JANUARY
Dear Members,
As the new year unfolds, Philoptochos is blessed with the many members that bring their individual skills and unique talents forward for the good of our community. Every program and project that we undertake requires an array of expertise and ability. We have been so impressed by the ideas and actions that each member has shared as we plan and prepare for this year’s activities. All of us together comprise a formidable force for good.
The first example of extraordinary skill and care was exhibited during our Vasilopita event and auction. I am so proud to say that we raised $4040.00 for St. Basil’s Academy thanks to the beautiful vasilopitas that were made with love and presented for auction. Special thanks to the stellar talents of our esteemed bakers, Yota Anadiotis, Mary Athanites, Dena Demos, Dora Demos, Theodora Frankovich, Charissa Gianos, Klea Kappos, Dena Kitsos, Betty Korkolis, Trish Kroll, Celeste Lee, Cathy Locallo, Bessie Nassios and Kalomira Pantozopoulos. Your hands and hearts began our year with sweet and delicious gifts. Special thanks as well to all the generous donors who bought our vasilopitas. We wish your kindness to be returned to you a hundredfold.
Our rescheduled Philoptochos General Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 28th @ 1:00 PM in the Annunciation Room. Your attendance is important, and we look forward to seeing you then!
February promises to offer a wonderful flurry of activity for all of us. On February 4th we will wear red to commemorate Heart Health Month during our Go Red Sunday. We want to assure for healthy hearts and encourage each of us to check our blood pressure and speak with our doctors regarding any signs of heartbeat irregularity, as our hearts are needed to be strong for our love for Christ, our families, and friends.
We have beautiful red Pashmina scarves embroidered in silver with the Philoptochos logo on sale at the Philoptochos table for $25 ($28 when paying by credit card) for anyone wanting to spruce up their red wardrobe in time for Go Red Sunday and other February events.
On February 14th we will be hosting our Valentine’s Day Lunch and Bingo. It’s a very fun event, and we hope you will join us. This is one Valentine’s party where dates are optional, pareas are encouraged and singles are cherished. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Philoptochos table or by calling Faith Iaonnides at 303.909.1685. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 to be followed by several rounds of boisterous bingo.
On February 24th we will welcome Yvette Manessis Corporon, an internationally best-selling Greek-American author and Emmy Award winning producer as she discusses her book, Something Beautiful Happened, the gripping story of her grandmother’s successful effort to hide a Jewish family on the island of Corfu during the Holocaust. Your $50 registration fee includes a copy of the book, talk, tea, coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. Register online at denverphiloptochos.com/events or at the Philoptochos table on Sundays. This event will be a lovely way to spend an inspiring morning.
Our National Philoptochos is offering a Caregiver Support Group online for six consecutive Tuesdays beginning on January 30, 2024 @ 5:00 – 7:00 PM Mountain Time. Facilitated by professionals knowledgeable in caregiving and aging services, we will “meet” over Zoom in a confidential and safe environment to discuss best practices to help you manage the physical and emotional needs of your loved one; cognitive issues resulting from Alzheimer’s or other dementias; caregiver stress, anger, guilt, frustration and exhaustion; importance of self-care; family dynamics/decision-making; long-distance and holiday caregiving; financial concerns; local & broader services and resources; and preparing for the future. The last session, led by a member of the clergy, will address how faith, culture, and spirituality can help build your understanding, strength, and resilience. Secular and spiritual resources to help you cope will be distributed.
Pre-Registration is Required.
Go to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgNy9_9JeCpFkndCj8very_EiYpKZ_-ns0HeUVrILJUKeXLA/viewform
Philopotchos is always seeking ways to best serve the members of our parish and extended community. We are here to help and can be reached anytime by phone or email. Please reach out with any needs or suggestions you may have. I look forward to seeing you during February’s events and pray for God’s blessings in each of your lives.
Christine
