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METROPOLIS NEWS
Metropolis Philoptochos Conference Recaps
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Detroit Metropolis Philoptochos
The Metropolis of Detroit Clergy-Laity and Philoptochos Conference was held on September 26-28 at the Somerset Inn in Troy, Michigan. Father Stratton Dorozenski, the Parish Council and the community of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy hosted the first day of the gathering.
The highlight of the Convention was the 20th Enthronement Anniversary Banquet celebrating His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas on Friday, September 27. Congratulations to His Eminence. Panta Axios! May God grant him many years.
The Philoptochos Agenda was educational and interactive. Alexandra Crosson, CEO and founder of MyBody in Birmingham, Michigan spoke on Depression and Anxiety. Christy Buck, Executive Director of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan spoke on Suicide and Bullying. Engaging and dynamic, both speakers led interactive question and answer periods. There was a presentation on Chapter Procedures and Discussion Groups on the National Philoptochos, Metropolis Philoptochos, Membership and Chapter Projects Including: Outreach, InReach and Fundraising.
The delegates enjoyed the fellowship at the Philoptochos Breakfast on Friday morning. The Chapter Awards Program was held during the breakfast. The awards showcased the dedicated efforts of our Philoptochos ladies who are always serving others.
Operation Classroom, a National Philoptochos initiative was supported by the Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos Chapters. The delegates had the opportunity to help underserved schools by bringing gift cards and items for schools in the Detroit Metropolitan area. The Philoptochos delegates showed their generosity by helping supply two schools with requested supplies.
 Pictured (from left to right): His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, Theone Dickos, Metropolis President, Patrick Crosson, Vice Chairman of the Metropolis of Detroit Council, Katherine Kotsis, General Chairman Philoptochos Conference
The Holy Trinity Cathedral Carmel, IN delegation at the 20th Enthronement Anniversary Banquet for His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas
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Pittsburgh Metropolis Philoptochos
The Ladies Philoptochos Society of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh has had a very productive 2019 conference.
The National Philoptochos swiftly acted to aid the hurricane victims in the Bahamas with a donation totaling $50,000.00. The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos voted to disburse an additional $2,000 from their Emergency Fund for Bahamas’ relief.
Our Philoptochos Society has continued the Feed the Hungry Program with remarkable success. The faithful and committed members of our Metropolis Philoptochos have heard the call to aid those less fortunate than themselves.
- Rhea Ballas, Director of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Young Adult Ministries and Rev. Earl Cantos, Youth Safety Compliance Officer of the Archdioceses advised our membership about the National program of Youth Safety Program.
- National Board Member, Thana Ward reviewed our Metropolis Philoptochos commitments with our membership. Thirty-one of our chapters received Awards of Excellence in recognition of their 100% participation.
- National Board Member, Despina Denne reviewed our progress in chapter elections and ratification. We are close to completing the process.
- Barbara Pasalis, Metropolis Treasurer and Paula Makris Larance, Assistant Treasurer reviewed our financial report and budget for 2020. We have completed an audit and continue to be transparent and financially sound.
The ladies of the Philoptochos Society diligently concluded our annual Assembly by adopting the following disbursements and projects:
- We have allocated $20,000.00 to underwrite the National Philoptochos AGAPE Breakfast at the 2020 Convention.
- A disbursement for the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Good Samaritan Fund of $2,785
- A disbursement for the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery of $3,200
- A disbursement for Metropolis Youth of $10,000.00
Earmarked as:
$5,000 Youth Ministries $5,000 Camp Ministries
- Our Philoptochos sisters granted $2,000.00 honorariums for each of the 6 seminary students from the Metropolis of Pittsburgh attending Holy Cross School of Theology this school year.
- In lieu of our Annual Daffodil Luncheon this year we plan on hosting a Metropolis wide Fundraiser for our Seminary students. We hope every parish will participate in our fundraising efforts. We continue to support our students - they are the future of our Church.
