I am reluctant to admit that I begin each morning by snoozing my alarm a few too many times and mindlessly scrolling on TikTok. And once awake, school, work, socializing, and a workout always seem to fall into place effortlessly. So why doesn’t prayer?

While I make my σταυρό before every meal, and mumble Πάτερ ἡμῶν everynight before going to sleep, I didn’t establish a set prayer time each day until a month ago. The forty-five minutes I might dedicate to a pilates class had become more feasible, and I convinced myself that it is more worthwhile. I lived under the pretext that being busy was an excuse from establishing a set time with God. The Orthodox Church teaches the importance of a traditional worship: venerating icons, the seven sacraments and routine prayer. These rituals come naturally to me, yet I mostly practice them during services. I have never doubted my relationship with God, yet I have always struggled to pray. And while it may sound obvious, learning ‘how to pray’ is important and it is a conversation that is often shelved.

Recently, I’ve been observing the way in which my grandmother worships God in her daily life outside of Church. Her morning routine swaps scrolling for reading scripture, her afternoon walks do not require blaring music or a phone call to catch up with a friend, and her evenings end with silent prayer and reflection each night. Meals are introduced with a proper prayer and thanks to God, not a half-hearted and hastily done cross. She incorporates God into her routine, arguably gossiping to Him just as I would with friends. And while she is 83 and has more downtime, these habits are ones that anyone could emulate.

For much of my life I was truly uncomfortable in personal prayer; shifting in the silence, asking God for wants like some sort of genie, and eventually resorting to repeating familiar prayers because I was impatient. Our time spent together felt forced, ingenuine and painfully redundant. My screen time was an abjection and this summer, I admitted to myself that the restlessness in silence with God needed to change. Observing my grandmother required me to face my fears and accept the reality that nourishing an intimate relationship with God will require self reflection and this dreaded, uncomfortable silence. Yet acceptance was the easiest part; it has been putting it into practice for me that has proven to be most difficult, while dually the most fruitful.

Under the advice of my older brother, I reached out to my priest to speak about these feelings. During our conversation, he urged me to test out the ‘closet method’ wherein you set a timer and sit somewhere kept away from distraction -hence the closet- and dedicate a period of time to God. While this may seem a bit dramatic, it has changed the way I pray and I’ve grown increasingly comfortable in the silence that was formerly so daunting to me. Much like meditation, it reminded me that I need to relax my breath, set my mind and my intentions onto my goal: building my relationship with God. This approach to prayer has allowed me to focus my entire attention on God, weakened distraction and has translated into other moments of my day. The reward of knowing God intimately requires struggle and in just the few weeks I’ve put this advice into practice, I have begun to look forward to our conversations. I look for Him in my solitude and no longer feel the need to drown Him out with music, idle scrolling or former unfulfilling distractions. I shifted my perspective of God from not just my creator, but to my friend. And just like any strong friendship, it requires effort, listening and patience with both parties. Further, allocating time for God in the same way you would a workout, a healthy meal, or a good catch up with a friend is nourishing; it is a free and effective wellness supplement!

Mary Markis is a part-time writer for the Orthodox Observer. A Greek American and lifelong Orthodox Christian, she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Art in Art History and Social Anthropology at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

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The Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation in New York closed its 19th annual International Make A Difference with Loukoumi Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a visit to the construction site of the new St. Michael’s Home (SMH) in Uniondale, where the foundation pledged to raise $50,000 to create a Loukoumi Lounge.

The foundation arrived on its Loukoumi Good Deed Bus and made a pledge at the site, where construction is underway. The group toured the building, including the space where the lounge will be built, and made a $3,000 deposit toward the pledge.

The lounge is intended as a gathering place where residents can socialize and spend time with visiting volunteers and family, according to the foundation. The new facility, which is moving from its current campus in Yonkers, is expected to be complete at the end of next year.

International Make A Difference with Loukoumi Day is held on the last Saturday of October, when children and young adults take part in service projects and acts of kindness. Over the years, the initiative has reached more than 150,000 participants in 35 countries. This year, Loukoumi Good Deed Buses also departed from Athens, Greece; Cologne, Germany; Deerfield, Illinoid; and Gander, Newfoundland.

