Happy New Year! I pray that 2016 brings to all of our Philoptochos members and their loved ones a year of good health, peace and hope. Webster’s dictionary defines hope “as to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true”. We can hope to make this a better world, more importantly, as Philoptochos sisters we can work together to make a better life for those less fortunate and those in need of our assistance.

2016 promises to be an exciting year for Philoptochos as we mark 85 years of Philanthropy! We look forward to a continuation of the programs and initiatives set forth by National Philoptochos: The Feeding the Hungry initiative with the goal of 250,000 meals served and/or prepared in the months leading up to our National Convention in July, the initiative to support the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine and the continuing efforts to help our brethren with the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign. Yes, there is much to be accomplished this year, but we are strong Philoptochos women who can and will, through the grace of God, make it happen.

In addition, we eagerly anticipate the biennial Philoptochos Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, where we will celebrate our 85 years of Philanthropy by honoring the women who served in the past, those who are serving today, and those who will serve in the future. Mark your calendars for July 3-8. I encourage all of the chapters in our Metropolis to send representatives to join your other Philoptochos sisters in Music City USA!

In closing, many of us make resolutions for the New Year…to get a better job, to eat healthier, to exercise more, the list can go on and on. Let us make a resolution to continue to focus on the increasing needs of those who are deprived, to continue to promote our mission of Philoptochos and to work to extend our outreach beyond what we do now. This is Philoptochos, this is OUR legacy...past, present, and future. With sisterly agape,

Pam Argyris Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos President

Winter 2016 Edition

PHILOPTOCHOS PERSPECTIVE Start Off Your New Year With The Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Perspective

President’s Corner Calendar 2-3

Staying Fit 4

September Luncheon 5-14

His Eminence’s Name Day 15-16

Clergy-Laity 17-28

National Shrine 29

Christmas Open House 30-32

Assumption Chicago 33

St. Demetrios Chicago 34-35

St. Demetrios Elmhurst 36

St. George Schererville, IN 37

St. Luke Columbia, MO 38

St. Basil Outreach 39-40

St. Spyridon 41

Aid to Greece & Cyprus 42-43

St. Andrews 44-45

Past President Irene Arsoniadis & Current President Pam Argyris

METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO

Calendar of Chapters’ Events - 2016 January

01/30 St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn: Cooking Lesson & Luncheon

February

02/06 Holy Cross, Justice: Pastichio Cook-off

02/06 St. Sophia, Elgin: “A Night at the Bouzoukia III” featuring Rythmos & traditional Greek Buffet

02/14 Holy Trinity, Fond du lac, Wisconsin: Annual Sweetheart Luncheon following Divine Liturgy

02/20 Metropolis Philoptochos Chapter Presidents’ Meeting @ St. Basil, Chicago

02/25 Metropolis Philoptochos President Irene Arsoniadis’ Testimonial Dinner @

Fountain Blue, Des Plaines

02/26 St. Demetrios, Elmhurst: Annual Fashion Show

02/27 SS Constantine & Helen, Palos Hills: Apokriatiko Glendi

March

03/05 St. Andrew, Chicago: Glendi, Fellowship @ 6 pm, Dinner @ 7 pm at St. Andrew Church

03/05 St. Nicholas, St. Louis, Missouri: Trivia Night

03/05 SS Peter & Paul, Glenview: Glendi

03/06 Ascension of Our Lord, Lincolnshire: Glendi @ Concorde Banquets

03/26 Lenten Retreat @ Holy Cross

April

04/09 SS Constantine & Helen, Palos Hills: Quilt-a-thon

04/09 SS Peter & Paul, Glenview: Quilt-a-thon

May

05/06 Zoodohos Peghe @ St. Iakovos Retreat Center, Brighton, Wisconsin

05/14 St. John the Baptist, Des Plaines: Mad Hatter Luncheon @ The Glen Club, Glenview

to benefit Heifer International

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METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO Calendar of Chapters’ Events – 2016

June

06/04 Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Chapter Presidents’ Meeting

