APRIL
Dear philoptochos Members,
As we prepare for Holy Week, I wanted each of you to know how very much I appreciate your contribution of time, talent, and treasure to the mission of our Philoptochos. We can all take pride in the effect we have on our community. We feed those who are hungry, we comfort those who are grieving, we celebrate new life and welcome young families into our faith, we ease the private burdens of those in need, support our ministries and create events that gather us together in fellowship and joy. I sometimes think that through the example of Panagia we serve as the mother of our church, quietly listening and understanding what’s in the hearts of our family, and doing our best to see that every prayer is answered.
The month of April has been a busy time. We have conducted our membership stewardship campaign, prepared for our Pascha Bake Sale and planned the Palm Sunday Lenten Luncheon. We could not have done it without the dedicated service of our members. Thank you!
annual membership stewardship renewal
I am pleased to report that to date, 126 have fulfilled their membership stewardship for 2024 (including associate members) and we have gained 14 new members! This is a huge blessing to our chapter and I thank you all for supporting our mission in this way. We will officially report our 2024 membership list to the National Philoptochos archive in early May, so there is still time to be included before our final membership roster is submitted. Just click on our membership link or send your commitment to Philoptochos, Assumption Cathedral, 4610 E Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80246. We are each so important to the strength of our organization. Thank you for making us strong and vital in 2024.
support for Father michael pagonis
Our motion to support our incoming assistant priest, Father Michael Pagonis by contributing $5000 to help alleviate his student debt with the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology was supported by 62 yes votes, 0 no votes and 0 abstentions. What a wonderful welcome for him! Michael will graduate this May and be ordained this summer, joining us at our Cathedral in early August. He is married and has four children, one born only a few months ago, and he is eager to return to his home Metropolis and serve in Denver. It has been suggested by one our members that we might augment this gift with private donations. Please come to the Philoptochos table if you would like to do so, or mail or submit you additional donation online. Michael and his family will be so grateful.
LUNCH IN THE PARK
Many thanks to Janice Thomas for her continued oversight of this wonderful endeavor, and to her loyal support team of Celeste Lee, Liberty Matzakos and Patrice Dovas-Hudson. We will resume our activity in this project in the fall, convening again on September 23rd to prepare our next meal. We’ve noted that new members expressed interest in supporting this project, and we will reach out to you with details for assistance beforehand. Thank you all.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Our social services committee continues to support the members of our community when needs arise. We are always here to help. Please be sure to let others know of our availability to aid when difficult circumstances arise. Every request is kept private, and we employ great respect and compassion throughout the aid process.
gift from the critikos family
We have been blessed with the generous bequest of the Critikos family directing all donations in memory of our beloved Vicky Critikos to be designated to our Philoptochos chapter. Vicky’s kindness and support of Philoptochos was constant and enthusiastic. Her smile warmed our events. For years, she visited parishioners in the hospital or at home, offering whatever support she sensed was needed to assure the well being of all. She was famous for her Pasta Flora dessert, a delicacy that she shared at Philoptochos events to the delight of the lucky guests. Vicky mentored and encouraged new Philoptochos members to serve their community in the spirit she felt for our mission. “The love between Vicky and Ted was deep and full. It served as an example of what marriage should be. No one else had a heart like Vicky’s. She did anything for others and I will miss her everyday.” - Sophia Leon We all will miss her, too. Thank you to Ted and her family for lifting our chapter with her memory. May it be eternal.
PASCHA BAKE SALE
Our Pascha Bake Sale orders are in, and we will be distributing the orders on Friday April 26th from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Saturday April 27th from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Sunday from April 28th from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. We’ll have a limited supply of items for sale ala carte on the 28th for those of you who were not able to pre-order. We have a delicious array of cookies, baklava, thiples, and tsoureki along with dyed red eggs available to make your holiday preparations easier. We are here to help you and every donation made to Philoptochos helps our community, too!
Seminarian Scholarship Fund
The criteria for the Seminarian Scholarship Fund is currently under review by a committee of Niki Mott, Nikki Phillips and Paula Von Lindern. They will bring their recommendations to our next general meeting for review and discussion.
PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON
The Palm Sunday Luncheon will be hosted by our chapter right after liturgy on April 28th, providing a traditional plaki meal. We look forward to this time of fellowship and community as we all come together to share the company of our parishioners in anticipation of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Children under 12 will be free and served a savory pasta meal. Please secure your reservations in advance as seating is limited. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance at our Philoptochos table, online and by mail. Proceeds from this event will benefit the good works of Philoptochos.
MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION Brunch
Please save the date, Saturday, May 11, 2024, for our annual Mother’s Day Celebration, honoring Yota Anadiotis and Claire Zinis, two of the nicest moms I know. This lovely, heartwarming event is open to all to attend, reminding us of what special beings mothers are in our lives. We will hold our annual raffle during the event featuring some lovely items. Tickets are $35 for adults and $20 for children and can be purchased beginning April 21st at the Philo table, or online.
launch of 2nd edition - festival of greek flavors cookbook
We are eagerly anticipating the delivery of the second edition of our Festival of Greek Flavors Cookbook. We will celebrate this special event in our chapter’s history with a festive launch of the second edition during the Denver Greek Festival on June 7, 8 & 9. Please plan to stop by our table in the upper lobby of the community center to take a look at the new book and browse it for the new and updated recipes now included and raise a toast to its success!
Denver Greek Festival wine & cheese booth
Fine Greek wines and cheeses will be available for purchase during the Denver Greek Festival, June 7, 8 & 9 at our booth, benefitting Philoptochos in the upper lobby of the community center. Please encourage your friends and family to seek us out during their visit to the festival for a refreshing drink and bite to eat. We will also have the new edition of our cookbook for sale!
Next meeting
Our next meeting will be held on Sunday, May 19th at 1:00 PM. in the Centennial Ballroom right after coffee hour. See you all then!
Kalo Pascha / Happy Easter to You and Yours!
