Reflection of 2019
Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos: A Reflection of 2019
January 2, 2020
As we embark onto 2020, we want to pause and reflect on 2019 with some photos and highlights. The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos has had another successful and fruitful year under the guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios. The Board raised funds for the various ministries of the Metropolis and continues to diligently work behind the scenes to assist those in need.
The reach of Philoptochos is wide and spans beyond what we can always see. Over the past year, assistance was given through our Social Services Fund which discreetly supports community members in need. The continuation of this ministry was made possible through the support of each Chapter’s donations for the October commitment. In addition, due to a successful year, the Board was able to add $10,000 of money raised to the Social Services Fund.
The Metropolis Philoptochos Board is well represented on the National Philoptochos Board and several members attended National Board Meetings throughout the year, while continuing their work at the local Chapter level. We also don’t want to forget the wonderful work of our Chapters across the Metropolis scheduling events to engage and support their communities. We hope to share more of your successes in 2020!
May 2, 2019- An Evening with Chef Maria Loi and Dr. Stefanos Kales was hosted at St. Demetrios Church in Weston, MA.
We spent much of the spring of 2019 planning our annual fundraiser. The evening included a presentation by Chef Loi and Dr. Kales about The Greek Diet. During their presentation they spoke about their research in which they found the many benefits of the diet most of us have grown up eating! They highlighted fish, legumes, fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, and many wonderful recipes passed down by generations of Greek families.
Following the presentation was a book signing of The Greek Diet by Chef Loi, a silent raffle, and fellowship in the main hall. The event was a major success raising close to $25,000 to support Philoptochos Ministries.
June 8, 2019- Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Biennial Conference, St. George Cathedral, Springfield, MA
Delegates represent our 42 chapters across the Metropolis met to review the progress of the past term, approve our budget for the future term, discuss new business, and elect the Metropolis Philoptochos Board for the 2019-2021 term.
Thanks to the use of technology we were joined by National President Maria Logus and National Treasurer Georgia Vlitas who spoke to us about different initiatives from the national office including the Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon hosted in Chicago, the continuation of Feeding the Hungry with an increased goal of 1.5 millions meals, Operation Classroom and more. To see all National Philoptochos Initiatives visit: www.philoptochos.org.
Along with the many business items discussed at the meeting we had a reflective presentation by Lisa Foster titled “From Burnout to Balance: Strategies for Staying Centered”. Lisa spoke about ways to reflect and how going to church helped her do just that. Participants enjoyed interacting with Lisa taking time think about ways they avoid burnout in their busy lives.
June 9, 2019, Ministry Awards Banquet, Lombardo’s Restaurant, Randolph, MA
It is customary at the annual Ministry Awards Banquet hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios the Metropolis, the Philoptochos Board presents monies collected from chapter commitments and fundraisers for the various ministries of the Metropolis. President Elaine Zetes presented His Eminence with checks totaling $60,000 for Philoxenia House, FOS (Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards), and St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center.
At this year’s event the Metropolitan not only recognized stewards of the Metropolis of Boston for their work but also gave a special tribute to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for his many years of spiritual leadership.
June 13 & 14, 2019, Saint Methodios Vesper & Liturgy, Brookline, MA
In celebration of Metropolitan Methodios’ name day, the Philoptochos board hosts receptions following the Vesper and Liturgy services held at St. Andrews Chapel in Brookline.
October 5, 2019- First Meeting of 2019-2021 Metropolis Philoptochos Board, Brookline, MA
The Metropolis Board meets several times a year to plan and keep our initiatives moving forward. The newly elected board met and elected the Executive Officers after Athena Kalyvas was appointed President for the term. The Board got right to work discussing our next fundraiser, continuation of current initiatives such as Operation Housewarming and looking at new events and ways to engage our members across the Metropolis. The board continues to meet regularly.
November 2019- Operation Housewarming
The Chairs of our Operation Housewarming (Veterans Program) Eleni Stamboulidis and Georgia Lagadinos were busy this fall collecting the wonderful donations made by various parishes and individuals, and doing some shopping of their own with the nearly $5,000 raised for Operation Housewarming! Throughout this year, over 1,000 baskets were donated. The program has expanded under Eleni and Georgia's leadership, as they have worked tirelessly with the VA to identify the diverse needs of the veteran community.
The initiative has expanded beyond donating housewarming baskets to offering support for female veterans and providing clothing, supplies, and toys for the children of veterans. Here are pictures from two large donation pickups in November at our Metropolis Center.
November 9, 2019- Clergy Laity Meeting at St. Demetrios Church, Weston, MA
Presidents and representatives from chapters across the Metropolis attended the Clergy Laity conference. In addition to attending meetings discussing various topics across the Metropolis the Philoptochos members had some time to come together. President Athena Kalyvas presented on Philoptochos and shared both local and national initiatives.
November 16, 2019- Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon, Chicago, Il
One major initiative of the National Philoptochos is the Biennial Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon which was hosted in the Metropolis of Chicago this year. Many members of our Metropolis joined nearly 1,000 gests as they gathered to raise money fulfilling various grants to support organizations that work with medical needs of children.
November 29 & 30, 2019- St. Andrew Vesper and Liturgy Services, Brookline, MA
St Andrew is the First-Called Patron Saint of the Metropolis of Boston and a Chapel bearing his name sits on the grounds of the Boston Metropolis Center. As has become tradition, in attendance was His Eminence Cardinal Sean O’Malley of the Roman Catholic Church of Boston. At the end of the Vesper service Metropolitan Methodios administered the oath of office for the 2019-2020 Philoptochos Board and a reception hosted by the board followed in the Metropolis Center.
