Philoptochos Ladies have received many blessings in their lives, but the ability to assist those who are less fortunate is the greatest blessing of all. May God continue to bless the hearts and hands of each Philoptochos member in our Metropolis.
2020 began with the cutting of the Vasilopita, the first of the nineteen National Commitments. All proceeds benefit St. Basil Academy. Luncheons, auctions, trays passed after Divine Liturgy and a variety of other activities were held. Many chapters reported proceeds exceeded amounts from previous years. St. Basil Academy brings the light of Christ to many young lives. Many charities benefitted over the Christmas holiday and winter months. Our chapters have embraced the National Philoptochos initiative, The Feeding the Hungry Program. The Nativity of the Virgin Mary Chapter of Plymouth, Michigan sponsored a program at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Detroit, and cooked a meal for over 175 people. The Assumption Philoptochos of St. Clair Shores, Michigan did outstanding work at the Capuchin Kitchen. In the month of February, they served 180 meals as the chapter continues to fulfill our mission to feed the hungry campaign. During the cold winter months, the chapter of St George, Southgate, Michigan accepted donations of hats, scarves, gloves and socks for the needy in their local area. The chapter also made visitations to parishioners in hospitals, assisted living centers and nursing homes. The Metropolis Philoptochos Board is planning a “No Show” fundraiser to provide support to our very important Metropolis charities. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros announced that May 17, the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, as Philoptochos Sunday. Through Social Media and the Detroit Metropolis website, the Metropolis Philoptochos Board invites you to celebrate women who have inspired us in our mission and in life. We will be honoring and memorializing these women who are near and dear to us. The names will be listed on the Philoptochos Face book page and on the Phioptochos page of the Metropolis website. Through chapter and individual donations, it is the hope of the board to fulfill the commitment in helping those in need. The Metropolis Philoptochos Board along with the Stefanou Family will once again offer the Florence G. Stefanou Memorial Scholarship. Last year there were nine exceptional applicants. It is our hope that many more young people will take advantage of this opportunity. Scholarship applications are due on April 30, 2020, and can be found on the Philoptochos page of the Metropolis website. You may also contact your chapter president for applications. The Biennial Clergy-Laity and Philoptochos Convention will be June 28-July 2, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown and Huntington Convention Center. We hope for and encourage 100% chapter participation. CONTRIBUTIONS Metropolis Donations
St Basil Academy is the recipient of the following Vasilopita Celebrations
|