Community Honoree Sophia Penning

Sophia Penning was raised in Clearwater, Florida, and graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Education. She moved to Pennsylvania over 28 years ago and found her spiritual home at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. She served on various boards and ministries, including P.T.O., Parish Council, Homeless Ministry, and as a Catechism teacher, ultimately becoming a team leader for Matthew 25. She strives to live by Christ's teachings, often saying, ”When God speaks, I need to listen,” which motivates her to aid the hungry and less fortunate.

She has been blessed with her husband of almost 35 years, Russ, and adult children Anna, Andrew, Ava, and her new son-in-law, Drew. Her eldest Anna was married this past July in Greece, and that made for an unforgettable summer.

Sophia will continue to apply what she has been taught and be a positive role model both to her church and community.

Philoptochos Honoree Stella Fisfis

Stella currently serves as Advisor and Second Treasurer of the Philoptochos at Annunciation Church in Elkins Park. 

Over the past 14 years, she has also held leadership roles as President, Treasurer, and Corresponding Secretary. Recently, she was appointed by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos to the Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos. 

She is also currently serving as Managing Director of the Metropolis of New Jersey Music and Dance Festival. 

Above all, her greatest blessings are her family—Yiayia to her grandson Απόστολος and mother to Yanni, Alexza, George, and Hannah, together with her husband, Archon Apostolos Fisfis.

Senior Steward Honoree Chris Fifis

Chris Fifis became involved with the church at an early age as an altar boy at St. George Church in the early 1960s, followed by many years at St. Thomas. He was involved with the Agora and served on the church board. In 2004, he and his wife Dori relocated to Bucks County and joined Evangelismos Church. Shortly thereafter, he began helping in the kitchen for the Opa festival, which he is still involved with. He has been in the past and is currently on the church Board of Directors.

Youth Worker Honoree Demetra Diamantas

Since 2016, Demetra has been committed to serving the youth of Annunciation as a Greek School instructor, fostering language proficiency and cultural awareness. She has also contributed as a substitute teacher in the Catechism School and was a PTO board member from 2020 to 2024, including two years as president. Demetra, her husband, and their two daughters are active participants in the church where she was raised. She is now in her 17th year with the School District of Philadelphia.

Youth Ambassador of Love Melina Bougioukas

Melina, a junior at Central Bucks H.S. South, is a hardworking honor roll student dedicated to her school and community. She is a member of the National Art Honor Society and actively participates in various extracurricular clubs to support causes that help those in need. As a faithful parishioner, she is heavily involved in GOYA and serves as secretary on the GOYA board this year. Melina also participates in the church's dance ministry, performing at festivals, MDF, and Sights & Sounds. She volunteers frequently at church events that involve youth activities. Her kindness, compassion, and charitable actions demonstrate her deep love for others. 

Youth Ambassador of Peace Alexandros Tsinganos

Alexandros Tsinganos is a dedicated member of the Greek Orthodox community, deeply involved in both church and school activities. With his family, he is a proud member of Evangelismos of Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Philadelphia, where he has served as an Altar Boy and participated as a Greek School student. Alexandros is also an active member of GOYA at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Elkins Park. Known for his positive attitude and kindness, Alexandros is a great friend and a valued part of his community. He is currently a senior at William Tennent High School and plans to attend trade school next year, pursuing his future goals with dedication and enthusiasm.

Fr. Nicholas is known as a dedicated pastor, motivational speaker, compassionate advocate for those in need, and passionate supporter of interfaith dialogue and social justice.

In addition to his role as pastor at St. John the Divine, Rev. Louh serves on the Metropolis Council for the Holy Metropolis of Atlanta and the Archdiocese Council for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. He is also an Adjunct Professor of World Religions at Florida State College at Jacksonville and the chaplain for the Jacksonville Sharks Arena Football Team.

Together, Fr. Nicholas and his wife, Dr. Roxanne Louh, co-host a weekly radio show on Ancient Faith Radio titled “Live with the Louhs” on Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

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