- We have approved a one year only additional voluntary commitment to offset convention expenses. The commitment will be $300 for large chapters and $100 for small chapters.
We had the great privilege of presenting a $2,500 donation to St. Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center in honor of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Former of America. Truly the high point of our Metropolis Philoptochos meeting was our opportunity to meet with His Eminence Metropolitan Savas and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. This was the most memorable event of the Assembly. Our deepest thanks to His Eminence Metropolitan Savas for his keen insight and wise judgement inviting His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios to our Assembly.
Sincere thanks to the parish family of Holy Trinity, Camp Hill for their generous hospitality and welcoming friendship to all our delegates from across the Metropolis.
We look forward to the 2020 Clergy Laity and National Philoptochos Congress in Cleveland, Ohio!
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San Francisco Metropolis Philoptochos
The Metropolis of San Francisco Celebrates Philanthropy~Fellowship~Faith in Action at their Philoptochos Fall Spiritual Conference.
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”
Romans 14:19
The Metropolis of San Francisco hosted its Fall Spiritual Conference at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center on September 20- 22, 2019 to celebrate Philoptochos ministries, share information, spend time in fellowship to nurture our relationships and spiritually renew. It is a treasured time to get to know newly elected and returning chapter presidents, and members from all over the Metropolis.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos welcomed us with words of inspiration, encouragement and spiritual wisdom. His leadership and blessing over Philoptochos provided us with peace and unity in purpose throughout our weekend together.
Our guest speaker, Dr. Ann Bezzerides, Director of the Office Vocation & Ministry from Hellenic College/ Holy Cross spoke to our women about reflecting on our own journeys to leadership and tools to help welcome the new generation of Philoptochos in her program entitled “Becoming Women of Wisdom: Sharing Our Stories and Leadership with the Next Generation.” The future of Philoptochos is here and we must master inviting, involving, and developing all gifts from all women!
Presvytera Donna Pappas from Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno, CA brought us a beautiful spiritual message entitled “Making Peace” to encourage our women to make peace with and edify others in our lives. A theme that was woven perfectly into the entire weekend. Rev. Fr. James Pappas led us in our hands-on project with this theme in mind as each woman made a foam heart adorned with lace used in the Angel Babies ministry. This Agape Award worthy ministry repurposes wedding gowns to make tiny clothes for grieving families that have lost an infant child. In using such meaningful fabric to comfort those who are hurting through loss, these hearts were made to be given as a way to uplift with a word of encouragement, a message to say, “I care about you!” It was a beautiful project with our mission in mind…helping those in need.
National Philoptochos Assistant Treasurer, Georgia Vlitas joined us, via Zoom, from Saint Basil’s Academy in New York as our National Philoptochos expert! She provided us with a wealth of information, a pictorial of the Center of Philanthropy and a beautiful live view of Saint Basil Academy with a special greeting from the children.
Dr. Anna Yallourakis presented a video entitled “Ekota II – A True Line of Love” detailing work being done a the Holy Theotokos Orphanage and the impact being made
for those exploited by Human Trafficking.
We were invited to the Monastery of the Holy Theotokos following Vespers on Friday,
September 20th to enjoy dinner and fellowship surrounded by beauty and peace.
We held Metropolis Philoptochos Board Elections on Saturday, September 21st. We are all humbled to work with this extraordinary group of women, we look forward to selecting our officers and continuing on in leadership of this dynamic Metropolis!
We learned, we laughed, and we loved. We left encouraged and recharged and ready to keep marching in this movement that is Philoptochos. We are delighted to have received feedback such as this, from a newly elected President, “This was my first experience attending the Philoptochos Fall Spiritual Conference, and it was even better than what everyone had told me to expect. Thank you for all the resources that went into making this retreat so beneficial and memorable for me and for all who attended.”
Just as the verse in Romans instructs us, we will continue to pursue the things that make peace and edify others in all that we do…we make a difference!
