A successful and spiritual Clergy Laity Assembly/Philoptochos Conference was held in Troy, Michigan from September 26-28, 2019. We thank Father Stratton Dorozenski, the Parish Council and the community of St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy for hosting the first day of the gathering.
The highlight of the convention was the 20th Enthronement Anniversary Banquet celebrating His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas on Friday, September 27. Congratulations to His Eminence. Panta Axios! May God grant him many years. The Philoptochos Agenda was educational and interactive. Alexandra Crosson, CEO and founder of MyBody in Birmingham, MI spoke on Depression and Anxiety and Christy Buck, Executive Director of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan spoke on Suicide and Bullying. Both speakers led interactive question and answer periods. There was also a presentation on Chapter Procedures and Discussion Groups on the National Philoptochos, Metropolis Philoptochos, Membership and Chapter Projects including: Outreach, InReach and Fundraising. A Philoptochos Breakfast on Friday morning featured the Chapter Awards which showcase the dedicated efforts of our Philoptochos ladies. Delegates also had the opportunity to help underserved schools by bringing items and gift cards for schools in the Detroit Metropolitan area. This outreach helped promote the National Philoptochos initiative, Operation Classroom. Many chapters throughout the Detroit Metropolis have embraced this outreach and have helped many underprivileged schools. The Metropolis Board elections for 2019-2021 term were conducted in Troy. I am honored to be elected for a second term as Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos President. It is encouraging and touching to have the support of the elected officers, board and all of our Philoptochos sisters. The outpouring of love for our mission of helping those in need is heartwarming. The officers and board for the new term are: President – Theone Dickos, Carmel, IN 1st Vice President- Cindy Crosson, Troy, MI 2nd Vice President- Stephanie Storgion- Poplos, Memphis, TN Recording Secretary – Evanthia Valassiades, Dayton, OH Corresponding Secretary – Paula Kalevas- Beauchamp, Troy, MI Treasurer – Debbie George, Farmington Hills, MI Advisor – Margaret Yates, Ann Arbor, MI Board Members: Presvytera Thea Ballas, Pauline Biernacki, Nikki Burns, Anne Feles, Andrea Feles-Katsimbaris, Tasoula Gaddis, Katherine Kotsis, Patricia Ladas, Kim LaForest, Kay Nicholas, Maria Stavropoulos, Harriet Stoukas, Christina Vlahopoulos, Eleni Zaferes The 17th National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon was held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the Marriot Downtown Magnificent Mile in Chicago. The Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos congratulates the Metropolis of Chicago Medical Luncheon Committee and the entire Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos for hosting the successful Luncheon. At the event, 17 Medical Fund Grants were distributed totaling nearly $300K to area medical programs and facilities that offer care, treatment, innovative research and cures for children with medical illnesses. “Nothing you do is small or insignificant, everything you do and each member has great value,” as stated by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon. Let us rejoice and embrace the children. St Spyridon Vespers Service will be held on Wednesday, December 11 and Divine Liturgy on Thursday, December 12. The Metropolis Philoptochos Board will be hosting receptions on both days. We invite everyone to take part in these celebrations at the Metropolis Offices in Troy, MI. Mark your calendar for the National Philoptochos 45th Biennial Convention in Cleveland, Ohio from June 28 – July 3, 2020. I hope that there will be 100% participation of our Philoptochos Chapters. On behalf of the Metropolis Board, I wish you a joyous Christmas Season and a Blessed 2020. May the world experience peace in the New Year. Contributions National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon, Nov.16, 2019 in the Metropolis of Chicago Total Raised- $500,000 $300,000 donated to Children’s Hospitals and programs in the Chicago Metropolis $200,000 for Social Services Detroit Metropolis Philoptochos Saint Nicholas Shrine - $10,000 check for the continuation and completion of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. Total donated to this effort - $134,957 Chapter Level
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