Tribute to Women Luncheon Honors Area Leaders

Monday, February 05, 2007

February 5, 2007 

At the Tribute to Women Luncheon held last fall: His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, Consul General of Greece Constantinos Orphanides, National Philoptochos President Georgia Skeadas, Past National Philoptochos President Eve Condakes, Rev. Diane C. Kessler, Luncheon Chairman Karen Swensen and members of the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board.

“The Age of Philoptochos” – a Tribute to Women was the theme for the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos charities benefit luncheon which was held on November 5, 2006 at the Newton Marriott, Newton Massachusetts. Under the spiritual leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, ,Diane Miminos, Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos President, Janice Panagako and Yiota Simoglou, Luncheon Chairmen, and the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board, the luncheon was very successful as it was supported by 350 Philoptochos sisters and friends. Karen Swensen, New England Cable News Anchor, served as Master of Ceremonies. She embraced the audience with the love of her Greek heritage and her personal experience during hurricane Katrina.. Greetings were given by Eve Condakes, Honorary Chairman, The Honorable Constantinos Orphanides, Consul General of Greece in Boston, and Georgia Skeadas, National Philoptochos President. Mrs. Skeadas acknowledged His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios as he called Philoptochos women to move forward in the “Age of Philanthropy”.

Following the luncheon, Eve Condakes received Honorary Recognition from the Metropolis of Boston for her years as Past National President of the Ladies Philoptochos Society. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos, a video presentation under the direction of Chris Pappas and Christine Karavites “Celebrating 50 Years of Philanthropy” was enjoyed by all in attendance. The Reverend Dr. Diane C. Kessler, Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, delivered the keynote address where she cited the most profound gift of her ecumenical ministry is that of “friendship” She thanked the Metropolis of Boston for the hospitality and friendship during her thirty-two year career. The final Tribute to Women began with the recognition of .five outstanding women who have distinguished themselves in the Greater American Community. The Reverend Dr. Diane C. Kessler, Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, Dr. Mary D. Lekas, medical pioneer, Dr. Zorica Pantic, President of Wentworth Institute of Technology, Mary Papoutsy, educator and great philanthropist, Catherine Pappas, humanitarian and philanthropic leader. Each honoree received a cross from His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and an icon of the patron saints of Philoptochos, Sts. Cosmas & Damian.

In closing the program, Diane Miminos announced a special donation to the charities benefit luncheon from honoree, Catherine Pappas in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars. All attendees applauded this magnanimous gesture of philanthropy. The generous donation from Catherine Pappas and Philoptochos sisters and friends netted a $131.000 profit for the event. The proceeds help support the many philanthropic ministries of the Ladies Philoptochos Society at the metropolis and national level. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios closed the program with his blessings.

 

Metropolitan Methodios with the honorees of the Tribute to Women Luncheon: Left to right: Catherine Pappas, Mary Papoutsy, Dr. Zorica Pantic, Rev. Diane C. Kessler, Dr. Mary D. Lekas, Diane Miminos, President of the Metropolis of Boston Philotpchos Board.