APRIL
Dear philoptochos Members,
I have watched the buds of spring emerge with determination and courage this season, bursting through mulch, snow and the debris of the past to bloom their vibrant colors and bring us joy. I think of the toil of the bulbs underground preparing for their journey towards the sky. It’s clear that anything worth becoming requires time and care.
I have seen the same beauty in the women of Philoptochos this season, working their hands and giving their hearts to prepare our community for Pascha. They have donated their days to the art of baking, the care of giving. They are a bouquet of kindness and love.
BAKE SALE
Sunday, April 6th is the last day to order items from our Easter Bake Sale. Don’t miss your opportunity to have a variety of fresh pastries prepared for your table. Bright red eggs, almond cookies, melomakarouna, kourambiethes, koulourakia and fresh baked breads are being prepared with loving care. We also have diples, a delicacy that I fear is becoming more and more rare to find and enjoy. Every item is kneaded, twisted, seeded, honeyed and dyed by our own member’s hands. We are so lucky for this blessing in our community. Please support it and enjoy it! You can make your order on our website, denverphiloptochos.com and clicking on “shop”.
PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON
We are preparing a delicious traditional meal of fish and vegetables for Palm Sunday, April 13th. Please plan to join us in fellowship with the congregation for this wonderful event. We will have some special items for children under the age of 12, and they are welcome to join us for free. Tickets for adults are $25 including plaki with all the trimmings, desserts and wine. Wednesday, April 9th is the last day to purchase tickets to assure that we can be adequately prepared for all of our guests. We look forward to seeing you there! Please go to the ‘shop’ section of our website to purchase your tickets @ denverphiloptochos.com
SENIOR SEMINAR
During a luncheon seminar in March, our seniors were presented with information by the AARP about the current trend of criminal scams, some of which include bogus text messages about fines, threatening calls about jury duty, romantic blackmail, identity thefts, unnecessary tech support/computer virus alarms, bogus sweepstakes & prizes, false employment opportunities, shady home repairs, imposters of government, etc. Valuable tips were shared in guarding against these scams. Those attending enjoyed a delicious Lenten meal prepared by Pete’s Restaurants. Thanks to everyone that made time to learn something new while enjoying time with friends.
FASHION SHOW & LUNCHEON, MAY 10, 2025 - Mark your Calendar!
By now, we hope you’ve received your invitation to our upcoming Fashion Show & Luncheon to be held on May 10th. The planning committee is very excited as all the components come together for this very special event. There will be many details and touches that will make the day lovely and fun. We hope you will make a note on your calendars and plan to take part. Tickets are now available for purchase on our website in the shop. All seats are $60. Please be sure to let us know of any seating preferences. A memorable and delightful time awaits us all!
MEMBERSHIP - JOIN & RENEW!
We will be reporting our official membership numbers to National Philoptochos in early May, 2025. It is very important that all of our members renew before then, as our annual budget is grounded in the stewardship of our members. We have been fortunate to add a number of new members this year and we welcome each and every one of you! Please take a moment to prepare a check or to renew online at your earliest convenience. Your support is what brings our mission to life. Come to the Philoptochos table for more information on Sunday, or reach out to Mary Athanites with any questions at (303) 204-0706.
SALUTE TO MEALS OF HOPE
Hats off to everyone who participated in the preparation of food packets for the annual Meals of Hope campaign. Many families took part and our community is better and stronger for it. 35,000 packets were assembled in just a few hours. Awesome!
LUNCH IN THE PARK
We also need to praise the demur but steady work force behind our Lunch in the Park program, preparing meals for 150 homeless persons in Denver each quarter of the year. Under the leadership of Janice Thomas and her ranch hand feeding know how, we are able to prepare delicious meals for families down on their luck in partnership with Christ in the Cities Ministries. Thank you to our wonderful western women, Celeste Lee, Liberty Matzakos, Patrice Dovas-Hudson and Faith Ioannides for the love they’ve poured into every dish.
NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS AT WORK
As you may know, $17 of each member’s dues paid to our chapter is allocated to the good works of the National Philoptochos on our behalf. We’d like to share that this year, two group homes for individuals with disabilities at the Monastery Axion Esti in Greece had burned to the ground during the massive fires that occurred earlier in the year. Our collective support made it possible for the repair of these homes and the safe, productive restoration of care to its residents. Our reach is far and deep, thanks to you! ΣΑΣ ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΟΥΜΕ!
As holy week approaches, may we find peace in the love we have been shown by our Savior, Jesus Christ, and hope in the promise of His resurrection. God Bless and keep you all in the safety of His watch.
Love, Christine
