Philoptochos Perspective

Philanthropy • Fellowship • Faith

Spring 2026

Dear Philoptochos Sisters

and Friends of Philoptochos,

Χριστος Ανεστι!

“I am the Resurrection and the life”

John 11:25

How blessed we are as Greek Orthodox Christians to know and feel the light of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in our daily lives! Everyone of you, as Philoptochos sisters, continuously share this light to all in need. Continue the good works that you do!

During the month of March, Philoptochos was on the move with a few board members heading to Joliet, Illinois to present a $15,000 check to Guardian Angels, one of our beneficiaries of our September Luncheon in 2025. We also delivered 500 hygiene kits of which the contents were donated at the Metropolis wide Christmas Celebration last December. 

Later in March, a few board members travelled to St. Louis, Missouri. On the way we stopped at SS. Constantine & Helen church in Swansea, Illinois to meet with Father Achilles, Presvytera and several Philoptochos sisters. 

Our next stop was meeting with the Philoptochos chapter President of the St. Nicholas church, St. Louis MO, Helen Carey and a few board members. We had a very nice discussion looking forward to scheduling a regional Philoptochos meeting in St. Louis this coming Fall. We concluded our visit at Wings of Hope, another worthy beneficiary from our September Luncheon, presented them with a $15,000 check from our proceeds. We appreciate all of our chapters who sponsored, underwrote and attended our September luncheon so we may be able to do this! These two charities are the epitome of God’s work in action and we are blessed to assist.

Our Philoptochos Lenten Retreat Co-chairs, Demetria Bakris and Georgia Karnezis along with the St. George church, Schererville, Indiana chapter president, Vanessa Amanatidis and her chapter worked round the clock to host over 250 attendees on Saturday, March 21^st. A sincere thank you, to His Eminence, Metropolitan Nathanael for his inspirational words as this year’s Presenter. We also thank the community of St. George and Father Demetri Kounavis for going above and beyond hosting this year’s Philoptochos Lenten Retreat.

AXIOS to our newly ordained Bishop of Chicago Metropolis, His Grace, Bishop Dionysios of Zenopolis. His Grace, as Chancellor of Chicago will also take on the role as the Spiritual Advisor of the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos. We are truly blessed with his Spiritual guidance. His Ordination took place at SS. Constantine and Helen church in Palos Hills, Illinois. It was a very beautiful and moving Hierarchal Liturgy and ordination as several hierarchs were in attendance, including His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros. A heartfelt thank you to all the Philoptochos chapters who assisted the SS. Constantine and Helen Philoptochos chapter with baked goods for the reception. Philoptochos chapter president, Chris Privoznik and her chapter did an outstanding job hosting guests in their fellowship hall immediately following the Divine Liturgy. 

It was wonderful seeing all of you at our Chapter Connect meeting on May 16^th at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center and we will look forward to meeting with you at the National Philoptochos Convention and Clergy Laity in Cleveland, Ohio, June 29-July 2.

With Sisterly Agape,

Kathy

Kathy Katrakis

President, Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos

Ordination of Bishop Dionysios of Zenopolis at Sts. Constantine & Helen, Palos Hills, IL

The ladies of the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Board were very honored to attend the Ordination of Bishop Dionysios of Zenopolis, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago. The Metropolis Philoptochos Board wishes His Grace many years of service, dedication, and love. 

May the Lord strengthen him in serving in the Lord's vineyard.

It was an inspirational and beautifully organized day. Axios!

Sts. Constantine and Helen was grateful and honored to host the Ordination to the Episcopacy of Bishop Dionysios. Much appreciation to the Saint Helen Women's Philoptochos members and to Philoptochos members across our local chapters. Delicious Lenten cookies and sweet pastries were baked and decorated for this very special event. Our church hall welcomed over 400 people in celebration of the Ordination of Bishop Dionysios of Zenopolis at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. May God bless him with many healthy years! 