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Chicago Metropolis Philoptochos
The Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Society held its Conference concurrently with the Clergy-Laity Assembly, from September 26-29 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with 75 delegates from across the Metropolis in attendance.
- The Children's Medical Fund Luncheon, November 16, 2019, Marriott Magnificent Mile Chicago... SOLD OUT!
- Fanari Camping Ministries: Vision 2020 by Fr. Kosmas Kallis, Director of the Youth & Young Adult Ministry
- Presvytera Vera Proctor: The Church in Action/Servant Leadership. Presvytera’s message was both inspiring and thought provoking. Christ teaches us to love and to serve, therefore an element of service must be present in our lives. Serve in real time, not symbolically.
All delegates participated in a breakout session, Setting New Philoptochos Goals: 2020 and Beyond. This session allowed the delegates to give their input into new goals for the new Metropolis Board to establish. The breakout session was positive, inspiring and generated a lot of enthusiasm.
Elections were held and a new Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Board of 16 members was elected. His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael will appoint four additional members to the Board, who along with the immediate past president acting as the Philoptochos advisor, will bring the total Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Board up to 21 members.The newly elected board includes:
• Ms. Demetria Bakris, St. George, Schererville, IN
• Ms. Flora Dimitriou, Assumption, Town & Country, MO
• Ms. Georgia Gavaris, Annunciation Cathedral, Chicago, IL
• Ms. Pat Gerbanas, St. Demetrios, Chicago, IL
• Ms. Christina Hiotis, St. Demetrios, Elmhurst, IL
• Ms. Marilynn Jemas, St. Nicholas, St. Louis, MO
• Ms. Vonnie Karafotias, St. Andrew, Chicago, IL
• Ms. Kathleen Katrakis, St Sophia, Elgin, IL
• Ms. Maria Macris, All Saints, Joliet, IL
• Ms. Georgia Sarlas, St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn, IL
• Ms. Katherine Siavelis, St. Andrew, Chicago, IL
• Ms. Carol Stamas, Ascension of Our Lord, Lincolnshire, IL
• Ms. Kathi Stamatis, St. John the Baptist, Des Plaines, IL
• Ms. Joanne Stavrakas, Annunciation Cathedral, Chicago, IL
• Ms. Marilyn Tzakis, St. Andrew, Chicago, IL
• Ms. Kathy Walstrom, St. Basil, Chicago, IL
• Ms. Pam Argyris, St. Sophia, Elgin, IL (advisor)
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Athena Kalyvas
Metropolis of Boston
Athena Kalyvas was born and raised in Portland, Maine and attended Holy Trinity Church where she participated in many ministries. Currently, she is a member of the Saint Demetrios Church, Weston, Massachusetts serving on the Parish Council and as alternate Choir Organist.
She has been a dedicated Philoptochos member for over thirty years and has held various positions including past Philoptochos President at Saint George Church, Bethesda, Maryland and Saint Demetrios Church, Weston. Serving on the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board since 2017, she was appointed as President by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios in September 2019.
In 2018, she had the honor to serve on the Clergy Laity Congress Committee in Boston.
Athena is a graduate of Regis College with a BA in Greek and European History. Professionally, she has worked in the biotech industry for over twenty years supporting senior management.
The Greek Orthodox Church is a focal point in her life inspired by the teachings and examples of her beloved parents, Amalia and Elias Kalyvas.
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PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES, PROJECTS &
CHAPTER NEWS
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The mission of the Operation Classroom Initiative is to assist and offer support to teachers and students in underserved or underfunded schools and provide resources that would not have been available through the local school district.
For more information, click here.
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Operation Classroom - Anaheim, CA
The St. John the Baptist Church Philoptochos chapter held a donation drive during the month of September for Operation Classroom. They contacted Dr. Peter Marshall Elementary School, the closest school to the church, and were given a list of items the children and families of the school specifically needed.
