Philoptochos Charities Benefit Luncheon

Friday, November 21, 2008

MARIA TAMVAKOLOGOS--DIANE MIMINOS--APHRODITE SKEADAS---METROPOLITAN METHODIOS--PETER SKEADAS--GEORGIA LAGADINOS

More than 250 Philoptochos members and friends of the Metropolis joined with the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos to recognize Volunteers – “People Who Make a Difference, at its biennial charities benefit luncheon held November 16, 2008 at the Newton Marriott. 

 

Under the spiritual guidance of Metropolitan Methodios and the leadership of Diane Miminos, Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos President, Georgia Lagadinos and Maria Tamvakalogos, luncheon co-chairs and the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board, the luncheon honored four local volunteer organizations. The members of the Hellenic Women’s Club (EOK) represented by Pamela Lazares, President; the North Shore Hellenic Women’s Guild, represented by Marylou Sambatakos, President; the Hellenic Women’s Benevolent Association, represented by 35-year volunteer Anastasia Caras; and the Volunteer Women of Hellenic College - Holy Cross represented by Elaine Zetes, Past President, were recognized for their many years of service and contributions to the Metropolis and their respective ministries.  The honorees, warmly embraced by the  luncheon attendees, received a crystal cross from Metropolitan Methodios.

 

MARIA TAMVAKOLOGOS--CONSUL GENERAL CONSTANTINE ORPHANIDES--METROPOLITAN METHODIOS--NATIONAL PHILOTPOCHOS PRESIDENT APHRODITE SKEADAS--METROPOLIS PHILOPTOCHOS PRESIDENT DIANE MIMINOS---GEORGIA LAGADINOS

The program opened with greetings from Consul General of Greece in Boston, Constantinos Orphanides.  In their remarks, President Miminos referred to the members of the organizations as “our sisters in Christ, sharing a common bond of philanthropy and service to others” and the newly appointed National Philoptochos President, Aphrodite Skeadas, stated that “volunteers are not paid because they are priceless”.

 

Demetra Ganias, reporter for WTEN News 10 in Albany, New York, delivered the keynote address and reflected upon the influence of the Church and Philoptochos on her career and volunteer experiences.  Mezzo-soprano, Stephanie Kacoyanis, performed a medley of songs to the delight of the audience.

 

During the luncheon, President Miminos announced a very generous donation to the Metropolis Philoptochos by Mrs. Catherine Pappas, in the amount of  $100,000. She reported that because of the generosity of past luncheon benefactors, a Social Services Fund was recently established to address the needs of Greek Orthodox adults and families in the Metropolis of Boston.  His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios closed the program with his reflections and blessings.

 

Renderings of a new sunroom addition to the Philoxenia House planned by the Ipswich community and photos of recent progress on the Retreat House at the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center were on display for all to view.  (PHOTOS BY NICK SOUFLAS)