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2021 Philoptochos Assembly

Metropolis Meeting - September 24, 2021

The Metropolis Philoptochos convened September 24, 2021 with 32 women in attendance. It was a productive day filled with meaningful discussion, uplifting presentations, and fruitful decisions. 

Among the agenda items discussed was the St. Nicholas National Shrine Fundraising appeal. Our Philoptochos of Pittsburgh must raise approximately $26,000 to complete the amount assessed by the National Philoptochos. An appeal was made to the members (especially those from larger more capable chapters) to try to hold fundraisers and/or encourage members to donate so that the $26,000 assessment can be fulfilled. 

In response to the letter regarding the allocation of camp funds, it was decided unanimously to reallocate our donation of a little more than $51,000 to the Camp Endowment Fund. 

Our hearts were warmed by a presentation from Denise Cramer, a representative of the local JRC Agency which is a non-profit agency that serves low to moderate income children, seniors, and families. Her presentation showcased the wonderful work the center does for pre-school children and seniors. A donation will be presented to this organization on behalf of the Philoptochos. 

We were grateful to have Fr. George Parsenios, Dean of Holy Cross School of Theology, with us to offer his thanks on behalf of President George Cantonis. He encouraged the members of Philoptochos to come to Holy Cross to visit and see first-hand the positive improvements that are being made there. 

Rev. Fr. Matthew Moore from Holy Trinity Steubenville touched us deeply as he shared the work that he is doing within his local community to help victims of poverty, drug abuse, human trafficking, etc. He is truly doing God’s work as he reaches out to help raise up those whom life has left at rock bottom.  

We also had an opportunity to meet and hear from our new Metropolis Youth and Young Adult Director, Alyssa Kyritsis, as well as Camping Ministries Coordinator, Marina Papafil. Both ladies graciously thanked the Philoptochos for all the help we have given to the youth of our Metropolis over the years. Alyssa discussed an upcoming project that will combine the Youth Ministries and the Philoptochos. It will be an opportunity for our youth to participate in a Day of Service on either March 12th or 13th. 

Stephanie Ocker informed us on the status of the new Metropolis Philoptochos website.  The hope is to have the website officially up and running within the next two weeks.  This will enable donations to the Philoptochos to be made on the website through PayPal as well as enabling chapters to pay commitments through PayPal. Information on Social Services, the Environmental Committee, the Feed the Hungry program, the Daffodil Luncheon, etc. will also be able to be viewed on the new website.  

Barb Pasalis gave a presentation on the St. Nicholas National Shrine and shared with us the YouTube video of the September 11th Lighting Service held by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros at St. Nicholas. 

After other official Philoptochos business, the members finished out the meeting by voting on the following monetary disbursements: 

  1.  New Metropolis Center:  $12,575 (check presented to His Eminence) 

  1.  The Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery:  $2,655 

  1.  Metropolis Good Samaritan Fund:  $2,380 (check presented to His Eminence) 

  1.  Seminarians:  $2,000 to each seminarian 

  1.  Fr. Matthew Moore (for his project in Steubenville):  $2,500 now and after the acquisition of the 501c3 another $2,500 for a total of $5,000 

  1.  Metropolis of Pittsburgh Youth and Young Adult Ministries: $2,500.   (check presented to Alyssa Kyritsis) This is in addition to $10,000 that was given in January 2021 that has not yet been spent. 

In conclusion, we are grateful to the parish of St. Haralambos for hosting the Clergy-Laity and Philoptochos Assembly. We thank the parishioners for their hospitality and for preparing and serving our meals and working to clean up after us these last three days. 

Respectfully submitted by 
Metropolis Vice-President, Joyce Spanakis 

 

 

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