@ St. Iakovos Retreat Center, Brighton, Wisconsin

July

07/03 – 08 43rd National Clergy-Laity & 2016 Philoptochos Biennial Convention in Nashville, Tennessee

September

09/24 Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Annual Luncheon @ The Carlisle, Lombard, IL

Please Note: Every Chapter hosts Christmas & Easter Bake Sales, Palm Sunday Luncheons, Membership Drives and other usual internal events. Due to limitation of space, this calendar is designed as a tool to notify chapters about

citywide events, to encourage participation from our chapters’ members, and as a vehicle for planning chapter events to assist in eliminating schedule conflicts whenever possible.

Philoptochos Members – Share Your Unforgettable Memories and Events With Your Friends In The Philoptochos Perspective. Send to: marilynnjemas@gmail.com or

philoptochospersective@gmail.com

Philoptochos Ladies Set Their Sites on Wellness & Staying Fit The Assumption Chicago Philoptochos learned about the Mediterranean diet and its impact on our health at a recent meeting. Registered dietician Maria Delis discussed the history of the Mediterranean diet and its impact on conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. She shared recipes and demonstrated the preparation of two delicious dishes--roasted beets with yogurt and walnuts, and bulgur and chickpea pilaf. She emphasized that good food choices, staying active and engaging with family and friends are all key to living a healthy life. About 50 members and guests attended the meeting in Elmhurst.

Maria Delis, RD, LDN brought a beautiful basket of healthy Mediterranean foods as part of her presentation.

Assumption Philoptochos members enjoy Mediterranean inspired treats after the meeting.

September Luncheon – 2015

Our Luncheon Co-Chairs were Joanne Stavrakas, Pat Gerbanas and Peggy Vranas OUR FAITH, OUR FOUNDATION, OUR FUTURE was the theme of the Annual September Luncheon which was held at Cafe La Cave. Maria Logus, our National Philoptochos President, was our honored guest. The proceeds from this event were earmarked for the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine at the World Trade Center, The St.Iakovos Retreat Center and Metropolis Endeavors.

The Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos is very blessed to have so many wonderful, talented and dedicated Philoptochos members. We want to share a collection of your accomplishments and positive thoughts in each edition of the Perspective to

support and affirm the important work that you all do so happily and willingly. Continue to send in your submissions to the Perspective.

Remember - SNAP it, SEND it & SHARE it!

This Valentine’s Day or For Any Special Occasion Give ESSENCE OF PHILOPTOCHOS

Instead of Candy or Flowers!

Contact Marilyn Tzakis at MGTLTD@AOL.COM

Past and Present Metropolis Board

Many thanks to George Poulos Photography for donating his services!

His Eminence’s Name Day Many gathered to celebrate and offer their warm wishes and Xronia Polla to His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos. May the Lord grant His Eminence many healthy and happy years.

Madison, WI Clergy – Laity Conference These photos will help us reflect on the wonderful welcome and enjoyable days we spent at the Clergy Laity Convention in Madison, Wisconsin. Because of distance and time constraints, most of us use the printed word to communicate our thoughts to others. But at our Clergy Laity in Madison, the quickest, easiest and most effective way to communicate assurance, kindness and caring was with a smile. There were many smiles shared in Madison! During our meetings and meals in Madison, all attendees listened attentively to informative reports, we shared ideas and we connected with other Philoptochos members. We disbanded feeling more passionate about Philoptochos, more well equipped to transfer the ideas we learned to other members back home and much more committed about Philoptochos and the positive work in which we all have the opportunity to participate!

Jump-start new friendships with Philoptochos!

Ask your friends to join.

Clergy Laity Presenters

Encouragement breeds confidence, which breeds success!

