His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, Chairman of the Metropolis Philoptochos Board, opened the regular meeting on Saturday, October 21st with a prayer. President Elaine Zetes addressed two overarching goals for the coming year: improving and strengthening communications with the Chapters and increasing and strengthening the financial stability of the Metropolis Philoptochos.
As a first step towards improved communications, the website and Facebook pages will undergo a refresh, led by 2nd Vice President Eleni Stamboulidis and Recording Secretary Irene Stefanakos. Increased financial stability includes plans for a fundraiser to be held on Thursday evening, April 12, 2018, at St. Demetrios Church in Weston, MA. Athena Kalyvas was named event chair, with assistance from Theresa Nibi and other Board members. Further details will be announced.
The Board received updates on several of its ministries. Maria Tamvakologos, Operations Liaison to the Philoxenia House, reported on the current status of the House and their needs. A suggestion was made to publish a wish list for items of recurring need. The Wish List is now posted on http://www.boston.goarch.org/ministries/philoxenia_house/
As soon as confirmations of chapter ratifications are received from National Philoptochos, President Zetes will be contacting the Chapter Presidents with information about the new Metropolis Board and about recent changes voted on and approved at last June’s Biennial Conference: the Metropolis Social Services commitment to begin in October 2018 and the $5.00 increase to the Metropolis per capita starting in 2018.
As a reminder, November’s Chapter commitment is St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center. As Veteran’s Day nears, Chapters are asked to contribute goods or monetary donations to the Operation Housewarming Appeal. Lastly, all are invited to celebrate St. Andrew’s Vespers on November 29 at the Metropolis Center, followed by installation of the new Metropolis Board, and a reception hosted by Co-chairs Kiki Feldmar, Litsa Stamoulis, and Eleni Pantelis, with assistance from the Board members.
Watch this website for updates and also check out our Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/BostonPhiloptochos/