Lenten Retreat

Hosted by St. George - Schererville, IN

RETREAT CO-CHAIRS

DEMETRIA BAKRIS AND GEORGIA KARNEZIS

Parishioners of Sts. Constantine & Helen, St. Spyridon, St. Nicholas and Holy Cross traveled together to St. George, Schererville, IN for the annual Metropolis Philoptochos Lenten Retreat. Our appreciation goes out to the Hellenic Foundation Golden Circle Program for their generosity in providing bus transportation for 51 seniors. This program provides continuous support to keep our seniors actively engaged

in faith and fellowship in the Chicagoland area.

Feed the Hungry - St. George - Schererville



"Never miss an opportunity to help others"

Bright Friday

at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center

"May the radiant light of the Resurrection wash away all sorrows and fill your soul with the peace of the Lord"

Greek Independence Day in Chicago

Plenty of Philoptochos in the Parade

Chapter Connect Times Two

Winter Meeting at St. Nectarios - Palatine, IL



"Success comes in direct proportion to the number of people you help"

Spring Meeting at St. Iakovos Retreat Center

Kansasville, WI

"SPRING WORK IS GOING ON

WITH JOYFUL ENTHUSIASM"

Team Building

"Find a group of people who challenge

and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them,

and it will change your life."

Annunciation Cathedral - Chicago

Palm Sunday Bake Sale

Our Palm Sunday Bake Sale was a success! Thank you to everyone who baked, assisted, and purchased pastries.

Καλή Ανάσταση!

Feed the Hungry

Annunciation Cathedral - Chicago

"Our prime purpose in life is to help others"

Ascension of Our Lord - Lincolnshire

Our first Macaronada me Kreas Luncheon was a great success. Thanks to our Ascension family, our generous sponsors and our Philoptochos volunteers! Your support is appreciated by the many charitable initiatives our chapter funds through our year-end disbursements. Special thanks to our Master Chefs, who crafted the delicious pasta and meat sauces, salad and more! 

Teaching our sacred traditions: Our Hands-On Koliva Workshop passed down the process of creating our memorial wheat. Many thanks to Sophia Metropulos for her guidance, and Maria Kaiser for her tremendous help! Our President, Maria Karalis, brought 18 trays to the solea for the last Saturday of Souls liturgy the following morning. Thank you to all who turned out for this meaningful multi-generational event!

Feed the Hungry - Ascension of Our Lord

"May your day shine with peace, your heart overflow with joy, and your soul rest in God's Blessings"

Assumption - Town & Country, MO

The very talented Cathy Krucylak and her amazing children led another workshop on Pysanke eggs (a Ukrainian way to decorate Easter eggs). We are so grateful to Cathy for sharing this beautiful tradition with our members!

We dyed red eggs according to our beautiful tradition. These red eggs wereoffered as a blessing on the night of the Resurrection to all the faithful who gather to celebrate the Divine Eucharist.

We celebrated Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα) the beginning of Great Lent, by sharing a Lenten meal after Father served compline! A big thank you to several teams of ladies that baked, cooked and served this delicious meal!

We celebrated Palm Sunday and shared a delicious meal of fish plaki and several Lenten desserts! Kali Anastasi!

Our parish family gathered to celebrate Mother's Day and to honor two remarkable women whose love, dedication, and faithful service continue to inspire our community.

We recognized Molly Heckenberg as our Mother of the Year, honoring her sacrificial love, kindness, devotion to her family, & the beautiful example of Christian motherhood she offers to all around her. We also honored Jenifer Raptakis as our Woman of the Year, in recognition of her generous spirit, tireless offering to our parish, and the countless ways she strengthens and uplifts our church family through her faith and service. The parish enjoyed a beautiful reception lovingly prepared and hosted by the men of our Parish Council, whose generosity and hospitality helped make the day even more special for everyone present.

Holy Apostles - Westchester

Our heartfelt thanks to Karen Anagnos for organizing our annual Holy Apostles Philoptochos Easter Drive-By Food & Bake Sale and to Cathy Magas & Eleni Poteres for organizing the group of our own lovely Holy Apostles bakers that made all the homemade sweets! The $4,000 proceeds from our sale will go towards our Operation Classroom initiative.