Showing Gratitude to Military Veterans & their Families Presented by Kathy Siavelis & Peggy Vranas

Our National Philoptochos has continued to focus our efforts on showing our gratitude and appreciation by recommending various projects and programs which assist our men and women in the military as well as our veterans and their families. One such program, which was highlighted at our recent Metropolis of Chicago Clergy-Laity-Philoptochos Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, is "Operation Housewarming", which has been implemented by the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board and Chapters. For several years, the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos has assisted homeless veterans as they transition to independent living. As part of the program, Philoptochos Chapters contribute a wide range of household items, monetary contributions, and/or gift cards to purchase the items needed to establish a new home. The Metropolis Philoptochos Members coordinate the purchase, collection and arrange for the delivery of these items to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Chapters may implement a similar program in their area by contacting their local Veterans Administration Network Leadership. In addition to helping homeless veterans, our Metropolis Philoptochos recommends that individual chapters may choose to support organizations such as Fisher House Charities, which focuses on the well-being and care of veterans. It is our hope that our Philoptochos Members will, in some way, continue to honor and support our Men and Women in Military and Veterans who have sacrificed for us and our country.

Georgia Sarlas presented an explanation of Christian Philoxenia as a new suggested program for all chapters. It is a Senior Citizen initiative, which has been done for a few years between 5 Chicago South Side Chapters (SS. Constantine & Helen of Palos Hills, St. Spyridon of Palos Heights, St. Nicholas of Oak Lawn, Assumption of Homer Glen and Holy Cross of Justice. Each chapter hosts a free luncheon once a year, inviting all seniors of these churches. The day begins with a Divine Liturgy, an Artoclasia, luncheon with entertainment. Reservations are encouraged and conversation is the most popular entertainment. Other chapters were encouraged to start their own luncheon program with other chapters in close proximity, if possible. Not only do the seniors love it, but the chapters become closer to each other.

Metropolis Christian Philoxenia Presentation at Clergy Laity Presented by Georgia Sarlas

Human Trafficking Presentation at Clergy Laity Presented by Kathy Siavelis & Peggy Vranas

For the past several years, our National Philoptochos has been very interested in helping victims of human trafficking, as well as those that are homeless that are often part of the same group. Now we are taking all the knowledge that we have obtained and will be putting our motivation and ideas into action. Our National Philoptochos New Philanthropic Initiatives Committee has obtained information about various agencies, within each Metropolis, which assist these vulnerable youth. We are now compiling all of this information and hope to have it on our National Philoptochos Website very soon. By utilizing our Website, Philoptochos Members can obtain information regarding specific agencies, along with their contact information, and recommendations as to how Chapters and Members can assist these agencies in having an impact on helping these victims. So far, we have found that many of these agencies feel that we can offer them assistance by providing these youth with basic necessities such as toiletry kits, clothing, backpacks, school kits, holiday gifts, and food. When these youth come to an agency, they usually have nothing or very little. Our gifts can offer them a hopeful, new beginning.

Membership - Presented by Marilyn Tzakis

Many suggestions were discussed regarding increasing membership. Maria Logus, our Philoptochos National President has requested that each chapter initiate measures to increase membership in their chapter by 5%.

Metropolis Commitment Presentation at Clergy Laity Presented by Peggy M. Vranas

The National Philoptochos Commitments have been discussed and adopted by the chapter delegates at the National Philoptochos Biennial Convention and are approved by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. These National Commitments should be included in your chapter's annual budget and should be automatically forwarded to the National Office in the appropriate month, without motions or vote of the chapter membership, because they were already voted on when the budget was approved. Each local chapter supports these commitments through various fundraising activities. Funds are collected in specific months. There are 18 coupons in the coupon book that is given to each chapter by National for 19 Commitments plus Membership.

For the year 2014, of our 56 chapters in our Metropolis, 56 have totally paid their commitments. Congratulations! For the year 2015, delegates were encouraged to complete all Commitments thru December 2015 so that our Metropolis of Chicago could once again be at 100%. The National Clergy Laity will be in July of 2016. At the last convention, we did an excellent job of paying all of our 2012/2013 Commitments. We were at 100%. Let us once again be known as the Metropolis that paid 100% of our 2014/2015 Commitments.

The Feed the Hungry program in our Metropolis began in May of 1991 under the Metropolis Presidency of Georgia Barris. We are in our 25th year of existence and are doing great.

