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Philoptochos Perspective
Philanthropy • Fellowship • Faith
Winter 2025-2026
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Dear Philoptochos Sisters and Friends of Philoptochos,
Our Metropolis is beginning this new year with heavy hearts as we mourn the loss of our Chancellor & Philoptochos Spiritual Advisor, His Grace Bishop Timothy of Hexamilion. He was always there for Philoptochos & we will miss him dearly. May His Memory be Eternal. Zoe se Mas.
Metropolis Board elections were held on January 10th with the following results:
Kathy Katrakis, President, Pat Gerbanas, First Vice President,
Dena Pavlopoulos, Second Vice President,
Eleni Zervas, Recording Secretary,
Kathi Stamatis, Corresponding Secretary, Anna Duros, Treasurer,
Wanita Loupakos, Assistant Treasurer,
Demetria Bakris, Hellena Chrones, Samantha Dulles, Marilynn Jemas, Vonnie Karafotias, Georgia Karnezis, Debbie Katsulis, Georgia Kolovos, Kiki Korkofigas, Maria Macris, Nancy Paganis, Joanna Pinos,
Kathy Siavelis, Kathy Walstrom.
Our Honorary Board Members include: Marilyn Tzakis, Pam Argyris, Irene Arsoniadis, Joanne Stavrakas, Lori Voutiritsas.
I look forward to the next 2 years working side by side with such a dedicated group of ladies as we continue on our mission with God’s Grace and Love.
I would like to thank our outgoing board members: Mary Baryo, Kathy Korbakes, Marilyn Tzakis and Martha Voytovich for their past service on the Metropolis Philoptochos Board. Job well done! You will be missed dearly! May God Bless all of you and keep you in his care.
Thank you to our St. Andrew’s Chicago Philoptochos chapter for hosting this year’s Metropolis wide Philoptochos Vasilopita Celebration on January 8th. Father Kosmas Kallis and the entire parish welcomed all 350 plus of us with open arms. Everyone enjoyed an evening of prayer, fellowship and gracious hospitality.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming Philoptochos Chapter Connect meeting on Saturday February 7th at St. Nectarios church in Palatine. Every Philoptochos member is encouraged to attend. More information will be forthcoming.
March 21st is the date of our Annual Philoptochos Lenten Retreat to be held at St. George church in Schererville, Indiana. Details to follow.
With Sisterly Agape,
Kathy
Kathy Katrakis
President, Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos
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Our President, Kathy Katrakas, as well as members
of the Metropolis Philoptochos Board, were very proud to present Ted Pappas, President of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center,
with a check for $50,000 at the Clergy Laity.
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Ascension of Our Lord - Lincolnshire
Breakfast With Santa
A JOLLY GOOD TIME! Joy poured from Anagnos Fellowship Hall on Sunday, at our SOLD-OUT ANNUAL BREAKFAST WITH SANTA! An overnight snowfall did not deter the sleigh or family SUVs! Excited families gathered to greet our Special Visitors, straight from the North Pole. Special thanks to all the diners, dressed in their holiday finest. And to the brigade of Philoptochos elves who planned, prepared, cooked and cleaned up-our sincere gratitude for your many hours of time and talents. Much appreciation to our professional photographer, Peter Furla, who volunteered to provide families with beautiful portraits. May the joy we shared continue to prepare our hearts for the Nativity of our Lord!
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Membership Christmas Party
Our Annual Membership Christmas Party was a night to bring "Comfort and Joy" to one another, and to others! We exchanged gifts and celebrated the close of a successful year of service, only to be continued throughout 2026! We're so grateful to our generous host, Helen Logarakis, to all our members who contributed to our delicious Lenten buffet and those who brought new pajamas and cozy socks, wrapped to give to the hardworking
Special Education District caregivers. And to the supporters of Philoptochos, we thank you for all of your help
and wish you a happy and healthy New Year!
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Assumption - Town & Country, MO
His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael Visit
On January 1st our Philoptochos hosted a cocktail hour for our members and the Hellenic Organizations to welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago. It was a wonderful event of socializing and enjoying delicious appetizers and drinks. We are so appreciative of the honor to host His Eminence at our church.
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Bow-Making
Our Chapter got together to make bows for our Winterfest
Christmas Pastry Sale. Fun and relaxing time catching up!!
| | Winterfest Christmas Pastry Sale | | |
Holy Apostles - Westchester
Philoptochos Sunday
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Coats - Coats - Coats
"Share the Warmth
Our “Share the Warmth” coat collection was a great success! Many thanks to Laura Pepke & Debbie Chiganos for organizing this wonderful annual event and thank you to all our parishioners for donating! Every donated coat was distributed – 19 went to a local high school and 295 went to Repeat Boutique in Wheaton, IL. This boutique welcomes people in need that are referred from charitable organizations, churches and local government agencies.