Our Holy Apostles ladies had a blanket making event and made a total of 43 blankets! 20 full size blankets went to Phil’s Friends, a local organization that supports those battling cancer; 23 baby blankets were paired with layette/baby items went to the

People’s Resource Center, a local organizaion that

helps those in need in the community.

Feed the Hungry - Holy Apostles - Westchester

"May each day bring new hope, strength

and helpfulness"

Philoptochos Check Presentations

Philoptochos puts so much

love into giving

National Philoptochos representatives were honored to visit the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre (GARCC) to formally present a grant of over $50,000. This funding will directly support advanced therapeutic systems, Nordic Medical Chairs, and fall-reducing safety equipment for the seniors and adults with disabilities who GARCC serves each day.

Those that attended this presentation were National Philoptochos President Debbie George, National Philoptochos Spiritual Advisor His Grace Bishop Athenagoras, 1st Vice President Anita Kartalopoulos, Advisor to the National Executive Board, Past National Philoptochos President Arlene Siavelis Kehl and Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos President Kathy Katrakis. Also in attendance were many members of the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos, GARCC Chairwoman Eleni Bousis, Peter Karahalios, Administrator Dino Varnavas, and the GARCC Board and Ladies Auxiliary.

WINGS OF HOPE CHESTERFIELD MO

Members of the Metropolis Board visited Wings of Hope. They are Kathy Katrakis, President, Pat Gerbanas, 1st Vice President, Marilyn Tzakis, Past President, and Board Members Vonnie Karafotias and Marilynn Jemas. Wings of Hope was one of the beneficiaries of our September Luncheon 2025. Metropolis Board members presented them with a $15,000 check from our luncheon proceeds. Wings of Hope is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization based in Chesterfield, MO, that uses aviation to provide free Medical Relief & Air Transport flights for patients needing specialized care. In addition, they provide health care access to remote and underserved communities globally, as well as offering STEM educational programs. 

GUARDIAN ANGEL COMMUNITY SERVICES JOLIET

Members of the Metropolis Board presented a check for $15,000 to Guardian Angels Community Services as the beneficiary of the September Luncheon 2025

Metropolis Board Members presenting the check were Kathy Katrakis, President, Pat Gerbanas, 1st Vice President, Marilynn Tzakis, Past President, Maria Macris, Co-Chair of September Luncheon and Wanita Loupakos.

This is the oldest non profit social service organization in Will County, serving the Chicagoland area and going strong since 1897. The organization has been a beacon of hope for well over a century and realizes its mission; to provide diverse services that inspire people to improve the quality of their lives in their greatest time of need. Guardian Angels reached an extraordinary 161,195 people, 16,498 through direct services, and an additional 144,697 via prevention education and community outreach.They secured safe foster homes and caring families for 164 children, and were recognized for achieving 1st Place in the State of Illinois for Permanency Goal Achievement for foster care youth. Guardian Angel helped 10,000 adult and child victims fleeing the

horrors of domestic violence last year. They provided 11,078 nights ofemergency shelter, 33,234 meals, and fielded 4,800 emergency hotline calls. Legal and medical advocacy and counseling services were implemented for 1,471 child and adult victims of sexual violence. 115 at risk individuals and families participated in parenting classes focused on the prevention of child abuse and neglect. They also educated 100 adults on

how to develop healthy, mutually supportive relationships to eliminate domestic violence from their lives. 

St. Andrew - Chicago

Thank you to our beautiful Mothers, Yiayia’s, Godmothers, Aunts, Sisters and more! May God grant them many years! Christos Anesti!

Thank you to our chairpersons, volunteers, and to everyone

who joined in the fun! We had a beautiful

and fun Secret Garden Glendi.

Our Chapter baked 500 Moustoukouloura

for the Palm Sunday Bake Sale and Luncheon.

Thank you to our wonderful ladies who dyed

red eggs on Holy Thursday

St. Basil - Chicago

Our Lamb Raffle was a big success.

