Philoptochos Comedy Night ft. Ellen Karis

Ellen Karis is the “Greek Goddess of Comedy,” and has had a successful career performing in North America alongside such notable comics as Drew Carey, Jimmy “JJ” Walker and Sebastian Maniscalco. The entertainment industry has hailed her as the “little dynamo,” given her petite stature, strong improv skills and her ability to build a quick rapport with any audience. Born and raised in NYC in a traditional strict Greek home, her brand of sarcastic, observational humor has been described along the same lines as comedy legends Joan Rivers and Richard Lewis.

Her energy and passion to bring laughs to any crowd is a must see as she jokes about her marriage and family, trying to make it in show business against all odds, addiction to sweets and the absurdities of the ever changing pop culture, youth obsessed world we live in. Available for purchase, her hour comedy special “By the Way, I’m Ellen Karis” filmed in New York City, has received rave reviews. Ellen enjoys acclaim and popularity in the Greek-American community, as she is one of the few Greek female stand-up comedians performing today with her hit show “Greek Chicks Rule” also available on DVD.

Starting her career as a CPA with an MBA in Finance, she parlayed her quick wit and job experience on Wall Street to become a political humorist on many of the Fox News Channel and Current TV shows, as well as a frequent guest on talk radio and Sirius XM. After co-hosting an internet radio show for several years, she now has two weekly radio shows “Karis Comedy Corner” on BBOXRadio.com and a “Being Reasonable with Ellen Karis” on the “Toughen Up America” Network. Ellen’s tell it like it is, common sense views about current events combined with her personal anecdotes and interesting array of guests, has caught quite the buzz as a different and intelligent voice to hit the airwaves.

Ellen is passionate about healthy living and wellness and actively participates in several philanthropic causes such as raising funds for Ovarian Cancer Research and Transcendental Meditation to Veterans with PTSD.

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Soup Run - July 2017

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A large group was lined up and waiting for us at last night's soup run in Manhattan. We couldn't get to our usual spot because of an event at Madison Square Garden preventing access to the street so we relocated to our alternative spot a block away. The word was already out and by the time we arrived, our guests were waiting patiently. Some helped us set up tables and serve. Two tourists from North Carolina saw what we were doing and helped distribute socks. We served 125 sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, coffee and water with - - received with much appreciation.

We gave the special request items to those who had asked for sneakers and clothes and they were overwhelmed with gratitude. I saw more hugs between our volunteers and guests last night than ever before. 

At one point, we were reminded of the decency of those we serve and how they expect (and deserve) to be treated. We were taking a photo of a group talking with one of our volunteers, careful not to photograph their faces for privacy reasons. One of the homeless men stepped aside and quietly suggested that the next time we take pictures, we not take them of any of their faces. We showed him the photo that did not capture any faces, other than those of our own group, and assured him that we are always respectful of their privacy. The calmness and consideration he displayed during this exchange was a lesson, on several levels, for all.

Survival is what the homeless do on the streets of NY. They find ways to keep things together - whether it's creatively securing the belt they are wearing by inserting a pen through holes (Fr. Patrick bought the man a new belt!), or carrying around a folder of important personal papers including a social security card, or asking for extra granola bars and sandwiches for a meal the next day. We met the working homeless as well. One man, who delivers packages for Amazon, is happy to have a full time job but does not yet have enough money to open a checking account in order to rent an apartment so he sleeps on a friend's couch while he saves money. 

Thank you to all who gave of their time, talent and treasures yesterday as the sandwiches were prepared by Manny, Zachary, Kelly, Voula, Despina and her sons. Our loyal group of cheerful volunteers distributed toiletries, socks, men's and women's underwear, pants, shorts, shoes and flip flops - all donated or made possible through the monetary donations of individuals including Minos Samoladas. Thank you to Harry Wilson and family for sponsoring last night's soup run. Please join us on the last Thursday of the month - August 31 - when our guests will be expecting us. Share this with your friends #lastnightssouprun.

Philoptochos End-of-Year Dinner

The Ladies Philoptochos Society held its End of the Year dinner on Wednesday, June 21st in the Social Hall. A Greek Frappe and Greek Coffee fundraiser helped raise money for both Greek and Cypriot charities.

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Philoptochos Board Members Sworn In

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At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on June 18, the Oath of Affirmation was given to the 2017-2018 Philoptochos Board. Congratulations to all of the newly sworn members.

 

Philoptochos Easter Market Opens!

This Saturday, the Philoptochos Easter Market opened! If you missed it, be sure to stop by tomorrow (Palm Sunday) after Liturgy. Pre-ordered items will be available for pick-up. 

Payment can be made be cash or check only.

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Holy Week Highlights: Saturday of Lazarus

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Saturday of Lazarus

After Liturgy, the community gathered for a Lenten breakfast and festive activities. Together we learned how to bake Lazarakia and how to fold palm crosses in preparation for Palm Sunday. 

Significance of this Service

Source: goarch.org

"In Remembrance of a Pledge of Resurrection"
(Saturday before Palm Sunday; the service consists of Matins [Morning Prayers] and the Divine Liturgy.)
On this day, the rising from the dead of St. Lazarus, the righteous friend of Christ, is celebrated. Holy Week begins with the phrase: "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany..." (John 12:1) His arrival coincided with the Jewish Passover. It started on the 15th of the month of Nissan in commemoration of the freeing of the Hebrew people, under the leadership of Moses, from the slavery of the Egyptians by the miraculous act of God. The Church relates preparation and redemption to the events of this week.

Six days before the Passover, a feast was given for Christ in Bethany of Judea, where Christ had stopped on His way to Jerusalem. Lazarus, His friend, and his sisters were present. A short time earlier, Christ had raised Lazarus from the dead, thereby gaining the respect and faith of the people, but also the hatred of the fanatics. The Church names this day the "Saturday of Lazarus" in remembrance of the resurrection of Lazarus and its promise of universal resurrection for all men. The Church connects this celebration, by anticipation, with the Entrance of Christ into Jerusalem: "We carry the Symbols of victory and cry Hosanna in the highest."
The readings are Hebrews 12:28-13:8 and John 11:1-45.

Philoptochos Prepares for the Easter Market

The Philoptochos has prepared many delicious items for Holy Week and Pascha.

Please visit their Easter Market after church on Palm Sunday.