We purchased 41 new kids’ coats, which were donated to Warm Coats for Cool Kids – a Philanthropic organization
run by founders Garry & Debbie Vaccaro – that provides winter coats, hats, and gloves to children in need from families in the western suburbs of Chicago. The coats are distributed through events at local schools and community organizations where kids get to shop and feel pride of ownership in their new winter ensembles. We also participated in one of these events at the Hillside Elementary School in Hillside, IL where Philoptochos also works with through our Operation Classroom initiative. Warm Coats for Cool Kids has distributed over 10,000 coats!
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Coats for Homeless Veterans
Our Chapter purchased and donated 25 coats to Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans (MSHV) in Wheaton, IL. Their mission is “to empower at-risk veterans, and their families, to become self-sufficient, productive members of their communities.”
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Koukla’s Kafenio
Our chapter hosted Koukla’s Kafenio Luncheon which honors our veterans. We provided a delicious lunch, catered by Greek Islands and enjoyed the special entertainment which was provided by ‘Grecian Formula’. Our chapter was pleased to host and celebrate the pillars of our community who have laid the foundation for future generations. Hats, gloves & scarves were collected
and donated to the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans
Special thanks to Cathy Magas & Aleka Mandelaris who lead our Pillars & Rocks committee and thanks to all the volunteers
who made this event so special for our seniors!
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Love Your Neighbor
At our Philoptochos meetings we often ask our members to let us know about organizations in our community that we could assist. Joanne Sutryk introduced us to Love Your Neighbor.
“Love Your Neighbor” was created in 2015 by Nancy Shepherd, a designer and owner of a home décor shop in Wheaton. Nancy felt called to use her talents to serve others and started Love Your Neighbor. This is a non-profit organization that transforms and restores the lives of those transitioning out of hard circumstances. Local non-profits refer individuals and families to the program (such as Bridge Communities, Habitat for Humanity, DuPage Pads, Families helping Families, Hesed House, Naomi’s House and Reclaim 13). Volunteer designers meet with the families to learn about them and what they would like for their future home.
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Blanket Making Event
A group of Holy Apostles volunteers came together to make blankets for the needy. 39 blankets went to Metropolitan Family Services/Family Shelter Service Holiday Shoppe which supports victims of domestic abuse and 11 Blankets went to Phil's Friends which supports cancer victims and their families.
| | Human Trafficking Awareness Month Visit our National Philoptochos Website for more information | | |
SS. Peter & Paul - Glenview
Advent Brunch
Metropolis Board Members Attending the Brunch
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Holiday Faire
Our Holiday Faire is an annual festive event, hosted by their our Chapter and features homemade Greek pastries, crafts from local artisans, food, Santa visits, kids' activities (like gingerbread decorating), Greek dancing, and caroling, providing a family-friendly Christmas market experience with shopping for unique gifts and enjoying traditional Greek treats and entertainment.
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Blankets for Babies
Hosted by SS Peter & Paul
All Blankets Donated to the University of Illinois Hospital Pediatric Unit. Excellent collaboration
with our students.
| | SS Peter & Paul Combined Efforts With Metropolis Board | | |
St. Andrew - Chicago
Making Spirits Bright Fundraiser
Our Annual Making Spirits Bright
Philoptochos Event Raised Almost $30,000!
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Vasilopita 2026
Hosted By St. Andrew - Chicago
The Vasilopita was very well attended
and was a beautiful event! It's so nice when the Metropolis gathers together.
| | Many thanks to Diane Alexander White for the Vasilopita Photos! | | |
The Secret Garden Glendi on February 2, from 6:00-10:00 pm
sponsored by the St. Andrew's Philoptochos. Please Join Us!
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St. Basil - Chicago
Our Philoptochos delivered donated coats to the Pacific Garden Mission. The Mission said the need is so great and all coats would be distributed to those in need the next day. The Mission asked us to thank all who donated. "For doing the Lord's work, God will bless you with strength and energy."
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St. Demetrios - Chicago
Preparing for our Christmas Bake Sale.
“Our Ladies are Amazing!"
| | Our Merry Christmas Party | | |
St. Demetrios - Libertyville
Our Chapter delivered Holiday Meals with love and
gratitude to the Veterans at The Midwest Veterans Closet.
| | Our Chapter delivered Thanksgiving meals to OPERATION CLASSROOM, benefiting homeless students and their families. We also donated handmade scarves and non perishable food items. | | |
Our Chapter welcomed Lemons Of Love to the St Demetrios
Fall Food Festival and donated 200 handmade port pillows to support patients undergoing chemotherapy. Children also colored pictures to be included in every patient package.
