For Immediate Release
July 22, 2022
National Philoptochos Convention Joins in Unity with the Archdiocese for A Historic Week
New York, NY – The National Philoptochos Convention brought together 317 delegates from chapters nationwide to celebrate 90 years of service and love. The Convention, conducted under the direction of National President Arlene Siavelis Kehl, Convention Chair Anita Kartalopoulos, and Co-Chairs Jeannie Ranglas, Jennifer Constantin, and Eleni Constantinides, highlighted not only the accomplishments of the organization, but also set a roadmap for the future.
The biennial convention is held in conjunction with the Clergy-Laity Congress, this year celebrated the Centennial of the Archdiocese of America. The Philoptochos delegates, the Clergy-Laity attendees, city officials, and the Hierarchs of our Church, together bore witness to the historic consecration of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center on Independence Day.
4th of July evening festivities at the Yacht Club in Edgewater, NJ, brought a night of fellowship, dinner, dancing, and fireworks for Philoptochos delegates, as well as our Hierarchs who joined us for a celebratory evening.
Preceded by the Color Guard of the NYPD, July 5th marked the Convention Opening Ceremonies with welcoming remarks from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, National President Arlene Siavelis Kehl, and Convention Chair Anita Kartalopoulos. The Society was honored by the daily presence of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, their Eminences Elder-Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymnon Avlopotamos and the V. Rev. Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, representing His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, Spiritual Advisor of Philoptochos, and other Hierarchs who were also in attendance. Highlights of the 3-day assembly included:
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Traditional Biennial Convention work including Resolutions, Budget Approvals, Report of the 2021 Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon in Indianapolis, IN and Announcement of the 2023 Luncheon in Houston, TX
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A Social Services Panel headed by Director of Social Services, Paulette Geanacopoulos
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Daily spiritual reflection lead by His Grace Bishop Athenagoras, as well as a remembrance Trisagion for Carol Stamas and Argeria Logus, dedicated National Board members who fell asleep in the Lord during the 2020-2022 term.
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Speaker sessions from thought leaders and ministry partners;
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Sarah Sladek, Member Engagement Expert and renowned thought leader on generational shifts;
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George Cantonis, President of Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology;
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Dorrie Papademetriou, Founder of MudGirls Studios- empowering disadvantaged women in poverty;
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Presvytera Kerry Pappas, Coordinator for Seminarian and Clergy Couple Care at the Archdiocese of America; and
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Dean Triantafilou, Executive Director of the International Orthodox Christian Charities
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Chapter Awards and Chapter Challenge Presentations
The AGAPE Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, held on Wednesday July 6th, co-chaired by Valine Georgeson and Stella Pantelidis, was a centerpiece of the week. Nine chapters nationwide were honored for their exemplary initiative and success in service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Also recognized at the event were four of the Society’s Spiritual Advisors, past and present: His Grace Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia, and His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America honored four Philoptochos leaders, Arlene Siavelis Kehl, Anita Kartalopoulos, Jeannie Ranglas, and Stella Pantelidis, with the recognition of Centennial Honoree,. This prestigious accolade of Centennial Honoree is in acknowledgement of and appreciation for many years of steadfast service to the Archdiocese.
As the Philoptochos Convention came to a close the delegates celebrated 90 years of continuous philanthropy, empowered by a renewed spirit and vitality to embrace the next 90 years of service. This exceptional week was capped off by the Centennial Grand Banquet with Clergy-Laity and Philoptochos attendees.
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. For more info, check out www.philoptochos.org.
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