“This is a meaningful pledge from the Loukoumi Foundation for two reasons. One, from SMH perspective, this pledge is the first pledge to the project from a youth organization. It reflects SMH’s belief that compassion has no age limit,” St. Michael’s Home Office of Development spokesperson Paul Politis said. “It shows that young people care about the well-being of older adults, that they are cherished, appreciated, and not forgotten, and they are willing to take action to make a positive difference in their lives.”

The foundation was established by Nick Katsoris, its president, founder and executive director, and author of the Loukoumi children’s books. A foundation study published by Fordham University surveyed more than 1,000 children and young adults in 20 countries; more than 90 percent said doing good made them happier.

Katsoris himself volunteered at St. Michael’s Home with the foundation when he was a senior in high school. As a Loukoumi volunteer, Katsoris would help the residents of the Yonkers facility to their medical appointments.

“It’s really very rewarding,” Katsoris said. “What we’re doing is creating this space where people can go and spend time because some of these people are very lonely.”

Earlier in the day, participants boarded the Loukoumi Good Deed Bus at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle, N.Y., and traveled to Fordham University, where panelists spoke about the meaning of charity.

Here, New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin called in: “I spent many years volunteering and in public service,” Paulin said. “Sometimes those deeds affect many, many people and sometimes just one. But no matter, it is all important.”

Paulin also spoke about her efforts to secure state funding for the Loukoumi Service Learning Curriculum in the Eastchester school district. The curriculum requires that students in schools that adopt the learning plan to participate in acts of volunteerism.

New York State Senator also joined the panel, and spoke at length about the “acts of goodness” Loukoumi stands for.

“I love hearing from students all over the world,” Shelly said. “What a credit to Loukoumi for this worldwide initiative.”

From there, the Good Deed Bus left for POTS (Part of the Solution), a Bronx organization that serves individuals and families in need. Participants donated diapers, infant formula, wipes and nonperishable food.

Students from Loukoumi Good Deed Councils at Greek Orthodox parishes and schools are raising money for the project. Participants include Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle, N.Y.; St. Demetrios School in Astoria, N.Y.; Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Port Washington, N.Y.; Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bridgeport, Conn.; and the William Spyropoulos School at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Flushing, N.Y.

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The Huffington Ecumenical Institute (HEI) at Hellenic College Holy Cross has been selected as a grantee in the third cohort of the Climate Science in Theological Education (CSTE) initiative, a project of the Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion (DoSER) program at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Through the grant, HEI will work with DoSER to engage current climate science in its curriculum and programming. HEI is one of 11 theological institutions in this cohort, which includes schools in the United States, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ukraine.

“This grant will enable us to prepare a graduate course for our school focused on practical steps for greening our parishes,” said Fr. John Chryssavgis, HEI’s Executive Director. “It follows the groundbreaking course offered by HEI two years ago and works with the new program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for developing a Green Church Initiative across the country.”

Read the full announcement here.

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His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Demetrios of Kefalonia to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on Monday, October 26, 2026, the Feast Day and Name Day of the beloved saint of Kefalonia, St. Gerasimos.

Metropolitan Demetrios is visiting the United States to participate in the centennial celebration of Saint Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church in New York City, one of the oldest Greek Orthodox communities dedicated to the island’s patron saint. Also present at the meeting were Ioannis Trepeklis, Governor of the Ionian Islands Region; Vasilios Kokkosis, Chairman of St. Gerasimos Church in NYC’s Centennial Celebration; and Gerasimos Athanasatos, St. Gerasimos Church in NYC’s Parish Council President.

The Metropolitan’s visit comes at after a joyful weekend marking the parish’s 100th anniversary. On Sunday, Archbishop Elpidophoros and Metropolitan Demetrios celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Saint Gerasimos Church, joined by His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, National Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Rev. Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado, and Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Panagiotis Papazafiropoulos.

Previously: St. Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Centennial Weekend

On Saturday evening, clergy, parishioners, benefactors, and friends of the community gathered for a Centennial Gala celebrating a century of faith, service, and witness. The evening honored the generations who have sustained Saint Gerasimos Church throughout its first one hundred years and laid the foundation for future generations to continue its sacred mission.