We meet at the Annunciation Cathedral’s hall twice a month – the 2nd and last Tuesdays at 11:30 to 12:30. Each Philoptochos chapter of the Chicago land area is responsible for serving at one of these sessions. Meals are simple but nutritious. Menus include - protein, starch, vegetable, salad, bread, dessert, a cold drink and coffee. The Annunciation Cathedral Philoptochos with the St. George of Chicago Philoptochos also serve on Thanksgiving Day a regular Thanksgiving meal – turkey to pumpkin pie. His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos offers the prayer and serves. It is a sit down meal where our volunteers take the food to the hungry at their table. A Christmas Dinner, near Christmas, is also served by Ahepa and the PanLaconian Brotherhood.

The first serving each month we celebrate everyone’s birthday for that month. Same dessert for the birthdays but we put a birthday candle in it and sing Happy Birthday. If you bring clothes to give, bring them the day of serving. Whatever does not get picked up, you must take back. The Cathedral has no storage space for used clothes.

We never know how many people will come for a meal. The past four years our records indicate that we have been serving around 3000 meals a year. We recommend that our chapters prepare for 175 – 200 servings. People do take seconds, if there is a lot of food. Better to have extra than to run out. At the end of each session, the volunteers have a

Feed the Hungry – Report November, 2015 - Presented by Georgia Gavaris

Perspective – Presented by Marilynn Jemas

A heartfelt thank you to all of you that have taken the time to submit your chapter photos and reports to the Perspective. As your Editor, I sincerely appreciate everyone’s earnest participation to make our Perspective burst with beautiful examples of the wonderful work in which our chapters are consistently involved. It would not surprise me if many of our readers & members resolutions for 2016 included something about, " Being more involved “. There are many feel good benefits from being more involved with family, friends, faith communities, charities and volunteering which add up to a bunch of positives for those who do become actively involved. Each year Philoptochos offers us all multiple opportunities to become more involved, to try to accomplish new goals and to make a difference. Please continue to share your chapter’s ideas, efforts and accomplishments with the Perspective. Great opportunities to help others do not come very often, but small ones surround us everyday!

Philoptochos members experience the joy of serving others! Make your life count, join Philoptochos!

The Perspective is now accepting submissions for

The Spring Edition (Jan-April 2016)

Mrs. Virginia Margeas won the contest for being the longest standing Philoptochos member. Virginia arrived at Holy Trinity in Sioux City, Iowa as a young bride. Virginia has been a member of Philoptochos for 60 years. Pictured above are Dr. Fotene Karantinos, the Sioux City Philoptochos President and Irene Arsoniadis. On May 19, 1929, their chapter began and was called the Mirofores or Myhrbearing women. That was 87 years ago and prior to the official inception of the National Philoptochos. For many years the chapter went by the names of Mirofores Philoptochos.

A special thank you to everyone in Madison for your warm welcome, for undertaking and for hosting the 2015 Clergy Laity and Philoptochos Convention.

Everyone enjoyed our visit to Madison.

Always anticipate the best!

Arlene Siavelis Kehl, 1st Vice President of the National Philoptochos Board, reported current information regarding the Shrine Fundraising efforts. The most important fact is that all fundraising efforts to benefit the Shrine have been extended to May 2016. At this time it is important to thank those individuals and chapters that have already made their contribution to the St. Nicholas Church and Shrine. The extension for accepting donations for the Shrine will allow those individuals and chapters that have not sent in their contribution or would like to increase their contribution additional time to step up their efforts to fulfill their obligation to make their donation. It is not too late to send in a personal contribution of $100, to initiate a chapter fundraising event or to spread the word to others that additional time has been allocated for them to make their contribution. 2016 will be a very special year for the St. Nicholas Church and Shrine, as the majority of the construction will be carried out this year. All Greek Orthodox Christians and American citizens should work together to rebuild this St. Nicholas for all future generations. The St. Nicholas Church and Shrine have been given a prominent place at the World Trade Center site. The church itself will be an outstandingly beautiful building of which all Greek Orthodox will be proud. All funds raised by our Metropolis should be submitted to the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos in care of the Treasurer.

