Agiasmo of National Philoptochos Office
Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Relocation Complete
by Aphrodite Skeadas
The Agiasmo service offered by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios on August 5, 2009 completed the relocation and the transition of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society to its new location at 7 West 55th Street in Manhattan.
His Eminence blessed every person in attendance and blessed the good works that emanate from the National Office. His Eminence explained in his remarks that the relocation from the 74th Street Archdiocesan Cathedral to the 55th Street space adjacent to the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church (FAPC)is indicative of the many implications of change that occur for the benefit and the growth of the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. His Eminence charged Philoptochos to develop new initiatives and to be creative. His Eminence presented to President Skeadas, on behalf of the Philoptochos, a magnificent icon of the Panagia with the Christ Child which the members and staff of the Society will forever treasure.
His Grace Bishop Andonios participated in the Agiasmo as did Archdeacons Panteleimon and Nathanael. His Grace Bishop Andonios blessed each of the offices and the entire space comprising the National Philoptochos headquarters.
President Skeadas offered brief remarks thanking His Eminence, His Grace and the Archdeacons for the blessings. President Skeadas also thanked all those present and participating including Alice Keurian, Director of the Office of the Archbishop, Jim Golding, Editor in Chief of the Orthodox Observer, Pastor of FAPC Reverend Katherine Dunn, Michael Coniaris, FAPC Director of Communications and National Philoptochos Executive and Board members. President Skeadas recognized the great efforts of the National Philoptochos staff and National Philoptochos Board volunteers Georgia Vlitas and Stella Fiorentino. The President recognized the anonymous angel donor for his extreme generosity.
For the last year the National Philoptochos Society experienced much change, change being beneficial when appropriately planned and teamed with progress yielding positive results. With superior work offered by the faithful women of the organization and in particular Relocation Chairperson Kassandra Romas and Legal Advisor Anita Kartalopoulos, the Society successfully relocated to its new office.
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society continues its mission for almost eight decades to responsibly serve those in need with love, concern, caring and compassion. As the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and under the leadership and chairmanship of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, the Society is proud to effectively continue its good works in its new home where Philoptochos is a tenant of and neighbor to the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church who share a similar vision of assisting others.
Many challenges lie ahead as Philoptochos moves forward in its philanthropic scope. We must continue to grow and to multiply our efforts so that a greater number of people feel the love offered by the faithful women and members of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. The horizon appears bright for the Society and with the Lord's blessings, the goal of the National Philoptochos will be realized with a permanent home.