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NEW YORK, NY – St. Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church marked its Centennial with a historic weekend of worship, celebration and thanksgiving, bringing together hierarchs, clergy, parishioners and friends to honor 100 years of faith and service and to look toward the parish’s second century.

The celebration paid tribute to the generations who built and sustained St. Gerasimos while affirming the community’s commitment to preserving its Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage for generations to come.

A Centennial Celebration

The Centennial Gala brought together the faithful to honor the clergy, parish leaders, families and benefactors whose sacrifice and devotion have sustained St. Gerasimos throughout its first century.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined the community for the historic occasion, together with His Eminence Metropolitan Demetrios of Kefalonia and His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia.

A significant moment of the evening was the announcement of a $1 million donation from the Kefalonian Society “Ainos” to the St. Gerasimos Endowment Fund. Together with commitments from the Parish Council and the Ladies Philoptochos Society, the gift represents a lasting investment in the parish and its ministries as St. Gerasimos enters its second century.

The evening celebrated not only the parish’s history, but also the stewardship and commitment that will help carry its mission forward.

Divine Liturgy Marks the Spiritual Culmination

The Centennial continued Sunday, Oct. 25, with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Gerasimos Church, providing a fitting spiritual culmination to the weekend.

Archbishop Elpidophoros presided, joined by Metropolitan Demetrios of Kefalonia, Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia, the Rev. Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado and the Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Panagiotis Papazafiropoulos.

Seminarians from Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology also participated, offering a meaningful connection between the parish’s century-long legacy and a new generation preparing for service to the Church.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Papazafiropoulos, proistamenos of St. Gerasimos, expressed the parish’s gratitude to Archbishop Elpidophoros for his presence and pastoral leadership and thanked Metropolitan Demetrios and Bishop Nektarios for sharing in the historic celebration.

As part of the Centennial observance, Vasilios Kokkosis and Fokion Avgerinos, two devoted members of the St. Gerasimos community, were presented with the Medal of St. Paul in recognition of their longstanding service and dedication to the parish and the Church.

A third Medal of St. Paul was presented to Nikie Calles, Archivist of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, honoring her exceptional and tireless service to the Archdiocese. Through her years of dedicated work in the Office of the Archbishop and her important role as Archivist, Calles has helped preserve the historical record and institutional memory of the Church. Her recognition was especially appropriate during a Centennial devoted to honoring and preserving a century of faith, service and history.

A Second Century Begins

Founded in 1926, St. Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church has served generations of Orthodox Christians while maintaining deep ties to the Kefalonian community and its patron saint, St. Gerasimos.

For a century, generations of faithful have worshiped within the parish, raised their children in the Orthodox faith and worked together to ensure that the Church entrusted to them would remain strong for those who followed.

The Centennial weekend honored that inheritance while looking confidently toward the future. As St. Gerasimos begins its second century, the parish does so with gratitude for those who came before and with renewed commitment to carrying their legacy of faith, service and love for the Church into the generations to come.

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The Stathakion Center in Astoria, headquarters of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, proved far too small to accommodate both the crowd and the enthusiasm of the Greek community members who gathered to celebrate the national anniversary of October 28. This year’s event had a special significance: it was the first in many years to be held by a reunited Federation, which had recently overcome its divisions and elected the distinguished Greek American Christos Vournias as a unifying president.

The Federation’s unity was immediately welcomed by both the Church and the Greek state, with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, George Gerapetritis, honoring yesterday’s event with their presence. To help bring about a resolution, the Archbishop had previously made unity within the Federation a condition for his participation in its events, while Mr. Gerapetritis is the first Greek Foreign Minister to visit the Stathakion Center in more than two decades.

Also attending on behalf of the Hellenic Republic were Greece’s Ambassador in Washington, Antonis Alexandridis; Greece’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Aglaia Balta; the Consul General of Greece in New York, Iphigenia Kanara; and the Director of Greece’s Public Diplomacy Office in New York, Spyros Diamantis.

The event combined an account of Greece’s participation in World War II with a musical program of songs from the era, audiovisual material featuring historical documents, films, and dramatized accounts of the epic struggle of 1940.

