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Philoptochos Perspective
Philanthropy • Fellowship • Faith
Summer 2026
Clergy - Laity
Cleveland, Ohio
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Dear Philoptochos Sisters and Friends of Philoptochos,
What a warm welcome to summer. We have all had a busy July!
I am sure our delegates are back home safe and sound and moving on with the next Philoptochos Agenda items. For those of you who attended as a Clergy Laity delegate, it was so wonderful to see all of you in Cleveland. Our Metropolis had the most number of delegates in attendance- 69 Way to go Metropolis of Chicago and Congratulations for your participation!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the chapters that sent delegates to this convention. It was a very compact conference, but I hope all of you got reenergized and are ready for the year ahead. It was so nice to have our National President, Debbie George, attend our Cocktail Hour. She truly enjoys the company of the Chicago Girls!
Kudos to Dena Pavlopoulos and Anna Duros who Co-Chaired the Agape Breakfast. It was a beautiful event and the attention to detail was evident. Great job ladies! A big shout out also to all of our delegates who offered to assist and be in the ballroom at 6:00 AM!! It was a wonderful way to start our day.
Our Metropolis honored our very own Agape Award winning Chapter,
St. George, Des Moines, Iowa, with President Denise Ragias and Father Basil Hickman accepting the award. Congratulations St. George, Des Moines! We are very proud of your Chapters accomplishments.
It is always good when Philoptochos gets together as one sisterhood to share ideas and I am so thankful to be part of the Chicago Philoptochos. You ladies are amazing!
As you will see in the following photos, Philoptochos is always on the move. Philoptochos works hard and takes time to have fun.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and hope to see everyone at our Metropolis Philoptochos September Luncheon on September 26th.
With Sisterly Agape,
Kathy
Kathy Katrakis
President, Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos
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To Get The Feeling You're At The Convention
Click This Link:
You Are There
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To View A Video of Dancing In The Meeting Click This Link:
Dancing
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View Philoptochos Accomplishments
During the Past Two Years at thie Link:
Two Year Review
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Nice way to end the last day and the convention.
Anita Kartalopoulos, First Vice President presented a gift to President Debbie George on behalf of National Philoptochos.
Thank You Debbie, much appreciation for your
dedication to Philoptochos and your leadership.
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Metropolis Reception
Meet & Greet
New Friends & Philoptochos Sisters
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BOAT CRUISE
Delegates enjoyed dinner, dancing
and a beautiful sunset.
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ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME
Long Live Rock & Roll
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AGAPE BREAKFAST
The Agape breakfast was an uplifting way to start off our last day. Nine chapters were honored. A chapter from each Metropolis who excelled in their service to their church and community was chosen. Selected from the Metropolis of Chicago was
Chapter 2039, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Des Moines, IA. Accepting the award was Denise Ragias, Chapter President.
We honor each Philoptochos chapter and the collective effort
of all chapter members who come together in service and love.
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To View a Video of the Agape Breakfast
And See Dena Pavlopoulos' Speech Click Link Below:
Agape Breakfast
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The Teddy Bears on each table will be donated to the
City of Cleveland EMS for use with Pediatric patients.
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IMPROMPTU DELEGATE
GET TOGETHERS
| | This unique United States Flag (above) has been created by using a picture of every Greek Orthodox Church in America as the Stars and Stripes of the flag. Can you find your Church? | | |
Convention Speakers
Each meeting day, we heard presentations regarding Homelessness, Hunger, Prison Ministry, Focus
and other presentations that featured
how we can further help our communities.
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Delegates heard from speakers on Hunger & Homelessness. They highlighted the real, on-the-ground work being done in communities across the country. Delegates heard from
Eilish Counts, Director of the Hitchcock Center for Women,
who was a part of the panel on Hunger & Homelessness.
HCFW's mission is to support women and families facing substance abuse issues, and is the only residential treatment provider in Northeast Ohio that allows children up to age 12 to live with their mothers on campus, keeping families together
through recovery instead of apart.
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Pictured left to right: Anna Vedouras, Convention Chairwoman and National Philoptochos Treasurer, Kirk Reis of FOCUS Cleveland, Eilish Counts of the Hitchcock Center for Women, and Beth Spanos a chapter member of Holy Trinity in Camp Hill, PA,
who shared her chapter's work with Rise Against Hunger
and how other chapters can bring the initiative home.
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Father Paul Abernathy is an Orthodox Christian priest, combat veteran of the Iraq War, and the founding CEO of the Neighborhood Resilience Project in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He also serves as the pastor of St. Moses the Black Orthodox Church
in the city's historic Hill District.
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His Eminence Josef of Buenos Aires & Dr. Kristina Mantasasvili, Professor of theology from Thessaloniki discussed
the Orthodox Christian Mission Center
of South America and its objectives.