They partnered with their youth groups and together donated breakfast food items (feeding 200 people), personal hygiene items, over 200 pairs of socks (men, women and children), school supplies (pens, pencils, markers, etc.) and backpacks.
After making the connection, the school knows they have an immediate resource for their needy families in St. John Philoptochos.
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Operation Classroom - Broomall, PA
The women of St. Luke Church Philoptochos Chapter in Broomall, PA recently toured Chester Charter Scholars Academy and found engaged faculty and administrators, inspired students which are referred to as scholars, and a well thought out state-of-the-art building. They visited a music class, a dance class and a math class and were impressed with the quality of teaching as well as the attention given by the students.
In June, the chapter underwrote production costs for the creation of "Senior Poetry & Artwork" books. Each senior furnished an original composition to the project and received a copy of the book during their final week of classes. The book is inscribed with the chapter's good wishes. The chapter was thrilled to be represented on the occasion of the very first graduation at CCSA. In addition to the senior book, they were able to contribute towards a matching gift challenge (which was met) in honor of the first graduating class. In the spring, they made a donation for the purchase of books for kindergartners and followed with another donation for books for the now, first graders.
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Upstate New York Philoptochos Chapters
Hold Symposium On Human Trafficking
On Saturday, September 21, 2019, the Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapters of St. Sophia Church, Albany, NY, St. George Church, Schenectady, NY, and St. Basil Church, Troy, NY sponsored “TRAPPED: In Our Own Backyard: A Symposium on Human Trafficking & Story of Survival." The event took place at St. Sophia Church and was co-sponsored by the Schenectady County Safe Harbour Anti-Trafficking Program.
During the first half of the program, presentations were made by six panelists: Mary Armistead, Esq. of The Legal Project; Karen Sessions, Youth Development Specialist with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services; Nettie Crossman, Chairman of the Board, Safe Inc. of Schenectady; Debbie Fowler, President & Founder of Eyes Wide Open NENY; Amy Kowalski, Investigator, Office of the Albany County Sheriff; and Salka Saverio a survivor of human trafficking. Elaine Houston, Anchor of News Channel 13, the local NBC affiliate, served as moderator. During the second half of the program, the audience participated in a question and answer session with the presenters.
While human trafficking is a global issue, it is also a local one affecting many smaller communities, not just major metropolitan cities. A prime example is the high profile NXIVM case which occurred in a suburban community near Albany, NY. It affects a variety of victims and crosses all socio-economic classes. Major vulnerability factors are addiction, abuse, fear, mental health issues, homelessness and being an undocumented immigrant. The goal of the symposium was to develop awareness and support by sharing knowledge and concern with others, being active in support for government action, seeking volunteer opportunities to assist organizations which provide shelter and counseling for survivors, and to “See something, say something."
According to Debbie Fowler “A large component of the mission of Eyes Wide Open NENY is awareness training of the very real existence of human trafficking in our community. I was thrilled to participate in the symposium. The Ladies Philoptochos Society did a tremendous job of bringing together professionals in the field to present.”
The presentation of survivor Salka Saverio was most compelling. She told a harrowing personal story of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of her own family members that began when she was five years old. She fled her home in Virginia at the age of 14 when she could no longer endure the abuse. A trusted “friend” promised he would help her get to a safe location with his family in Brooklyn, NY. This “safe” place led to further abuse and ultimately sexual trafficking. With no home and no family to turn to, she was powerless. When she was arrested or taken to a hospital for medical attention, police and hospital staff never spotted the red flags or recognized her as a victim. She was returned to her trafficker again and again. A most powerful moment occurred when moderator Elaine Houston turned to Salka and said “I stand here today as an adult, and on behalf of all the adults who failed you and let you slip through the cracks…I apologize”. Now in her early 30s, Salka is currently a case worker at the Crime Victims Assistance Center in Binghamton, NY. Using her own experiences, she educates teens about red flags for trafficking in order to equip them to protect themselves from exploitation.