Thanks to all who supported it.

Feed the Hungry - St. Basil - Chicago

"Allow my hands to reach those in need

and my prayers to Bless,

Comfort & Heal

them"

Sts. Constantine & Helen

Palos Hills

Our table at the 34th Annual IOCC Chicago Grand Banquet was held at Empress Banquets in Addison, Illinois.This annual philanthropic event brings together the Orthodox community—including local parishes like Sts. Constantine & Helen—to support the humanitarian and emergency relief efforts of the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)

Our Chapter members enjoyed a wonderful lunch

and show at the Drury Lane Oakbrook.

Thank you to our beautiful community for buying our yummy Loukoumades and delicious frappe coffees. Donations collected were lovingly sent to those in our our community that need help for food and shelter. We are grateful for the bakers,

syrupers, servers and our coffee makers! 

A beautiful evening out for our fantastic Ladies Philoptochos Outreach Ministry. Thank you ladies for all

you do for our church and the community!

Our RED Easter Eggs are beautiful! All of the gracious and talented “red egg dyers” have earned a big thank you. You made the most beautiful eggs for our Anastasi and Agape services.

St. Demetrios - Hammond, IN

Our Super Bowl football themed fundraiser was a touchdown. The event included lunch Greek chicken with rice pilaf and green beans and a bowl of delicious lemon rice soup. Fans also indulged in our delicious Loukoumades with an iced frappe! Guests enjoyed lunch while watching the 1985 Chicago Bears on a big screen! Also, we had raffles: a chance to win a 75” TV, cash prizes and beautiful baskets available for bids Overall a fun and successful event for all attending!

St. Demetrios - Chicago

“Presto for a Purpose!”

A magical night with enchanted illusions by professional Magician & Comedian Jeff Bibik.

The event supported the following worthy causes: Philoptochos Philanthropic Endeavors, WINGS Program, Inc. (provides housing, integrated services, education,

& advocacy to end domestic violence).

Thanks so much to everyone who supported our “Strive to Thrive” fundraiser in honor of Heart Health Month benefiting Common Pantry. We appreciate those who attended and those who couldn't join and still kindly donated to this wonderful evening of wellness, fun and fellowship. A special thank you to our inspiring guest speakers, Maria Karalis RD (RDN, LDN) and Katie Tomaszewski (Deep Line Health) who shared practical guidance on holistic wellness, mindful living & nourishing the body through nutrition including heart healthy fasting practices.

St. Demetrios - Elmhurst

Our talented Chapter members are back for

Round Two of baking Tsoureki.

Chapter members prepared Pascha eggs to be blessed and distributed on Anastasi night and at the Agape Vespers on Pascha morning! Thank you ladies for all that you do!

Kal tou xpóvou! Kann AváoTaon!

St. Demetrios - Libertyville

Our Chapter lovingly shared handmade lap blankets with the residents at the Greek American Rehabilitation Centre.



Some people are human medicine, you spend time with them

and everything feels better

Our Chapter delivered 150 handmade port pillows to help

cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Our Operation Classroom Committee packaged Easter eggs

to provide a fun- filled Easter egg hunt for 300 students

In the Waukegan school district.

Our incredible Chapter hosted the annual Makaronada Luncheon. The proceeds will be used to benefit all of the Philoptochos endeavors. All who attended enjoyed a

wonderful afternoon of Christian fellowship.

Thanks to those who organized and served.

We also collected various items for Project Hope.

Traditional Palm Sunday luncheon enjoyed by all

and hosted annually by our Philoptochos Chapter.

Our 3rd annual fundraiser! We partnered with Upscale Rummage and Furniture Warehouse. and had a very successful sale.

Iconography Workshop

Under the guidance of Master Iconographer Drazen Duper, participants completed an icon of St. Paraskevi

using the traditional Byzantine Method.

St. Haralambos - Niles

Our chapter had a small retirement dinner for Fr. Dean Botsis

for his dedicated 40 years of serving our community. 

