than 8.7 million dollars to philanthropic causes and to the institutions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. 

During the convention, donations of $ 715,258 were distributed as follows:

$230,000 to pediatric hospitals and organizations in the Direct Archdiocesan District and each of the eight Metropolises and  an  additional $ 370,258 to the Academy of Saint Basil, St. Photios Shrine, International Orthodox Christian Charities, Orthodox Christian Mission Center, Support A Mission Priest Program, National Sisterhood of Presbyteres and UNICEF.   In addition, $15,000 was contributed to the Metropolis of Chicago for the floods in Iowa, $25,000 to Autism Speaks, $50,000 to Alzheimer's Association Medic Alert and Safe Return and $25,000 to the Pajama Program.

Autism is a complex, life-long, neurological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, affecting all racial and social groups.  As reflection of our Christian Faith and tradition, the delegates adopted the resolution proposing the establishment of the National Philoptochos Autism Assistance Fund.  This new fund of the Society would provide assistance and support to persons within the Autism Spectrum.

I would like to inform this body that the delegates of the Philoptochos Convention adopted a resolution requesting that the duration of the Clergy Laity Congress and Philoptochos Conventions be shortened so as to facilitate the participation of more delegates who otherwise would not be able to attend.  Let it be noted that the OCF, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship was adopted as a discretionary commitment by the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society.  All of these resolutions will be submitted to His Eminence the Archbishop for his approval before they can be implemented.

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 Tuesday we joined with the Clergy/Laity Congress and enjoyed a wonderful Greek cultural celebration.  We are indebted to the organizers of this event for a spectacular evening of Orthodox Christian fellowship and Hellenic culture.

The Philoptochos Banquet, on Monday evening, truly exemplified the Philoptochos mission and the fellowship of the combined conventions produced a memorable and moving event.  Our banquet theme was Promoting Literacy Through Love.  We were sincerely honored to have as our keynote speaker Ms. Genevieve Piturro, founder and Executive Director of the Pajama Program.  The Pajama Program provides pajamas and books to children in need and children waiting for a permanent home.  Over 550 pajamas were collected as well as over 4200 books.    The books will be distributed to the Pajama Program and the Roosevelt High School and its feeder schools, the McFarland Middle School and five elementary schools in Washington, DC.

We are extremely grateful to all of our 2008 Convention committee Chairs, their committees and the Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos, our Host committee, and all of the 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 2008 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention was a resounding success. 

Thank you.