January
Dear philoptochos Members,
2025 is upon us and I wish you all the best in the months ahead. I was struck a few weeks ago by the sermon delivered by Father Lou where he illuminated that joy is magnified by the experience of sorrow and pain. As this holiday season has been elevated with the joy of new life, it has also been made poignant by the sorrow of loss and injury. I have often thought of the Critikos, Kitsos, Garva and other families facing their first holidays without their loved ones, only to be elated again at the thought of Vasiliki and Kally’s new beautiful babies. My heart has been full with prayer for Stellee and Greg Papdeas’s Venetia, and it has been a true blessing to hear of her constant improvement. The same is true for the progress being made by Yiota Anadiotis, Diana Linnen and the many others who face their challenges privately and bravely. We all have a place in our heart that carries a weight. Thank God that we also have a place in our souls that sings with happiness. Let’s stand together through it all. Philoptochos has much to look forward to and our strength is in our unity and mutual care. We will work with sensitivity and attentiveness as we plan for the events and activities that await.
vasilopita auction
Our annual Vasilopita auction will take place this Sunday, January 12th to benefit St. Basil’s Academy and YAL programs nationally. We are so grateful for the fine bakers that have perfected their vasilopitas and have donated their time and talent to support these great endeavors. Please come and place your bid for a delicious and beautiful vasilopita bread or cake. We will cut the Parish Vasilopita immediately preceding coffee hour for distribution to all the ministries of our Cathedral and hope you will make a point of joining us then. Special thanks to Mrs. Korkolis for baking the parish vasilopita for us all!
Καλή χρονιά!
Valentine’s day bingo and bruch
We will also prepare for our Valentine’s Day Brunch and Bingo in the coming weeks. If you have a new or gently used item or two in your home that you’d like to contribute as a bingo prize, we will welcome it! Please bring your gift to the Philoptochos table any Sunday in advance. Tickets for this event will be $25 and reservations can be made at the Philoptochos table at your convenience or by calling Christine at 720.524.4837.
Philoptochos spring signature event
We will begin planning for our spring signature event at the end of January for our event to be held on May 10th. This year, we have decided to host a fashion show partnering with Dillard’s Department Store in Park Meadows. The committee will be convened for brainstorming and preliminary assignments at the end of this month. If you are interested in joining the planning team, please give me a call at 720.524.4837.
christmas luncheon
Once again, Stellee Papadeas made our holiday luncheon an event to remember. With the reading by Stellee and background sound effects provided by Phyllis Kennebeck, we were transported by the Polar Express to a place where we can believe in the love and promise of Christmas. Thank you to everyone who attended. It was wonderful to spend an afternoon together in the flurry of the holiday festivities and to kick off the holiday season.
holiday lights bus tour
A happy group of Christmas passengers braved the winter’s night for a tour of the holiday lights around town. Winding through the city streets, the best part was the conversations with friends and the wonderful hot cider and chocolate we enjoyed at the end. Thank you Kiki Brown for the wonderful spiked cider and thanks to all who came! May we all be together again when the holidays return this year.
bake sale
Special thanks to the bakers that made our bake sale a success again this year! We are so fortunate to have Mary Athanites lead our efforts and the able hands of Klea Kappos, Celeste Lee, Charissa Gianos, Faith Ioannides, Cathy & George Locallo, Marianne Anton and Ann Charchalis making every morsel delicious! Thanks to everyone that supported us by making a purchase. Our good works are magnified by your generosity and kind hearts.
fleece navidad
This year, we were able to assist a record number of residents in care facilities with the gift of a new, warm fleece outfit for the holidays. It is sobering to deliver these packages to those individuals that have so little and need so much. Thanks to Dianne & Chuck Sweeney for coordinating the effort. Eva Fry and her beautiful family, Mitsi Andrews and Liberty Matzakos took time to visit the residents and wish them well on behalf of our chapter. It is a blessing to serve our Denver community in this meaningful way. Thanks to each and every one of you that bought a fleece suit (or more) and wrapped them for delivery. 95 people rest in greater comfort today because of your care.
and now for the joy!
This beautiful young lady, Niki Katina Helt was born on December 17th to Kally Mott and Dylan Helt, weighing 6 pounds, 14 ounces and measuring 20 inches in length. She is very loved. I believe that a Philoptochos membership is in her future, and we welcome her with open arms! Congratulations to her beaming parents and doting grandparents, Niki and Rick Mott. Να σας ζήσει!
I wish each of you a happy, healthy new year blessed with every prayer answered by the grace of Christ.
Christine