The event was planned by Evangelos Athanasopoulos and Grigoris Marinakis, together with Peter Stavrianidis, President of the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New Jersey. Nikitas Tampakis directed the musical program and performed an exceptional selection of songs alongside Angeliki Psoni, accompanied by Kostas Psarros on bouzouki and Glavkos Kontemeniotis on keyboards.

The speakers’ accounts of the heroism and sacrifices of the Greek people during the war, the role of the women of Pindus in supplying the soldiers, and the contribution of Greek military chaplains, together with the performers’ renditions of songs associated with the epic struggle of 1940, had already created an emotionally charged atmosphere in the hall by the time Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis took the floor. The musical performances culminated in Angeliki Psoni’s moving rendition of the iconic “Children, Children of Greece.”

Addressing those present, Archbishop Elpidophoros spoke of the significance of having senior officials of the Hellenic Republic at the event and, speaking directly to Mr. Vournias, emphasized the importance of unity within the Federation. In his address, His Eminence highlighted the spirit of Hellenism’s struggles for freedom throughout history, which continues to inspire people today:

“There are moments in the history of a people when time seems to stand still,” the Archbishop said, turning to a literary reference to illustrate how the Greek army had surpassed its apparent limits by defeating an adversary that was, in theory, overwhelmingly superior in every respect:

“Nikos Kazantzakis, in his work “Report to Greco”, describes a symbolic encounter with the great Cretan painter Doménikos Theotokópoulos, whom he calls his spiritual grandfather. He asks him for advice, and the painter replies: ‘Reach as far as you can, my child.’ But Kazantzakis is not satisfied. He asks for advice that is even harder, more demanding. And then he hears the answer: ‘Reach farther than you can!’ An entire approach to life is distilled into this phrase. Human beings are called not merely to exhaust their potential, but to dare to transcend what they consider impossible.”

The Archbishop also reflected on a second moment in which time seemed to stand still. The funeral of the national poet Kostis Palamas during the Occupation, in February 1943, became a symbolic act of resistance by the Greek people against the occupier. The verses of Angelos Sikelianos, recited by the Archbishop, captured the spirit of that day for eternity:

“Sound, you trumpets… Thunderous bells,
Shake the whole country from end to end…
Roar, drums of war…
You formidable flags, unfurl in the air!”

“Poetry that day was not merely a literary creation,” the Archbishop said. “It became an act of freedom.” With a third literary reference, this time to Yannis Ritsos, Archbishop Elpidophoros sought to connect Hellenism with Orthodoxy, and the struggles for national freedom with the pursuit of existential freedom as understood in Orthodoxy: “These trees will not settle for less sky.”

“This image is deeply moving. A tree cannot live without the sky. Nor can a human being truly live without freedom. Yet it is not enough simply to remove the chains imposed on us by others. There are chains we create ourselves. There are prisons without walls. It is precisely here, my dear friends, that historical experience meets the deeper message of the Gospel. The freedom Christ offers us is not the freedom to dominate others. It is the freedom of sacrificial love. And this dimension of freedom allows us to understand more deeply the sacrifice of the people of 1940.”

Before yielding the floor to Mr. Gerapetritis, Archbishop Elpidophoros also referred to those who lose their sense of proportion when writing on social media about the serious and sensitive issues of Greek foreign policy—”matters not to be trifled with”—hurling accusations, spreading rumors, or expressing views that defy all reason and are uninformed:

“Our duty, my dear friends,” the Archbishop said, “is to support with all our strength the foreign policy charted by our national leadership. Government officials, and especially our experienced diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, having all the facts at their disposal, make decisions and determine the most appropriate strategy for our homeland. It is not wise for us to judge our national strategy, because we do not know what they are in a position to know. Quite simply, we cannot, and at times should not, know every aspect of these matters. We must have confidence in our homeland and preserve our national unity, especially on national issues.” Inviting George Gerapetritis to the podium, he concluded: “Mr. Minister, we look to you and your colleagues with confidence and assure you that all of us—the Church, the Greek diaspora, and all diaspora organizations—are always at the service of the nation. Long live Greece!”

