DECEMBER
Dear philoptochos Members,
Finally, a nice chilly day has arrived conducive to writing a few lines to fill you in on what’s been going on in our Philoptochos. I have been so grateful for the Philoptochos members that have made time during this hectic time of year to assure that our events and programs are executed without a hitch. Our committee leaders have taken their responsibilities seriously and invested of their time and talent for the benefit of all of us. My heartfelt thanks to everyone that’s made our chapter hum.
thanksgiving & veterans day luncheon
November was marked by our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon honoring those who have served our country in the military on our behalf. This year was especially notable with the performance of Constantine Pappas, a talented performer from Fresno, California who wowed us all with his rendition of the branch of service anthems, bringing down the house. The day was inspiring and meaningful as we paused to give thanks for all that we are blessed with and all that we hope for in the year to come.
baby alexander’s baptism
We were fortunate in being able to participate in another joyous event, as we helped to welcome baby Alexander Constantine Michael Pagonis into his Assumption Cathedral family as co-hosts of his Christening. His proud parents, Deacon Michael and Sarah, and his Godparents, Napoleon and Juliana Kanari beamed with delight as he entered his spiritual life. It was our pleasure to serve as hostesses for this wonderful event.
A christmas carol
A group of Philoptochos members was able to catch Constantine Pappas once again in his multiple roles at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts presentation of A Christmas Carol on Sunday, December 1st. This lucky group had the good fortune in having one last special day with Dena Kitsos. She loved the production, spent time talking to Constantine after the show, smiled for the cameras and warmed our hearts with her good humor, curiosity and care for others that afternoon. This bittersweet memory will stay with us always.
fleece navidad
Thanks to the generosity of our members and our community, we have had the pleasure of providing new fleece outfits for 95 nursing home and women’s shelter residents who are without family or friends during the holidays. Residents in need are carefully selected and referred to our chapter each year for adoption and our community rallies around them with open hearts. This year was a record in terms of the number of residents that needed our care, however, we were able to fulfill the need completely. Thanks to everyone that made this possible, particularly our youngest donor, Thanasi Nassious, who help his father Nektarious select and wrap his multiple gifts for residents. He is growing up in the Greek spirit of philoxenia. I know his Yiayia Bessie is proud from where she loves and guides him.
holiday bake sale
Our Holiday Bake Sale is in full-swing, and we are taking orders in person at the Philoptochos table next Sunday, December 15th, and everyday until then online at DenverPhiloptochos.com. Our pastries and breads are being made in the days to come to assure for the best quality at your tables. Please come and bake baklava with us on Thursday, December 19th or help us package on Friday, December 20th. Save yourselves one task this year and support the good works of Philoptochos at the same time. Items will be available for pickup on December 21st from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & December 22nd from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM in the lobby of the Community Center.
holiday lights tour
Our luxury Holiday Lights Tour will take place on Wednesday, December 18th from 5:15 -7:15 PM. We will depart and return to the Cathedral, stopping at Civic Center Park’s City and County display, Union Station and Cherry Creek North. Our bus is full, however if enough other members are interested in the tour we will add a bus to the route. Call Christine at 720.524.4837 with any questions.
christmas luncheon
Our annual Christmas Luncheon will be held this year on Saturday, December 14th at Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café, 932 Jersey Street, Denver, 80220 from 11:30 to 1:00 PM. Space is still available and your reservation can be made by calling Stellee Papadeas at (720) 984-7406.
special thanks
Special thanks to the families of Natasa Grava and Dena Kitsos for their generous designations of memorial funds to the good works of our Philoptochos Chapter. These fine women were role models and icons in our community, succeeding beyond their wildest dreams due to their determination and hard work. Their families are testaments to their loving natures and the esteem they fostered was nurtured by their faith. We will miss them beyond words. May their memories be eternal.
During this holiday season, let’s hold those we love a little closer and be evermore grateful for our blessings. Each day is a gift and an opportunity to be kind. May you enjoy the warmest of moments and memories this year. Χρονια Πολλα!
Christine