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Despina C. Kartson
Founder & Philantropy Leader
A longtime steward of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Despina has served in numerous church leadership roles, including Parish Council, Sunday School, and Philoptochos at the chapter, district, and national levels. Professionally, she is the Chief Marketing Officer of BakerHostetler and a recognized leader in legal marketing.
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Rev. Paul Abernathy
Orthodox Christian Priest
As a combat veteran of the Iraq War, Fr. Paul has said that his understanding of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in the military helped him recognize similar trauma patterns within underserved urban communities.
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Rev. Deacon Keric J. Shiepis, D.C. Chiropractor &
Community Leader
A healthcare professional, clergy member, and community leader,
Deacon Keric has served the Canton, Ohio area for nearly four decades.
As a chiropractor specializing in neurology and nutrition, a deacon, and a law enforcement chaplain, he is dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of those he serves.
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Nicholas Petrogeorge
Executive Director (OCPM)
Nicholas Petrogeorge has served as Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry since 2020, leading prison ministry programs nationwide with a focus on growth, accountability, pastoral care, and sustainable
ministry practice.
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Beth Spanos
Co-Vice President, HTGO
St. Catherine's Philoptochos
An active member of the Orthodox community, Beth serves in Philoptochos leadership at both parish and Metropolis levels, supporting initiatives focused on hunger and homelessness. She has also served as a Sunday School teacher and contributes to parish outreach and Greek Festival efforts. Prior to family life, she worked as a forensic chemist with the DEA.
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Kirk Ries
Director, FOCUS
St. Herman House
A licensed social worker and nonprofit leader with nearly 35 years of experience in direct care and program leadership, Kirk is dedicated to serving those in need. He has helped grow community outreach efforts addressing hunger and homelessness while strengthening partnerships within the Orthodox and local communities.
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Eilish Counts
Chief Clinical Officer
& Interim Co-CEO
Hitchcock Center for Women
A dedicated clinician and advocate, Eilish is committed to empowering women through compassionate care, clinical excellence, and community impact. With experience as an outpatient counselor, she fosters healing and well-being while championing initiatives that strengthen women and families.
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News From Metropolis
Save The Date
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As one chapter comes to a close,
we pause with hearts full of gratitude.
It has been a privilege to know and work alongside the Consul of Greece, whose dedication, professionalism, and genuine kindness have left a lasting impression on our community. Through her steadfast commitment to strengthening relationships and serving with grace and integrity, she has touched the lives of so many and has been a wonderful representative of Greece.
While we will certainly miss her presence, we are excited for the new opportunities that await her and her family as they begin this next chapter in New Delhi, India. May this new post bring continued success, meaningful experiences, lasting friendships, and abundant blessings. Thank you Emmanuel Koubarakis and Georgia Tasiopoulou for your service, your partnership, and your friendship. Your impact will not be forgotten.
We wish you and your family safe travels, good health,
and every happiness in the years ahead.
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I hope you enjoy this Special Convention Issue. It highlights the many Philoptochos happenings and events that make our Philoptochos organization so vibrant.
Our delegates and chapters are the heroes of every Convention, and their dedication, service, and fellowship are what make these gatherings so meaningful.
I hope this issue inspires you and helps you connect with fellow members and chapters from across the Metropolis. May the stories and shared experiences encourage new ideas, strengthen friendships, and celebrate the spirit of Philoptochos that unites us all.
Thank you to all that sent in photos. There are plenty of happy Philoptochos faces to scroll through.
Looking forward to seeing seeing all of you at the September Luncheon!
Until our next Editon. Marilynn Jemas, Editor
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Ascension of Our Lord - Lincolnshire
It was a CELEBRATION OF GIVING at Dover Straits Seafood House on June 2! Our Chapter reflected on a year of serving with joy, and announced the charitable organizations that will receive disbursements from our successful fundraising efforts. This wonderful dinner & fellowship is a year-end tradition for our chapter. We look forward to a fresh start and new endeavors this fall.
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Holy Apostles - Westchester
Thanks to everyone who generously cleaned out their closets and donated to our Poised for Success women’s clothing drive this year! We collected and donated over 1,400 pieces of clothing/shoes/purses/belts and scarves. Bravo! Poised for Success is a nonprofit organization serving the Chicagoland area. Their mission is to provide, at no charge, beautiful interview and business appropriate clothing to women who are on assistance and in the job market. In addition to providing beautiful clothing, Gail Foster and her volunteers, assist clients in building self-esteem, teach them soft interview skills, and refer them to other local service organizations
providing job-skills training and job placement.
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SS. Peter & Paul - Glenview
Our Chapter honored three worthy charities.
Camp SOAR (for children with disabilities) $7,500.
K9s for Veterans $7,500.
Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage $15,000.
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Thank you to the many busy hands that happily help our church. Our ladies rolled thousands of koulourakia!
