His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros
Opening Remarks
“I congratulate the Philoptochos for engaging this National Convention, as a sign of their solidarity across the country with all their chapters, and as a sign of hope in our future. The difficulties of the pandemic are far from over, but we must continue to serve and be a witness to the love of God for everyone and everything in His glorious creation. You, the noble women of the Philoptochos, have demonstrated this most clearly in your early charitable support for those suffering in this time of COVID-19. In concert with you, the Archdiocese opened its own emergency fund, and I am pleased to relate that we were able to help hundreds of individuals whose lives were severely and harshly impacted by the pandemic. Thank you for your vision and thank you for your generosity. Your response to the current crisis has most certainly been worthy of your name – Philoptochos.”
National Philoptochos President’s Report
Maria Logus, Esq.
“We must pray that we will find the strength and the resources within ourselves to adapt to tomorrow’s demands, just as we have through decades and decades of service to the church and the world. And we must do one more thing – we must promise to never again apologize for Philoptochos, never apologize for another luncheon, never apologize for another raffle – or bake sale – or dinner – or whatever it takes for us to help those in need. Philoptochos should make each of us proud, and if the worst thing someone can say is that we are tireless fund raisers and do-gooders – so be it – we are just that and we should proclaim it joyfully. I thank you all; I urge each of you to dream bigger and bigger, and look forward to all of our tomorrows with great hope and optimism.”
Congratulations to the
2020 AGAPE Award Winners!!!
The AGAPE Award (All Generations Accomplishing Philanthropic Endeavors), established in 2008, provides the unique opportunity at the National Philoptochos Convention to honor and recognize nine outstanding women from across the Archdiocese who embody the true spirit of philanthropia.
It is our privilege to bestow this prestigious award on these Philoptochos stewards who have been tireless workers for their respective chapters. These outstanding women have inspired their fellow members and parish communities as personifications of the wonderful ministry of Philoptochos.
- Direct Archdiocesan District- Despina C. Kartson
- Metropolis of Boston- Denise S. (Frentzos) Reed
- Metropolis of Denver- Kiki Pantazis
- Metropolis of Atlanta- Fran Papamichael
- Metropolis of Detroit- Margaret Manos
- Metropolis of Pittsburgh- Connie S. Bowling
- Metropolis of San Francisco- Vassie Kyritsis
- Metropolis of New Jersey- Demetra (Dee) Petrantis
- Metropolis of Chicago- Olga Paxinos
Congratulations to the
2020 Young Philanthropist Nominees!!!
The National Philoptochos Young Philanthropist Award honors one young woman and one young man from each of the Metropolises and the Direct Archdiocesan District. Originally, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was to present these awards at the Opening Ceremonies of the Clergy Laity Congress. Unfortunately, the cancellation of the Congress changed our plans. This year, we will honor all of the nominees.
Each student was asked to write and essay on the topic, “Why I am a Philanthropist.” Included in the presentation are excerpts from their inspirational answers along with quotes from those who nominated them.
Additionally, there is a special message to all the nominees by Nia Vardalos, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated writer and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
2020 FEED THE HUNGRY
Philoptochos met and surpassed the 2020 challenge of serving 1.5 Million Meals.
The Total number of hands-on meals provided:
Convention Spotlight Feature
Bruno Serato of Caterina’s Club
“Ending the war against hunger with pasta.”
Philoptochos Cares
PRESENTATIONS
COVID-19 Speakers
Ekaterina G. Kehl, MD
COVID-19 Clinical Update
Randa K. Anderson, LCP
The New 3 R’s for 2020
PHILOPTOCHOS INITIATIVES
Operation Classroom
Irene Arsoniadis, Chair
Opioid Addiction
Tony Hoffman
Former BMX champion Tony Hoffman connects with American Addiction Centers to share the story of his journey. Tony’s “live” presentation was exclusive to the convention.
Vaping- Dr. Katina Nicolacakis
& Sophia Gugliotta
Kindness Counts
Alexis Limberakis, Chair
Department of Social Services
Click here to download the 2020 Social Services Convention report.
Committee Reports
Emergency Fund Committee
Leadership Committee
Membership Committee
Public Relations Committee
2020 Convention Binder
Binder includes:
- Welcome Letter
- Program Agenda
- 2020 Virtual Convention Rules
- Finance Report
- Social Services Report
- Guest Speakers
- Documents from the Opioid Crisis Committee
- Resolutions
REPORTS
2020 Committee Reports
- Aid to Greece & Cyprus
- Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon 2019
- Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon Powerpoint-Click Here
- Environmental Responsibility
- Hellenic College/ Holy Cross
- Human Trafficking Awareness & Action
- Membership
- Operation Classroom
- Opioid Crisis Subcommittee
- Project Review
- Saint Nicholas National Shrine
- Spiritual Enrichment
- St. Basil Academy
- Vaping Subcommittee
- Veteran’s Assistance
- Women’s Health Initiative
PHILOPTOCHOS BUSINESS
2020-2022 Budget
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED
- Resolution to Amend Article V, Section 4, Paragraph 5 of the ByLaws to streamline the ratification of chapter Board of Directors and Officers.
- Resolution to Amend Article IV, Section 2, Paragraph 2 (i), and Article V, Section 5, Paragraph (h), to clarify the role of Advisor to the Board.
- Resolution to Amend Article VI, Section 4, Paragraph 4 of the ByLaws to clarify the waiver process.
- Resolution to request that the Republic of Turkey restore Hagia Sophia’s status as a museum, open to the world and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2020 Convention Sponsorship
These programs and presentations were made possible by our generous sponsors.
We thank you for your continued support!