"You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety. “

His Eminence’s Christmas Open House Many enjoyed receiving Christmas Blessings & Fellowship at the Christmas Open House. Lena Angelos and Christina Hiotis served as Co-chairs for this wonderful winter event. White Christmas was the theme and all who attended mingled, munched and were very merry. Attendees brought nonperishable food items for donations to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Metropolis Philoptochos Visit Assumption Chicago Philoptochos Board members enjoyed a visit from past and present Metropolis Philoptochos Presidents Irene Arsoniadis and Pamela Argyris, with His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos at our 2015 election meeting. They both inspired us with their experiences and knowledge. Elections were held--our new president is Ann Dervis.

2016 National Philoptochos Biennial Chairmen Irene Arsoniadis & Theone Dickos

You’ll Want To Be In Nashville This 4th of July!

St. Demetrios Philoptochos – Chicago Our Chapter met our goal to give 200 sets of pajamas to St. Savas Hospital and the Xatzikiriakio orphans.

St. Demetrios - Chicago

Our Chapter enjoyed a special event to honor our members serving 25 years or more.

St. Demetrios Scholarships Founder Lena Angelos and Committee Chair Kathy Apostolopoulos presenting this Connie Barkoulis and Maria Bouzarelos with their awards.

St Demetrios – Elmhurst - Great Vespers

His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos attended St. Demetrios Great Vespers Services.

St. George – Schererville, IN The St George Philoptochos Society of Schererville, Indiana visited the Northwest Indiana (NWI) Veterans Village in Gary, IN last October. This facility opened in November has 44 one-bedroom apartments for homeless veterans in the Lake County area. The project is a partnership with the City of Gary, Northwest Indiana Continuum of Care, Jessie Brown Veterans Medical Center, Veterans Life Changing Service, Trillium Properties LLC and the Corporation for Supportive Housing Initiative to end homelessness. The NWI Veterans Village offers veterans a place to call home while creating stability and greater control of their lives. Residents will experience an improved quality of life, which will enhance recovery physically, mentally and spiritually. Our Philoptochos was pleased to donate basic toiletries for each apartment including shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, toilet paper, facial tissue and shower curtains along with dish detergent and dish towels. The Veterans Village will also house a pantry on the premises and our chapter donated 44 boxes of macaroni and cheese, 92 cans of soup, 88 packages of Ramen noodles and 44 cans of beef ravioli. It was an honor for our Philoptochos to help this country's veterans start a new chapter in their lives and pray God gives them strength and courage during their journey.

St. Luke – Columbia, MO The St Luke Philoptochos Chapter adopted two soldiers for Christmas. We sent a total of five care packages and included Christmas cards that were written at our Make a Difference day held in October. May God continue to bless our troops, especially those in harm’s way during their tours of duty.

Please make a note and take the time to attend our next Presidents meeting to be held on Saturday, February 20th at St. Basil Church, Chicago. Each Presidents meeting represents an additional

opportunity to expand your Philoptochos friendships, to energize your commitments to Philoptochos and to enlighten you on the latest Philoptochos endeavors and accomplishments. The future cannot

be predicted, but our Philoptochos future can be invented. Working together as a team we can create a bright Philoptochos future for ourselves, for our members and for those we serve.

St. Basil Outreach Continuing their mission to clothe the less fortunate girls and boys of the world, St. Basil Philoptochos hosted its 3rd Annual Metropolis-wide "Dress A Girl" Around the World Sew-a-Thon on Saturday, October 24th. With the help of more than 50 women, men and children representing 11 churches, over 150 dresses and pants were made. St. Basil parishioner, Marcie Papadakis, hand carried dresses and pants to children in Nairobi, Kenya. And early next year dresses and pants will be hand delivered by Karen Powell to India. It warms our hearts to see the smiles on the children's faces as they receive their new clothing.