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Our Chapter and the Parish Community joined together
to pack meals for Feed My Starving Children.
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Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in our
Angel Tree, making Christmas a little brighter for local children!
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St. George - Schererville, IN
Our wonderful ladies of Philoptochos making
delicious Pastitsio for after Church Sale.
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St. George - Chicago &
St. Haralambos - Niles
Milwaukee Day Trip
We visited the Art Museum in Milwaukee,
the Milwaukee Public Market and the Miller Brewing Company. Thank you to the Hellenic Foundation for making our Milwaukee Day Trip possible through the Golden Circle Initiative! We’re grateful for your partnership and support in helping us create memorable experiences for our senior community.
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St. Haralambos - Niles
Christmas Bazaar
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St. John the Baptist - Des Plaines
Philoptochos Sunday
Philoptochos Sunday was celebrated with a beautiful coffee hour which honored our beloved past Philoptochos Presidents. Thank you to our Philoptochos sisterhood for the wonderful work they do. May God continue to strengthen their mission
as they serve our community and beyond.
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From the Vespers services and the reception hosted by members of our chapter, the chapter also hosted
the Feast Day in conjunction with our
Parish Council. It was truly a blessed week.
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St. Luke - Columbia, MO
Food Collection
Our Chapter is on a mission to feed hearts and bellies! Our year-round food collection recently turned into 70 meals for neighbors in need. Every can, every bag, every bit of love adds up! Chapters everywhere, this is your sign to rally
your crew and make a real impact!
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St. Nectarios - Palatine
Bonding with some of the Philoptochos ladies that made sure our St. Nectarios Church Celebration was successful.
May God Bless all the many other volunteers that
worked very hard to make this possible.
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St. Nicholas - St. Louis, MO
Prison Ministry
A Christmas party was held in St. Louis for returning citizens and their families, hosted by the employees of the Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse (Federal Probation Office), with generous support from IBEW/NECA. Gifts for children were donated through Assumption Church and were included among the gifts distributed that evening. Attendees of the Metropolis of Chicago Clergy Laity donated enough socks to fill nine huge bags and all were distributed. We were also encouraged by the presence and remarks of State Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, who advocates passionately for prison reform. We offer sincere thanks to all who contributed. May the Lord bless all who served and all who received, and may this season bring comfort, hope, and renewal.
| | Our Chapter Christmas Luncheon | | |
St. Spyridon - Palos Heights
Christmas Craft Show
A heartfelt thank you to all who generously volunteer their time and talents to make our 43rd annual Christmas Craft Show such a success. We are also deeply grateful to our parishioners and friends for supporting Philoptochos' biggest fundraiser of the year!
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Joyous Christmas Party
Members and guests enjoyed a lively Christmas party at Kefi Restaurant. Topping off the celebration, members went
all out with traditional Christmas Kalanda and carols.
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Toy Delivery
Philoptochos members, Maria Baltsas & Alexandra Korbakes delivered the many toys collected from our Christmas Party to
The Courage Program in Oak Lawn. The program helps
needy expecting moms and children. Philoptochos made many children happy this holiday season!
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Monastery Visit
We thank the Hellenic Foundation! Through the Golden Circle Initiative, we were able to bring many faithful to the St. John Chrysostom monastery in Pleasant Prairie to celebrate their feast day. We also thank the monastery for their hospitality.
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Winter Coat Drive
Many thanks to all of our St. Spyridon parishioners for donating hundreds of coats, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens for our Philoptochos. Special thanks to Philoptochos member, Chris Yoshimura, for also collecting at her Lincoln Park hair salon. “Together We Cope” in Tinley Park was extremely appreciative of our donations to help those in need of a warm winter coat.
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Operation Classroom
Our Chapter does a project each month.
We were honored to support a local school in their "Parent in Learning" event. The evening consisted of informative sessions for parents on how to help their child in literacy and math. In these sessions, teachers demonstrated easy and fun activities parents could do at home. While parents were participating in the sessions, their children engaged in an open gym activity centered on teamwork and fair play. All families went home with a goodie bag filled with tools necessary to make them successful in reading and in math. We supplied magnetic dry-erase boards, dry-erase markers, erasers, and magnetic foam letters. It was a great event!
| | Just in time for winter - new coats, hats, mittens, gloves were given to needy students in Palos DIstrict 128, along with snacks and disinfectant wipes for in school needs. St. Spyridon will continue providing necessities for our neighboring school district. | | |
Operation Classroom project focused on a Giving Tree with ornaments representing gift cards to be used for school needs.
