VOLUME 1, NUMBER 8 MEETING NOTICE APRIL ‘12 S M T W Th F S APRIL 28, 2012 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10:30 AM CHURCH HALL 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 DATES TO REMEMBER 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 APRIL 26 SENIOR CITIZEN LUNCHEON 22 23 24 25 27 26 28 APRIL 28 – GOYA AT OZANAM INN 1:30 29 30 President’s Message Dear Ladies, Do you feel it? I do!. It’s all around. I’m talking about the feeling of ANTICIPATION. CHRIST HAS RISEN! The earth has rested and replenished itself for the new growing season. The days are longer and warmer as the sun travels to its highest point. Plants have struggled through the cold earth to change the landscape and bring color and pleasure to the senses. There is anticipation of new life as spring arrives and we feel a sense of renewal through the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My first year as president of the Philoptochos is almost over and it is hard for me to believe that this is our last meeting until September. However, I have a feeling of anticipation and excitement as we approach the spring season and look on it as a time of planning and preparation for the coming fall. Now is the time to “catch the spirit” and volunteer to chair events and projects for our 2012 year. Spring is a time for new ideas and exciting possibilities for the future. Philoptochos is never comfortable with the status quo. Cosponsoring the “Keepers of the Faith” exhibition together with the archives committee is a once in a lifetime experience that we will always remember. We must start the process toward new projects while continuing to maintain the ambitious path laid down in previous years . My sincere appreciation for all your help this year. I look forward to working with you again. Sincerely, Connie Tiliakos 2012 NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS BIENNIAL CONVENTION JULY 1st - 4th, 2012 BE PART OF CELEBRATING HELP PLAN THE NEXT 80 YEARS OF SERVICE! 80 YEARS OF PHILANTHROPY 1 Holy Trinity 1910 After many months of preparation the “Keepers of the Faith” archive exhibition chaired by Maggie Maag and Connie Tiliakos was held on March 10, 2012. The Archives Committee under the leadership of Maggie Early Iconostacion of our Holy Trinity Church Maag transformed the Hellenic Cultural Center The program for the archive exhibition into a museum quality exhibit of the Holy Trinity archives spanning the years from 1865-1915. included annotated pictures of the of the historical collection and was an invaluable guide, as well as The Philoptochos “Elpis” Society prepared a beautiful memento, for all those who attended. a Lenten Buffet which featured a large variety The program was written, edited and assembled by of Lenten appetizers, mezethes and desserts. Cathy Vial and Stephanie Vial assisted with the We thank all those who made and donated graphics. food and worked to make this event a success beyond all expectations. Cornelia Koniditsiotis and Diana Maag collected tickets at the door. The Ginny Zissis helped plan and organize GOYANS the Lenten food that was prepared and donated assisted with serving soft drinks and moved icons the for the event. The orzo pasta was made before the event. Vickie Catsulis arranged the table both with and without shrimp by Evangelia set up and designed the display of the buffet. Helen Two of the most unique foods were the Bilalis. Malachias and Mary Kontos arranged the flowers Crawfish Yannina prepared by Danae that were brought from the gardens of Philoptochos Columbus and the Zuchinni Pita made by Ginny Zissis. John Koniditsiotis prepared members. Sandy Bouzon baked the tiropetes and the moussaka. Dina Vitranis donated the spanakopetes and Diane Chronis assisted in the ingredients for the taramosalata made by Olga kitchen on the night of the event. Christakis. Other Lenten foods included Fasolada made by Maggie Maag and Dina Vitranis and Dr. Nick and Viki Moustoukas tomatoes stuffed with seasoned rice prepared worked at the “museum shop”. The four original icons by Ginny Zissis. from our first church were made into replicas and card sets for sale. Many other Philoptochos members Sandy Bouzon chaired the workshop helped Including Elaine Nugent who obtained several where over 35 Philoptochos members and donations of gift cards and ten cases of water. Vasili friends worked together to prepare tiropetes and Debbie Funti also helped with their donation of and spanakopetes for the exhibit. Feta drinks and water. Maggie Maag obtained the wine donated by Brille Cotsaradis was served with donation and Richrd Maag obtained a donation of dates, dolmades, grapes and other cheese cheese and other foods. Connie Tiliakos gave a made into a mold by Maggie Maag. Desserts presentation on “Greeks in New Orleans” as part of the included Kataifi, Finikia and Halva, made by lecture series at the end of the exhibition. Olga Christakis, Loukoumia, donated by 2 44 Maria Mellis, and Karidopeta prepared by Ginny Zissis. Dr. Nick and Viki Moustoukas Alantis Kountouroudis, John Koniditsiotis and Alex Tiliakos Olga Christakis, Vickie Catsulis, Connie Tiliakos, Argiro Stratis, Mary Kontos, Ginny Zissis Mary Gianiotis, Ginni Zissis, Vickie Catsulis, John Georges Dr.Cornelia Koniditsiotis and Diana Maag Olga Christakis, Vickie Catsulis, Connie Tiliakos, Argyro Stratis, Mary Kontos & Ginny Zissis Jacquelyn Pembo, Nick Stokes, Jonathan Labatut, Michael Labatut, Connie Stokes, Ari Makridakis, Alex Korominas, Sophia Marathonitis and Tony Pembo. 