St. Spyridon – Make a Difference Day The children of St. Spyridon, Palos Heights, got together Saturday, November 14th for a very special “Make A Difference Day” project. The children, ranging from pre-school thru high school, undertook a special project to honor our Palos Heights police, firemen, and dispatchers. Our Philoptochos joined forces with our P.T.A. to guide the children as they lined up to assemble “thank you” bags for those that serve our community. Each bag was filled with all sorts of goodies to help our service people thru the day, even koulourakia!

After a pizza lunch, the “thank you” bags were then delivered to the Palos Heights police station, a fire station and the dispatchers’ facility. Everyone, even getting to try on a fireman’s uniform and sit in the fire truck, received the kids with kindness and hospitality! Not only did the St. Spyridon kids recognize the importance of saying “thank you” to our hometown heroes, but the heroes were pleasantly surprised with their act of kindness and appreciation!

Because the “Make A Difference” project was such a success with our children and so well received by the Palos Heights community, the Philoptochos and the P.T.A. decided to do team up again for the future projects involving the children of our parish.

The Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. Spyridon hosted, on November 3rd, an informative lecture and presentation – “Getting Smart About Breast Cancer.” Guest speaker, Dr. Thomas J. Vasdekas of Palos Community Hospital and Silver Cross Hospital, spoke on the most recent findings, treatments options and prevention tactics for breast cancer. Dr. Vasdekas specializes in general, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Attendees included our own parishioners as well as from other neighboring parishes of St. Nicholas, Sts. Constantine & Helen, and Assumption, Homer Glen. A lively discussion and question/answer period followed Dr. Vasdekas’ presentation. With appreciation, President Olga Paxinos presented Dr. Vasdekas with an icon of St. Luke, who was also a physician. The event was chaired by Kathy Korbakes.

Aid to Greece and Cyprus January 18, 2016

Dear Chapter Presidents and Fellow Philoptochos Sisters,

We greet you with sisterly agape as we begin the new calendar year, and pray that the New Year be filled with all of God’s blessings for you and your families.

The world’s attention over the past many years has focused on and witnessed the increasingly dire situation of our brethren in Greece and Cyprus. Recent Eurostat figures indicate that nearly 74% of the people who were employed in Greece in 2014 are still without work, leading one economist to caution that this population may never be able to secure employment. The government finds itself unable to distribute milk to school children and at times, the youth of Greece go without this basic nourishment. In Cyprus, the banking crisis has been weathered, but domestic recovery on the island nation is slow. This extreme economic crisis has been further complicated by the influx of hungry and displaced refugees and asylum seekers on many Greek islands and throughout Greece. All of this has led to a Humanitarian Crisis for Greece and Cyprus.

As Orthodox Christians and members of Philoptochos, it has always been our mission to respond to those in need and suffering – wherever and whenever the need arises. Over the past several years, the Philoptochos Chapters within our Metropolis of Chicago and throughout our Archdiocese have wholeheartedly responded to and supported our National Philoptochos Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign. Through your donations, National Philoptochos has been able to provide significant funds to many needy organizations in Greece and Cyprus.

As was presented and discussed at our recent Metropolis of Chicago Clergy-Laity/Philoptochos Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, since 2012, numerous organizations within Greece and Cyprus have been properly researched and vetted by the National Philoptochos Office and Board, approved by our Spiritual Advisor, His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, and much needed aid has been given to these organizations on our behalf by His Eminence Geron Archbishop Demetrios of America or His Grace Bishop Sevastianos. In addition, we have given money to International Orthodox Christian Charities for emergency and humanitarian relief, throughout the years, since they are among the first responders in a crisis. (A list of these organizations and those that they help is attached.)

By the end of March 2016, we ask that you once again open your warm and kind hearts by hosting a Parish Coffee Hour or lunch in support of the campaign to raise funds for the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign. Please ask your Parish Priest to encourage participation and speak on the importance of continuing our effort to help our brethren.

We urge you to continue to offer your most fervent prayers and to help in whatever way you can. Your acts of kindness will most certainly be appreciated and will never be forgotten by these less fortunate individuals and families!