“If you want to know the soul of Greece, travel!” George Gerapetritis opened his speech with these words, seeking to emphasize the special relationship between the worldwide Greek diaspora and the motherland, and the duty of Greece’s national leadership to keep alive the bridges that unite Greeks everywhere while also connecting their present with their past and future. The Foreign Minister also shared a personal account of his family’s history. As he explained, his family had set out from a small village on a small island in the Dodecanese, come to the United States, and, after working hard, managed to return home.

“In your faces, I see my own ancestors”, he said. He went on to speak of the particular honor he felt in being at the Federation and congratulated Mr. Vournias, likewise emphasizing the importance of unity: “Greece’s most precious jewel is the unity of its people!”

Mr. Gerapetritis then congratulated those who had contributed to the event, making special mention of the singers. Speaking about the spirit of October 28, he observed: “Greece has always defied the odds; Greece was the country that said the great Nos. We will never shy away from saying a resounding “NO” if necessary to defend our homeland.”

The Greek Foreign Minister spoke about Greece’s position in the world today, its voice being heard in international forums, its presidency of the Security Council, and its upcoming presidency of the European Council. Referring to the agreement with the Republic of Egypt concerning the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at Sinai, he emphasized the relationship between Hellenism and Orthodoxy through the centuries. He struggled to hold back tears as he spoke of the value of Greek identity, while also affirming the country’s determination to resist any hostile designs against it.

“There is no easy road” for those who harbor such designs against Greece, Mr. Gerapetritis warned to enthusiastic applause, before offering his wish: “Happy Anniversary, Greece!”

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Today, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America marked the feast-day of St. Demetrios with a message issued via social media:

On this day when we celebrate the Angelic Warrior Demetrios, the Great-martyr and Myrrh-streamer, who conquered through non-violence, let us remember all our dear ones who bear his holy name.

First and foremost, let us give thanks for our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew the Great, who was baptized “Demetrios,” and was thus shown to be a true Champion of the Orthodox Faith from the beginning. And let us remember his ever-memorable predecessor upon the Ecumenical Throne, the late Patriarch Dimitrios, within whose Patriarchy, His All-Holiness Bartholomew was formed and shaped to become the great Patriarch that he has been for the past thirty-five years, and we pray will continue to be for many more to come.

Finally, as we give thanks for all those brothers and sisters who bear the holy name of the Celestial Patron of Thessaloniki, let us also remember my own predecessor, His Eminence Demetrios, whom God has blessed with good health, vigor, and length of days. A few days hence, we shall celebrate him and his ministry at the annual gathering for my own Nameday to benefit our youth. Χρόνια Πολλά σε όλους!

See the original post on Facebook and Instagram.

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ORLANDO, FL.— St. Barbara Antiochian Orthodox Church in Orlando held a memorial service on Sunday, October 25, in remembrance of the nine people who lost their lives in an attack on St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Karak, Jordan, on October 23. The service followed a call from His Eminence Metropolitan Saba, Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of All North America, for Antiochian Orthodox parishes to remember the victims and their families in prayer.

In a message to His Eminence Metropolitan Christophoros of Jordan, Metropolitan Saba expressed his solidarity with those affected by the attack, emphasizing that despite the suffering and violence endured by Christians, their faith in the Resurrection remains a source of hope and strength.

Following Divine Liturgy, Father Stephen Adili led a Trisagion memorial service for the nine departed souls. The parish prayed for the repose of the departed, the recovery of those injured, and the consolation of grieving families.

“The world is starving for peace, and no darkness can overcome the light of the Lord,” said Fr. Stephen Adili.

Antiochian Orthodox communities in the United States have longstanding ties to the Patriarchate of Antioch and its communities in the Middle East. Many parishioners maintain family and cultural connections to the region, making the attack in Jordan particularly significant to their communities.

St. Barbara Antiochian Orthodox Church continues to ask for prayers for the departed, the recovery of those injured, and peace and security for the people of Jordan.

About St. Barbara Antiochian Orthodox Church of Orlando

St. Barbara Antiochian Orthodox Church of Orlando is a growing Antiochian Orthodox Christian community centered on worship, fellowship, and service to others. Under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Stephen Adili, the parish brings together individuals and families through Divine Liturgy, the sacraments, Sunday School, Bible and faith study, fellowship, and service projects. Its life and worship reflect the faith and traditions of the Orthodox Church handed down for more than 2,000 years, while welcoming those interested in learning about and participating in Orthodox Christian life. For more information, visit stbarbaraorlando.org.