Vespers and Feast Day

Tsiknopempti - Meat Thursday

St. John the Baptist - Des Plaines

On behalf of our Philoptochos family, Many thanks to everyone who supported our Mad Hatter event. Your presence, generosity, and enthusiasm made the day truly special

and a wonderful success.The hats were a hit.

All who attended, donated, sponsored, volunteered, decorated, amd participated in our raffle were a part of this events success. The results have enabled us to continue helping the Benevolent Sisterhood & the Love & Gratitude Campaign and further our mission of serving others with faith, compassion, and love.

A special thank you to our chairladies, Maria Bouloulis and Julie Douvikas, for their countless hours of hard work and dedication; to Connie Strubulis for the beautiful décor; and to Linda Karras for coordinating reservations.

Palm Sunday Baking

Our dream team bakers also made delicious kourabiethes with a special visit and blessing from our very own Father John!

Feed the Hungry - St. John the Baptist

"May this day be a reminder of God's faithfulness and blessings for all"

St. Nicholas - Oak Lawn

Bowling with our Operation Classroom Class was such an incredible way to put smiles on these terriffic students faces.They couldn’t stop thanking us.Our classroom is part of the Worth School District and while we have been providing extensive school supplies this school year we were

able to provide this fun bowling outing for our class.

What a wonderful ending to the school year!

St. Nicholas - St. Louis, MO

Metropolis Philoptochos Board ended their long travel day to St.Louis and enjoyed dinner at Sugo’s restaurant. Hosted by our chapter representatives President Helen Carey and past presidents Christina Ginos and Carol Kamburis. Metropolis Board members who made the trip from Chicago were: President Kathy Katratas, Vice President Pat Gerbanas, Past President Marilyn Tzakis and Vonnie Karafotias. Also pictured is

Marilynn Jemas, Metropolis and St. Nicholas Board member.

Chicago Board Members had such a nice time in St. Louis

they would like to visit the area again soon.

St. Spyridon - Palos Heights

Our chapter has proudly supported the missionary work of His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Myrene for 20 years.This long-time friendship and bond with His Grace continues with the aid of those in need in the Caribbean. We made a $2500 donation which went towards purchasing wheelchairs for parishioners in need. Pictured here is His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos

of Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela

and the Caribbean along with the faithful.

Our hardworking bakers never stop! Philoptochos worked tirelessly to offer our parishioners and friends the

most delicious Tsourekia, kourabiethes and koulouria.

Our appreciation goes out to all who constantly support us!

Our chapter members gathered for our monthly breakfast

and to celebrate Dina Katsoulis’ birthday.

Our tradition continues

Loukoumades served on Sunday of The Holy Cross

Our Philoptochos from St. Spyridon enjoyed a fun evening attending the theater classic, Les Miserables.

Our chapter was very proud to make a donation to the Crisis Center for South Suburbia, Tinley Park. A portion of our proceeds from our Holiday Craft Show were dedicated to this worthy organization. Since 1979, The Crisis Center has served as a safe haven for domestic abuse victims. In addition to being an emergency shelter, services include transitional housing and assistance with rent. Counseling, court assistance, and job skills are also provided.  Our Army of Agape continues the mission

of extending our love to those in need!

Many thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Tina Manasses, for again donating the Peter Manasses Memorial Scholarship in honor of her beloved late husband. Our Philoptochos is proud to sponsor!

Our Philoptochos college student care packages have become a very anticipated gift for the students! But it’s also very rewarding for our Philoptochos members to create. 

Our Lenten package included a pocket size St. Spyridon journal, student prayer card, lenten koulouria, snacks,

and info on the making of prosphora.  

On May 24th we celebrated a truly special lady's birthday, longtime St. Spyridon Philoptochos member

Toula Georgiopoulos! Toula has served multiple terms as

St. Spyridon's Philoptochos President, plus roles on both the Metropolis and National Boards.

Feed the Hungry - St. Spyridon - Palos Heights

"Lifting others up builds community, creates mutual success, and fosters strong resilience"

Feed the Hungry - Metropolis Board

We talk a lot about

HOPE, HELPING & TEAMWORK.