With Love in Christ,

The Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos

Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign Donations 2012

Apostoli – Nongovernmental, nonprofit organization founded by the Social Services Department of

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Athens, which provides general aid to the people of Athens suffering from hunger, disability and illness.

Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki – General Aid to the Needy

Holy Archdiocese of Crete – For food and supplies distributed to those in need

Kivotos tou Kosmou – Provides food, clothing, education, and shelter to more than 150 children daily.

Theotokos Foundation – Provides opportunities for people with disabilities in order to communicate, function with adequacy in order to be independent, self-sufficient and enter the workforce. It serves children, adults and families with learning and developmental disabilities and is located in Ilion, Attiki.

2013

Apostoli

Archdiocese of Athens

Cyprus Autism Association

8 Metropolises in Cyprus – Pafos, Kition, Lemessos, Morfou, Konstantia, Tamasos, Trimithounta,

and Kyrenia (for refugees)

Doctors without Borders

2014

Apostoli

Special After School Care for Children in Moschato – Run by Apostoli

Klimaka – Addresses homelessness, runs soup kitchens, and provides psychiatric services.

Doctors of the World – Running free clinics in several locations in Greece.

Kivotos tou Kosmou

2 Metropolises in Cyprus – Kykkos and Tillyria

Xamoyelo tou Paidiou (The Smile of the Child)

Hellenic Families in Need – in the town of Saronida, Attika, outside of Athens

2015

Moschato School

Donations given to the First Lady of Cyprus for Food Relief and Mental Health Care

SAWPS wishes to thank all of St. Andrew’s families for their support of our numerous fundraisers in support our philanthropic commitments. Annually, we donate all of our funds to organizations amongst the National Philoptochos, Metropolis Philoptochos and our Local Philoptochos supporting the local Edgewater community. Best wishes for a joyous Christmas celebration and a happy and healthy new year!!

New Outreach Programs have been developed by Past President Vonnie Karafotias, along with a standing committee supporting: Night Ministry, Sarah’s Circle and Care for Real to prepare and deliver food to the our Edgewater organizations. These ongoing drives provide food gifts which are

Our October Family Fun Fest bought young families together on a Friday night with an open gym, great food, cupcake making, and pumpkin painting for the Greek American Rehab and Care Centre. The pumpkins were used at our Inclusion Sunday luncheon after church and then again at the Greek Rehabilitation Care Center when Philoptochos sponsored an afternoon of sweets for the residents.

October 3rd weekend Philoptochos supported three very important events: The Annual IOCC 5K Walk Run, Annual Metropolis New President’s meeting and The Chicago Architectural Tour, all coordinated by Kathy Siavelis, Marilyn Tzakis, Patty Tsaoussis, Vonnie Karafotias and other members. The Architectural tour was coordinated to raise funds for the St. Nicholas Shrine; along with two Grab & Go Fall fundraisers, as well as numerous donations, which allowed SAWPS to meet our $8200 Nat’l commitment.

St. Andrew’s Women’s Philoptochos Society

In November, The Greek American Rehab and Care Centre Inclusion Sunday and annual visit to the Centre were once again led by Maria Kotsinis. Her efforts are tireless and once again both events were great successes. Maria and a number of ladies joined in serving lunch, delivering the pumpkins and going to residents unable to leave their rooms. It was a very special day for all.

Joining us at church for Inclusion Sunday were a number of the Rehab Center residents and Joanne Meyer who gave an educational and inspirational speech. Joanne Meyer works at Pathways Awareness organization; she is a Loyola alum and was part of Father Kalomas’ OCF group.

SAWPS supported St. Andrew’s Vesper’s and Feast Day by providing refreshments and luncheon to over 300-350 attendees each day. His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Chicagoland Priests, Archons, Chanters, Prebyteras, and parishioners joined in the

celebration. Our thanks to Kosta for all his support to coordinate these two days so that we had a very smooth delivery.

Published by:

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Metropolis of Chicago

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