Your All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew,
Your Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros,
Your Eminences,
Your Graces,
Reverend Clergy,
Sister Presvyteres,
Mr Cantonis,
And students of Hellenic College Holy Cross,
It’s an honor to represent all Presvyteres across our Archdiocese on this special day, as we welcome you Your All Holiness and seek your patriarchal blessing!
Allow me to share with you, Your All Holiness, the purpose of the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres. Our sisterhood was formed in 1982 with the blessings of his Eminence, Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory. Our purpose was and continues to be, to promote the spirit of Christian love among the Presvyteres, to provide opportunities to become acquainted with one another, to discuss mutual concerns and develop programs that are unique to the life of the Presvytera and clergy family.
Just last week we held our national retreat in Chicago with close to 90 presvyteres gathering to retreat from our daily lives for a few days. It was a blessed time together, giving us time to reflect, to grow spiritually, to share with each other, and to relax and have fun! We are so thankful for this time together and the bonds that were formed.
Each presvytera is unique, offering her own talents as her ministry, while still supporting her husband’s ministry in the Church. Some are in the business world, some in healthcare, others are teachers, and others stay at home full time. Yet, each of us stands at our husband’s side to share his joys and burdens as he shepherds the faithful entrusted to his care. It truly is a blessed life and we thank God that we are able to serve by our husband’s side.
Your All-Holiness, we thank you for taking time to be with your clergy and presvyteres this afternoon. And again we ask for your blessings as we all return back to our parishes to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.