Christmas 2007

Dear Ladies of the Philoptochos Society, 

It is with a heart filled with joy and love that I greet you during this most joyous season of the year.

"Peace on earth, good will among all mankind!" the angels proclaimed on the night of Christ's birth.  The angels were representatives of the newborn King, who came to us not in a palace, not in a comfortable room at the inn, but in a humble cave - the place where animals were kept.    The shepherds in the fields heard the Good News from the angels, followed the light from the heavenly star to this lowly place, and journeyed forth to honor our Lord at the manger and then on to share the Good News of our Savior's birth.

But the shepherds were not the first to hear the good news.  That honor was bestowed upon a woman - the blessed Virgin Mary, who heard of Christ's coming from the Angel Gabriel.  Women were the first to hear the news of Christ's birth, just as they were the first to hear of His resurrection, and the first to become the messengers of the Good News.

Today, we, the women of Philoptochos, are called upon to be the vanguard of spreading the Good News of our Lord, through acts of charity, kindness, love and generosity to the needy, the helpless, the sick and the suffering.   Let us be the shining example of Christ's love in everything we do, from our parishes and local communities, to the community at large and to the entire world.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you, the Ladies of Philoptochos, for your tireless, devoted and unending efforts for philanthropy.  Let us continue our journey together in harmony, peace and love.  Christmas is a celebration of love.  Christmas is the eternal manifestation of the love of God for the entire world.  Christmas must be the daily expression of love in all of our lives for God and for one another.  I pray that this Christmas season offers you many opportunities to share this love and to spread the great joy of our Lord and Savior's birth.

May the spirit of Christmas be with you each and every day.  On behalf of the National Philoptochos Board, I wish you, your families and your loved ones a very blessed and joyous Christmas.  May the spirit of our Lord guide you throughout the New Year, and always, to bring you His love, grace and peace.

With love in Christ,
Georgia Skeadas,
National President