Provided refreshments after Vespers.
And baked and packaged Ouzo Cupcakes.
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St. Demetrios - Libertyville
The Philoptochos of St. Demetrios Libertyville along with family and friends enjoyed a wonderful “Pretty in Pink” party in the church hall. The afternoon was filled with fun, laughter, delicious food, a few games and most of all, community!
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Our Chapter celebrated the end of the year with a beautiful luncheon and honored Koula Kanne who is stepping down as chair of “ Operation Classroom”for the past 6 years. Koula drove the program with Christian love and dedication for 72 consecutive months, delivering much needed items
to unhoused students of District 60.
| | Our Chapter packaged and delivered 600 hot meals to the Midwest Veterans Closet along with 75 hot meals to COOL Ministries. | | |
Our Chapter made 150 port pillows and
donated them to LEMONS OF LOVE.
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St. Demetrios - Elmhurst
Congratulations to all of our graduating students! Congratulations to our 6 recipients for the St. Demetrios Philoptochos scholarship. We are so proud of each and everyone one of you.
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St. George - Schererville, IN
Sweet things are happening in the St. George kitchen as we prepare for our Greek Fest! Our ladies are rolling, folding, frying, and drizzling honey on everything, one delicious batch at a time!
Every bite is made with love and a few laughs along the way!
You'll want to save room for these Greek treats.
Enjoy our authentic Greek food, homemade pastries, lively music, dancing, and the warm hospitality that makes
our Greek Fest a favorite. OPA!
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St. Spyridon - Palos Heights
Our Philoptochos was proud to present the Peter Manasses Memorial Scholarships once again. This program has assisted, acknowledged and encouraged many worthy St. Spyridon students to continue their studies. Philoptochos member Mrs. Tina Manasses generously provided scholarships in memory of her beloved husband who had a deep love and appreciation for education. Scholarships of $3000 each were presented to two high school seniors, and to two undergrad students. We also thank our Scholarship chairlady Mrs. Maria Baltsas and her committee for their tireless dedication and commitment to this worthy project.
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The Christianiki Philoxenia gathering is always highly anticipated by our Southside Seniors, this time hosted by St. Spyridon.
The gathering for Divine Liturgy and a luncheon for our seniors is rotated by the parishes of Sts. Constantine & Helen-Palos Hills,
St. Nicholas-Oak Lawn, Holy Cross-Justice,
Assumption-Homer Glen, Annunciation- Kankakee
and St. Spyridon-Palos Heights. Our Philoxenia brings together seniors from these parishes for a day of faith, fellowship and fun.
Special recognition for birthdays and feast days are celebrated. And people join in to sing and dance to traditional songs.
Chairladies Toula Georgiopoulos, Olga Paxinos and Maria Karamangianis did an outstanding job! Our very own Chef Dean Eliacostas and his crew prepared a delicious luncheon.
And a special musical treat by Grecian Formula!
| | St. Spyridon Philoptochos hosted their 5th Annual Cancer Walk. Over 130 participants walked and prayed together in the fight against cancer. This year over $7000 was collected to benefit testicular cancer. The day began with a Paraklesis for the health and well being of those living with cancer and survivors. Participants walked from St. Spyridon to St. Mary’s Antiochian Church for a Trisagion service to remember those that passed away from cancer. Then we walked back to St.Spyridon for a celebratory lunch. Many thanks to Ruth Faklis & Georgia Xeros for spearheading this wonderful project along with their hardworking committee. May we continue to support this amazing event with our participation, donations and prayers to fight cancer! | | |
Philoptochos members gathered for breakfast and lively conversation at Stacked Restaurant. Thanks to the
Demacopoulos Family for their excellent food and service.
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Chapter members preparing our
home-made sweets for our Greek Festival.
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Three Hierarchs - Champaign, IL
Metropolitan Nathanael visited the Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church in Champaign, IL as part of his central/southern Illinois Vicariate Tour, where he presided over the feast day
vespers and met with local faithful and students.
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In the left photo, Three Hierarchs Philoptochos President,
Maria Laros, is given the Servant Leadership Award -
Bronze Cross. Maria is joined by her husband, George Laros,
their daughter Demi Laros,
and His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago.
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Feed the Hungry
Holy Apostles - Westchester
| | St. Demetrios - Libertyville | | St. John the Baptist - Des Plaines | | North Shore Ahepa Chapter #94 | | |
Operation Classroom A meaningful way to make a difference in students lives.
We are borrowing a theme and photo from the past to remind Chapters that school will be opening soon. It's time to organize your Chapter's Operation Classroom plans for this school year. Please use the link below to send your form directly to the National Philoptochos Operation Classroom Committee so that your Chapter's participation will be counted.
Operation Classroom Link
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Here is what Assumption - Town & Country, MO
is doing for Operation Classroom
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