Our entire Philoptochos message is that we are more effective working together

Feed the Hungry - Gavaris Family

"Doing something for others gives more meaning to your life & to their life"

Feed the Hungry - Assumption - Homer Glen

"Individually, we are but one drop.

Coming together we are a vast ocean"

Feed the Hungry - SS. Peter & Paul - Glenview



"No matter what happens in life, being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind"

National Philoptochos

Board Met in Boca Raton

The National Philoptochos Board convened for its Spring Meetin at St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida. Board members from across the United States gathered for a day of prayer & deliberation. President Debbie George, reflected on various Philoptochos completed events and focused the board on the final preparations for the Cleveland Convention 2026. She ended her thoughts with this meaningful quote Hebrews 13:16 from the Orthodox Study Bible: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

NEWS FROM OPERATION CLASSROOM

Thank you to our chapters for embracing the new Operation Classroom information and format. 

The National Operation Classroom Committee is pleased to announce that they can see the OPERATION CLASSROOM additions to the Chicago spreadsheet! 

A big thank you to the chapters that have already reported their activities since learning of this new system at the Retreat Chapter Connect meeting.

Marilynn Jemas is who we have listed and tied to the form as the liaison name and main point of contact through the

National Board. If you have any questions please contact her at: marilynnjemas@gmail.com or you may contact 

Joanna Pinos at joannapinos@gmail.com

With regard to Operation Classroom pictures, our form does not allow for the uploading of photos at this time but that will be corrected for fall Operation Classroom submissions. We will keep chapters informed on this progress. 

At this time, photos will still need to be sent separately by email to Marilynn Jemas at: marilynnjemas@gmail.com

Please be sure your chapter includes their metropolis, parish, and Philoptochos chapter number in the email with the photos so that we can keep it all of the photos straight! 

Contact Marilynn for form to use. Or click link below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUbFf5DFCooqGuvMW8znriErvk4ebm_vfudNqiaPj5CI06Kg/viewform

Notes From the Editor

The Perspective THANKS YOU all for your support!

We need you all and each chapter to participate in the Perspective. Receiving your reports and photos is what makes the Perspective fun and informative. We strive to have the Perspective newsletter reach you 4 or 5 times a year!

To have your events appear in the Perspective

just follow these easy steps:

• Designate someone to be the chapter photographer at your meetings and events.
• Have that same person submit your Chapter event to the Perspective and include your photos.
• Email your event photos and write-up within a few days after the event.
• Prompt submission of your event photos helps the quality of our newsletter. It allows us to pick a themeand photo arrangement.
• Quick submission 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.
• Please include a brief description of the event you email the photos, including following info:
• Chapter and Church name
• Name of Event and Chairperson(s)
• Send Submissions to:

• chicagophilopublicity@gmail.com

PHOTO SUGGESTIONS

• Photos of small groups of 3 to 5 people work best but we

can include group shots as well. The higher the resolution of

the photos, the better the photo will look in the Perspective.

Occasionally, we may need

to crop your photo to fit the page.

• EMAIL photos and information about your

chapter events to the new email for submissions:

chicagophilopublicity@gmail.com

• Ways to maximize our newsletter distribution:

• Have members forward the Perspective to one or more

non-members a few times a year.

• Share the Perspective at a chapter meeting.

• Check to see if your chapter members are receiving it.

• Brainstorm & Discuss the great ideas from other chapters

with your group & talk about how

you can adapt the ideas to your chapter.

• WE NEED YOUR HELP to Keep our Membership growing

and our Perspective mailing list growing! We all work so hard

to help others but we also need to work hard to make the

Perspective informative

and to reach as many people as possible.

• The Perspective thanks each of you, our

VERY IMPORTANT VOLUNTEERS!

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE WHAT

PHILOPTOCHOS WOMEN CAN ACCOMPLISH

WHEN THEY WORK TOGETHER!

Marilynn Jemas - Perspective Editor