The Giving Tree was displayed during the Holiday Craft Show and Food Festival for parishioners and friends to donate
$5, $10, $15, $20 to help needy teen students.
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UIC BOOK DONATION
Our Philoptochos partnered with St. Spyridon’s Floga Hellenic Dance Troupe to donate books for the Pediatrics and Neonatal Units of the University of Illinois Hospital - Chicago. The dancers collected and sorted books which were then loaded and delivered to the hospital with Philoptochos members. It’s the start
of our ministries partnering together for a good cause!
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Philoptochos Christianiki Philoxenia
held at Assumption - Homer Glen.
| | Holy Apostles and St. Spyridon Combined Their Efforts for Feed the Hungry | | |
Sts. Constantine & Helen
Palos Hills
Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre Visit
Members of our chapter visited the Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre. We brought goodies and hosted a luncheon for the residents and staff while getting to know the many amazing people living at the facility. In their bookstore, "Dandelions for Dinner"
was a beautiful book written by one of the residents and his son, Sam and Peter Stamatis. This book is full of heartfelt experiences and stories. Please consider buying a copy and helping
this facility full of love and care. Proceeds go to the
Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre.
| | Metropolis Board Christmas Party | | | | |
Mary, Martha & Kathy.
You've been an
important
part of the team.
We will miss you.
Good luck in the future!
| | Election of Metropolis Board Officers Brunch | | |
St. Sophia - Elgin
We are so grateful for a wonderful chapter turnout at our January Meeting. It was an evening filled with inspiration, fellowship, and meaningful conversation as we kicked off the New Year together. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Angie Beltsos for sharing her expertise and encouraging us to prioritize wellness and balance as we move forward with intention and purpose. From the beautiful grazing table to the warm sense of community, the night was a true reflection of the Philoptochos spirit.
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St. Demetrios - Hammond, IN
Vasilopita
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Coming Soon.
St Demetrios Libertyville
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Coming Soon.
St Demetrios Hammond, IN
| | Marilynn Jemas, Editor - Kathy Kobakes, Assistant Editor | | |
Dear Readers
I have to say goodbye to my wonderful Assistant Editor, Kathy Korbakes. This is the last edition on which we collaborated. Kathy, it has been an enormous pleasure working with you. Thank you for being so supportive and such a thoughtful and helpful friend. Also, many thanks for the time and dedication spent on every issue. I will greatly miss you, along with your positivity and creativity. The entire Metropolis Board
joins me in wishing you all the best.
The Perspective is now reaching more members than ever before
and new emails are being added to our list everyday.
We certainly appreciate that you keep your email list up to date.
Your continued help allows us to increase the members on our email list. If you know someone that is not receiving the Perspective, please share their email with us! We don’t want anyone to miss out on all of the great info in our issues! Send new emails to Maria Macris at:
mmacris83@gmail.com
The Perspective is delivered directly to our members' email & the subject
line will say Philoptochos Perspective. We strive to have the Perspective Newsletter be an email you look forward to receiving all through the year!
Send your submissions to:
chicagophilopublicity@gmail.com
Every Chapter has much to share.
The best way to have your events appear in the Perspective is to follow these easy steps that will help the Perspective to be the best it can be.
We strive to have all our Metropolis chapters to be included.
Designate someone to be the chapter photographer at your meetings and events. Then, that same person should submit your Chapter event to the Perspective along with your photos as soon as possible.
Prompt submission of your event photos is very important.
Sending in submissions right away prevents forgetting or procrastinating.
When submissions arrive promptly it allows the Perspective staff to edit your photos and organize all of the submissions as they come in. It takes a lot of time to collect, crop and organize submissions and we do try to show every chapter to their best advantage. Information to include:
A brief description of the event
Chapter and Church name Name of Event and Chairperson(s)
PHOTO SUGGESTIONS
Photos of small groups of 3 to 5 people work best but we try to include larger group shots as well. There may be times we must crop your photos to fit the page. The higher the resolution of the photos, the better the photo will look in the Perspective. Please email photos rather than text them.
It is so much easier to keep track by receiving them in one spot.
We would never want to overlook a submission.
Lets put the Perspective to work for our chapters and use it to help expand membership and fundraising efforts! Even members are amazed at all the good our chapters have collectively accomplished.
It is also impressive to see the unique creativity from each chapter.
Anyone that scrolls through an issue should be astounded by our many diverse accomplishments and our
willingness and determination to help others.
To maximize our newsletter distribution it would be wonderful for our members to forward the Perspective to one or more non-members 4 times a year. Sharing the Perspective would reach and impress many new members in our church communities.
Let the Perspective do the talking!
It’s good to share the news of our good works.
Marilynn Jemas
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