44 Maria Stokes, Faith Kyame, Carol Venturatos and Diane Chronis 3 “CATCH THE SPIRIT” VOLUNTEER TO CHAIR A PROJECT. SIGN UP FOR A COMMITTEE ACT AS HOSTESS FOR A MEETING Our Senior Citizens Luncheons are monthly Courtesy: Ongoing: Argie Kleamenakis for from September to April. Several members Senior Citiznens Luncheons and Helen have volunteered to help including: Sandy Malachias for health and welfare . Bouzon, Diane Chronis, Mary Kontos, Angie Kringas, Debbie Funti, Helen Malachias, Cathedral Care: Angie Kringas will chair Gela Pembo, Argie Kleamenakis, and this project. Cathy Vial. Other volunteers are needed. Nursing Home and In Home Visits – Kathy Our annual Garage Sale will take place on Latsis will chair this project. October 13-14, 2012. Elaine Nugent will once again chair this project. She needs November 4: We need coordinator and volunteers to set up the sale, to work during volunteers for the artoklasia and reception the sale and pack up and take down after celebrating the Feast Day of Saints Cosmas the sale. and Damian October/November –Someone needs to lead our Thanksgiving Project. November/December-Cornelia Koniditsiotis Monthly: Ozanam Inn: Elanie Nugent and will facilitate our Angel Tree Project. Diane Chronis lead this project. Volunteers are needed. January – Connie Tiliakos and Cathy Vial Makarias As Needed: We need both a will chair this project chairman and volunteers to plan Makarias. April 20 – Lenten Pot Luck Dinner – Led by OCF On-Going- Viki Moustoukas will head Mary Kontos and Helen Malachias. this project. All Generations Accomplishing Philanthropic Endeavors The A.G.A.P.E. AWARD 2012 is presented to Elaine Nugent by the Philoptochos “Elpis” Society for her dedicated work to improve the lives of the needy. 44 CONGRATULATIONS! 4 “BACKPACK FOR KIDS” PROJECT Greenpark Elementary DON’T FORGET THE KIDS School We are continuing to collect foods for our “Backpack for Kids” project. As you know, our Philoptochos chapter is supporting the students in need at the Greenpark Elementary School in Jefferson Parish for the 2012 school year. In April monetary donations from Philoptochos members were used to purchase food for the backpacks. Several members also brought in food products. The Montessori School students also contributed food for the backpacks. Carolyn Roques, principal of the school, has expressed her sincere appreciation for all that we have done for the students at Greenpark. Our Lenten Potluck Dinner was held on March 30 and was well attended. Many thanks to everyone who brought a Lenten dish to be enjoyed by all. Our appreciation to Helen Malachias and Mary Kontos for chairing this event. Julie Fotiades, Cornelia Koniditsiotis & Joan Fotiades Angie Kringas, Faith Kyame and Denise Ammons Mary Kontos and Helen Malachias 44 5 Agape Fund - The Agape Fund Donation assists the Metropolis with various Diakonias including educational and youth programs. Donation Amount: Determined by Chapter Clergy Education - The Clergy Education Commitment assists students who are legal residents of the Metropolis of Atlanta and studying at Holy Cross School of Theology for the priesthood with a scholarship based on a sliding scale according to the financial need of the student. The second purpose is to provide priests in the Metropolis of Atlanta spiritual and professional growth by way of continuing education through participation in conferences and other educational programs. Commitment Amount: Determined by Chapter Discretionary Fund - The Discretionary Fund Commitment is collected and disbursed to the Metropolis to provide emergency relief for natural disasters and other critical misfortunes to the faithful within our Metropolis. Commitment Amount: Determined by chapter Gifts - The Gift Donation assists with various gifts, flowers and donations to individuals and organizations not in our yearly budget. Donation Amount: Determined by Chapter Philanthropy - The Philanthropy Commitment provides financial assistance to the faithful within the Metropolis of Atlanta who are in need. Financial assistance is given for necessary essentials such as electric bills, water bills, rent, funeral expenses, medical expenses, prescriptions and more. Commitment Amount: $250.00 Special Project – Building an Orthodox Church in Cameroon, Africa - The Special Project Commitment provides financial resources necessary to achieve the Metropolis Philoptochos Five - Year Goal of $25,000.00 to build a Church in Africa. Commitment Amount: $100.00 Stewardship - Per Capita - The Stewardship - Per Capita Commitment provides operational income to support the ministries, programs and administrative costs of the Metropolis Philoptochos.