As stated by Nettie Crossman, "What was extremely striking about the symposium was the stillness in the audience, the intense listening. People want to know. I hope there are more opportunities to raise awareness that sex trafficking (formerly known as "forced prostitution") among youth, sometimes as young as 14, really is right in our backyard. Safe Inc. of Schenectady was grateful to have had a role in planning the event because we serve homeless youth who fall prey to sex traffickers. We are one of several local organizations working to address this human rights violation. Local organizations like ours are often very small, in need of more funding to thrive and grow. But…we remain steadfast!"
The National Philoptochos includes human trafficking as one of its major philanthropic initiatives. By raising public awareness, we hope to give a voice to silent victims everywhere. In doing so we become friend of the powerless, not only friend of the poor.
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Working to Break the Cycle of Human Trafficking
Dr. Anna Yallourakis, Executive Director of the EKOTA Film organization, and Executive Director of the nonprofit, Fili Inc. whose mission is to support organizations working to break the cycle of human trafficking, was a presenter at the Western Region National Philoptochos Retreat in California this past September. Fili Inc., is a group of Greek Orthodox friends that came together to support The Theotokos Girls’ and Boys’ Orphanage in Bakeswar, India.
In May 2019, Dr. Yallourakis traveled back to India for the inauguration of the St Ignatius School. During this trip, they documented the newly built school, highlighted the continued issues of human trafficking, and current need for funds to finish the construction of the school. The new documentary was premiered at the Western Region National Philoptochos Retreat in California at the Life Giving Spring Monastery/St. Nicholas Ranch. The presentations at the retreat were so touching to everyone in attendance.
Dr. Yallourakis came on board two years ago to help launch a building fund campaign for the New St. Ignatius School (Pre K - 12). She traveled to India in May 2017 with her son, who is an actor and director, and a film crew to document the need for the school building and to bring to the forefront the detrimental issues of human trafficking. Over the past two years, they launched a Metropolis wide campaign to help raise funds for the school building fund project. They have been grateful to have the blessing of this project by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain. They have been so warmed by the love and support of San Francisco Metropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie Ranglas. Fili, Inc. has raised one-third of the building fund needs thus far. Presbytera Lisa, Cleo Constantin, Roberta Sardell, and Rosa Deamant have also been supporting the funding of the orphanages for the past 10 years through numerous local events and with the help of Philoptochos chapters on the west coast.
The first documentary, Ekota: ekotafilm.com
The second follow-up documentary, Ekota II A Through Line of Love: vimeo.com/362877486
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Support for the Unsung Heroes Among Us
The Holy Trinity Church Philoptochos chapter of Charleston, South Carolina had a pot luck dinner meeting with a guest speaker from Helping and Lending Outreach Services, HALOS, of Charleston on September 22, 2019. The mission of HALOS is to provide support and advocacy to abused and neglected children and kinship caregivers. The evening began with the Executive Director of HALOS kinship care program speaking to the group about how the organization provides comprehensive support for grandparents and other relatives who have assumed responsibility of caring for abused and neglected children when the parents are unable to do so. The Philoptochos held a diaper and wipe drive throughout the month of September for the HALOS organization.
The HALOS organization's website states, "The number of children being raised by extended family is growing six times faster than the general population. Children in kinship care typically are dealing with trauma, whether from abuse, neglect or being separated from their parent. Kinship caregivers face emotional and financial challenges when they take a child in."
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Support Without Judgement
The Saint Katherine Church Philoptochos chapter in Falls Church, VA offered their community the first program in response to the New Jersey Metropolis' M.O.R.E. (Metropolis Opioid Response Effort) initiative.