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New York, NY – On October 16, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America administered the Oath of Office to the members of the National Philoptochos Board for the 2026–2028 term.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America introduced the 2026-2028 Executive Board, with Debbie George continuing as National Philoptochos President, from the Metropolis of Detroit, welcomed Board members and introduced the Executive Board for the 2026–2028 term: Anita Kartalopoulos, First Vice President, Metropolis of New Jersey; Stella Piches, Second Vice President, Metropolis of Denver; Philippa Condakes, Third Vice President, Metropolis of Boston; Chrissy Zografos, Secretary, Archdiocesan District; Diana Jianas, Treasurer, Metropolis of San Francisco; Athena Kalyvas, Assistant Treasurer, Metropolis of Boston; and Arlene Siavelis Kehl, Past National President/Advisor to the Board, Metropolis of Chicago. Advisory Positions include Martha Driscoll as Parliamentarian from the Metropolis of Atlanta and Despina Denne as Protocol Officer, from the Metropolis of Pittsburgh.

In his reflections to the Board, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros said:

“As you begin this new chapter, I encourage you to be united in purpose and bold in vision. Preserve the precious legacy entrusted to you, while welcoming new ideas and inviting younger generations of women into this joyful ministry. Strengthen the bonds among the National Board, the Metropolis organizations, and the local chapters. Let every decision be guided by humility, mutual respect, and the love of Christ. Remember that the true measure of your work is not only the funds raised or the programs established, important as these are. It is found in the lives you touch, the suffering you relieve, and the hope you restore.”

His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey offered the opening prayer and spiritual reflections centered around Psalm 23.

As National President Debbie George said in her closing:

“I close with the thought that every organization has a mission statement. Philoptochos has a hundred years of proof. For nearly a century, the women of this Society have turned faith into action, and that legacy now rests in this room with all of you. The decisions we make around this table don’t just shape our budget or our calendar. They shape whether a grieving family feels held, whether a struggling mother finds help, and whether the next generation of women sees Philoptochos as a place where their hands are needed. We are not just stewards of an organization. We are stewards of a promise, and it’s our job to make sure it’s kept.”

The day also brought a welcome opportunity for fellowship. National Board members were blessed to join members of the Archdiocesan Council for both breakfast and lunch, sharing conversation and community alongside the work of the day.

After Secretary Chrissy Zografos confirmed a quorum and presented the minutes from the May 30, 2026, National Board Meeting, the Board heard the management report through September 30, 2026, from Debbie George. Niko Petrogeorge of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry spoke about how grants and funds from National Philoptochos are supporting various programs within the ministry. Joyce Spanakis (Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos President) presented the 2026 National Convention report, and Anita Kartalopoulos reviewed the resolutions approved by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros. National President Debbie George and Effie Moraitakis (Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos President) shared an update on the recent visit to the Ronald McDonald House in Mobile, Alabama.

After lunch, the afternoon session turned to the ministries and initiatives that will shape the term ahead. Members heard a Social Services report from Eleni Constantinides (Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos President) and an update from Theo Nicolakis, Chief Information Officer and Director of National Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Theo’s presentation opened a fruitful conversation among board members, who are hopeful about making a positive change in the surrounding Social Services topics. Anita Kartalopoulos spoke about Philoptochos’ support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and provided an update on the Girl Delegate Program. Chrissy Zografos updated the Board on Aid to Greece and Cyprus. Joyce Spanakis provided an update on the Operation Classroom committee. Katherine Clark presented the Marketing and Communications update pertaining to the website, the new Philoptochos app, and National Philoptochos social media channels.

National President Debbie George closed the meeting with general end-of-year housekeeping, closing remarks, and prayer.

The National Philoptochos Society extends heartfelt thanks to every Board member who traveled to New York for this first meeting of the new term. Their presence, and the time, energy, and care they so generously give, are a testament to their commitment to this ministry. Gratitude is also extended to those who were unable to attend in person, whose dedication and support continue to strengthen Philoptochos’ work throughout the year.

