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2022 Philoptochos Assembly

2022 Philoptochos Assembly - Holy Trinity, Pittsburgh, PA

On Saturday, September 24, 2022, the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Ladies Philoptochos Society met for its first meeting of the new Ecclesiastical Year in conjunction with the Clergy-Laity Assembly at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh, PA.

Thirty women were present at the meeting which began with the election of officers. Barb Pasalis, Election Chair, presented the slate of officers and board members. Elected to the 2022-2025 term were:

  • Joyce Spanakis, President
  • Anna Vedouras, Vice-President
  • Despina Denne, Recording Secretary
  • Sharon Whitman, Corresponding Secretary
  • Paula Makris-Larance, Treasurer
  • Eleni Gugliotta, Assistant Treasurer

After the elections, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, administered the Oath of Office on the newly appointed officers and board members and then offered a brief spiritual reflection for the entire group.

Afterwards, the minutes of the last meeting were approved, the treasurer’s report was presented, as well as reports from various committee chairs.

The members broke for a delicious catered luncheon and then resumed the meeting with presentations from the following guest speakers:

  • Alyssa Kyritsis and Marina Papafil—Youth & Camp Ministries and Weekend of Service
  • Fr. Matthew Moore – The Hub in Steubenville
  • Rhea Ballas – Youth Safety
  • Archon Nick Lekas – New Metropolis Center presentation/videos
  • Helen Rankin and Deborah Pries—National convention experience and take-aways

President Joyce Spanakis shared her experience at the National Convention AGAPE Breakfast where she accepted the award on behalf of the All Saints Philoptochos Chapter in Weirton, WV. She then extended the invitation to Weirton chapter president, Pearl Tranto, to share her thoughts on her chapter’s recognition. Pearl spoke lovingly about the members of her chapter and their commitment to their parish as well as Philoptochos.

Vice-president, Anna Vedouras, announced that this year’s Daffodil Luncheon would be held in person on April 1, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The luncheon will be hosted jointly by the Northeast Ohio Philoptochos Chapters. A venue has not yet been decided for the event and a committee of Metropolis board members will be put in place to act as liaison and work with the host chapters. Barbara Pasalis shared portions of a presentation on membership that was given at the National Convention in July. The ladies discussed ways to increase membership in our chapters.

Finally, Paula Makris-Larance and Eleni Gugliotta presented the budget for 2023 and disbursements that were collected through commitments this past year were voted upon to be disbursed to the various entities for which the money was collected. Joyce Spanakis gave closing remarks and ended the meeting at 5:45 pm with a prayer for safe travels to the ladies present as they returned to their hometowns and for God’s continued guidance and blessings on the Philoptochos’ work as we strive to do Christ’s work.

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