The goal was to raise awareness and to show that within our church family there is no judgement: our church and our religion is a safe zone for those affected directly or indirectly by not only the opioid epidemic, but, also the numerous addictions afflicting our society. Fortunately, the community is rich in resources and professionals who are able to provide their church family with the knowledge necessary for tackling this societal ill. They were blessed to have six panelists from varying professional backgrounds present for their audience of parishioners that included a few GOYAns.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Tina Papamichael and opening prayer by Father Costas Pavlakos. The agenda proceeded with "The Opioid Epidemic: Impacting our Nation and Region" with speakers Dr. Kathy Karageorge (ICF, Fairfax, VA) and Ms. Tina Kavarligos (LPC, Family Wellness Group, Reston, VA). They each expressed national and local statistics and their professional journey within this epidemic on a daily basis. Following the first topic, the next three panelists discussed "Health Perspectives on Substance Abuse." Dr. Kate Malliarakis (GWU School of Nursing, Washington, DC), Dr. Evie Cavros (The Pediatric Group, Alexandria, VA) and Dr. Sam Pappas (Pappas Health, Vienna, VA) provided testimony and an in-depth understanding of how opioids and other narcotics target and alter the brain. Each of them shared accounts of their professional experiences that began with behavioral issues in children that originated with dysfunctional home-life into the over-prescription of opioids and Big Pharma's hand in today's drug epidemic. Following, The Honorable Manuel Capsalis (Fairfax County General District Court) provided testimony on the topic, "Remarks from the Court System." His Honor explained the intricacies of the very system which too many in the community within the state of Virginia are facing on a daily basis. We may see the law as black and white, but, as Judge Capsalis explained, as human beings we are fallible and there has to also be understanding within the system. The agenda ended with "Questions, Comments and Discussion" that began with Father Nikolas Delaveris who shared his expert knowledge working with addicts and their addictions in Massachusetts. But, Father Nikolas also shared humbling remarks about our faith and how "passion" has a hand within addiction.
The information shared is priceless. There was also witness testimony from our audience that moved our crowd and our panelists. It allowed for further questions to be directed to specific panelists and for those in attendance to get a glimpse into how our faith plays a major role in healing our spirits and keeping us healthy in body, mind and spirit.
"Creating awareness through events like this one are a necessary tool if we are to tackle and overcome addiction and more. Our hope is that this is the first of many more open discussions to be held within our church. We are a family as we are all children of God. We must override despair by making our faith a priority in our personal and family lives!" stated Sophia S. Varlas
Great thanks goes to the experts, Father Costas and Father Nikolas, Mary Varlas (Philoptochos President) and to Daphne and Tina Papamichael who coordinated this wonderful and necessary event.
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NOVEMBER NATIONAL COMMITMENTS
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Ecumenical Patriarchate
Total amount disbursed 1998 – 2018: $2,521,391.00
The collection on the Feast Day of Saints Cosmas and Damianos benefits the philanthropic programs and charities of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Commitment Amount:Tray Collection plus $100 from Chapter Treasury
Archdiocesan Presbyters Council and National Sisterhood of Presvyteres (APC-NSP) Joint Benevolent Fund
Total amount disbursed 2005 – 2018: $419,611.53
The purpose of the Philoptochos APC-NSP Joint Benevolent Fund is to provide short-term support to clergy and their families in times of crisis.
Commitment Amount: Determined by Chapter
For more information on Commitments & Programs, click here.
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Do you know that you can support Philoptochos by shopping through Amazon?
AmazonSmile (smile.Amazon.com) is the charitable division of Amazon.com. Customers enjoy the same wide selection of products and low prices as on Amazon.com, with the added benefit of knowing that 0.5% of the purchase price will be donated to the charitable organization of their choice.
Thank you for supporting Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Inc by shopping at smile.amazon.com.
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National Philoptochos Online Giving Page
By clicking on the button below, an individual can make an online donation to National Philoptochos ministries such as Aid to Greece & Cyprus, Children's Medical Fund, National Philoptochos Social Services and more. The page can also be accessed through www.philoptochos.org via the Side Bar.
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