As the 2026–2028 term begins, the National Philoptochos Board looks ahead with gratitude and renewed purpose. Grounded in faith and guided by the spirit of philanthropy that has defined Philoptochos for generations, the Board is eager to continue its work alongside chapters and members across the country, caring for the poor, the sick, the elderly, and all those in need. With the organization’s centennial on the horizon, this term offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the women who built this ministry and to carry their legacy forward with love, compassion, and service.

As Archbishop Elpidophoros said in the closing of his remarks:

 “Beloved sisters, the affirmation you make today is more than an acceptance of office. It is a renewed promise to serve Christ through service to His people. Look to the Panagia as your example and protector. May her humility inspire your leadership, her compassion guide your actions, and her prayers strengthen you in every good work. I thank you for all that you offer to our Church. May this new term be blessed with unity, courage, and abundant fruits of love. Congratulations, and may God bless you all!”

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. With over 90 years of experience, Philoptochos has served communities in need through fundraising and charitable programs. The Society includes more than 400 active chapters nationwide. Learn more at www.philoptochos.org.

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When Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio set out to make Sunday mornings easier for families of children with disabilities, the first change was meeting them at the door. 

Because the cathedral sits in downtown Columbus, where street parking is limited and the walk from available spaces can be difficult for those with mobility challenges, the parish implemented a valet parking service for faithful with disabilities and their families. Four parking spaces are now reserved specifically for those parishioners, removing what had been one of the most basic obstacles to attending liturgy. 

The valet service is part of a broader set of accessibility improvements identified at the parish through their use of Accessibility Assessments created by the Archdiocese’s On Behalf of All initiative. Targeted accessibility projects also include a separate entrance with a ramp and reserved seating areas within the sanctuary for parishioners who use wheelchairs, allowing them to worship alongside their families. 

Helen Rankin, Parish Council President; Cathy Tela, educator and the parish’s liaison for the Archdiocese’s On Behalf of All pilot program; and Ruhel Ghebretnsae, the mother of a child with a disability, described the changes as the result of a ministry called St. Matrona Miracles of God, a support group for families with disabilities.  

Founded by Presbytera Elaine Stavropoulos, the ministry takes its name from St. Matrona of Moscow, a Russian saint who was born blind, lost the ability to walk at age 17, and was known for the gift of healing despite those hardships and life under Soviet rule. 

“It planted the initial seeds for us in terms of being aware that there were parishioners’ needs we hadn’t ministered to,” Rankin said. 

Ghebretnsae said the changes have made a lasting difference for her family.  

“There is no longer an excuse to skip liturgy or show up late,” she said. “We are encouraged by the community’s support, love and attention to our family. I’m grateful to be part of both and belong to a parish that continuously strives to provide endless support to the needs of my family and others. My children and I feel loved, protected, and respected. Glory to God.” 

The parish has more accessibility projects underway. Parishioner David Betz, an architect, has provided preliminary plans for accessible family restrooms with an adult changing table, as well as for parking lot improvements, including additional van-accessible spaces. Parishioner William (Belisarios) Morris, MD, is designing and building an accessible icon stand for wheelchair users. Sensory bags are now available during services, and the parish also plans to install automatic door-openers.

As a pilot parish in the Archdiocese’s initiative On Behalf of All: Toward an Accessible Divine Liturgy for Children with Disabilities, the church also has an On Behalf of All committee responsible for raising awareness and piloting best practices. The parish will also host a parish-wide retreat examining how “we can live the Gospel call to welcome, support, and include all members of the Body of Christ, including children with disabilities.” 

Tela said the parish has worked to raise disability awareness in less visible ways as well, including through bulletin submissions and coffee-hour conversations where parishioners can share ideas, obstacles, and feedback. 

“One of the greatest blessings of our ministry is how it has brought people together to share their talents with the entire church,” Tela said. “We continue to pray for God’s guidance as we work toward a church where all members of God’s creation can worship together.” 

Tela said she hopes the parish’s example encourages other communities to take on similar work. “We hope it inspires other churches to tackle some of the challenges their parishioners may be facing,” she said. 

Mary Markis is a part-time writer for the Orthodox Observer. A Greek American and lifelong Orthodox Christian, she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Art in Art History and Social Anthropology at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

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