Dear Holy Trinity Family,
Since my last letter, our chapter remains busy and involved in many meaningful activities. From November 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, our chapter participated in the Archdiocesan District’s Diapers and Baby Blankets Drive to benefit the Floating Hospital, an organization serving as a healthcare safety net to nearly 27,000 children and adults annually. Through our efforts we raised more than $700 for this worthy cause. Many thanks to all who donated.
On December 12, our chapter held its annual Candlelight Dinner. I am delighted to share with you that this important fundraiser was a huge success, raising almost $20,000 in net profit! Two hundred and twenty-three attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by our own chef Manny Louros in our beautiful church social hall adorned in red and green. Everyone was delighted to honor Serene Romas, a past president of our Philoptochos chapter, in recognition of her many years of dedicated service to our chapter and our parish community. We had a festive holiday boutique, many fabulous raffle prizes, and a super raffle prize of a reversible fur/raincoat, donated by this year’s honoree. Thank you to all who supported our chapter by attending. Many thanks to all who worked hard to make this event the beautiful evening it was.
After liturgy on December 15, our chapter held its annual Hats, Gloves, and Scarves for the Homeless Sale. Members of our community had the opportunity to purchase a set of these warm accessories. These sets were then distributed to our friends in need at the December Soup Run. Sales of these sets totaled $930, the proceeds of which will be used to benefit all our Outreach Ministries. Thanks to those who purchased the sets. Many of these items were handmade by our own Knitting Group. Thank you to all who contributed their crafting talents to create these beautiful items and a special thank you to George Kourakos who instructed incarcerated women at a facility in Valhalla, who likewise contributed items to this sale!
On January 26, our first General Membership Meeting of the year was held following the liturgy to discuss the Proposed Budget for 2025. Our treasurer, Angie Lambros, presented a well-prepared report. Following a discussion and a question-and-answer exchange, our members voted to pass the Proposed Budget.
Presently ongoing is our Membership Drive. We seek to expand our membership and its multigenerational composition. Please renew your membership or join. Look in your mail for membership details and/or stop by the Philoptochos table at coffee hour to speak to any of the membership co-chairwomen for more information.
The annual Presanctified Divine Liturgy dedicated to our chapter will take place on Wednesday March 19. Preparations already are underway for our Easter Market, where you may buy delicious Lenten and Paschal foods. Proceeds from this important fundraiser support our philanthropic endeavors. Stay tuned for more information about both these events.
Our Philoptochos chapter provides many ways to get involved. Once a month, volunteers at the Carver Center assist food-insecure persons in Port Chester. Volunteers provide a meal for HOPE Community Services of New Rochelle several times a year. Our Philoptochos chapter sponsors the weekly Community Food Drive. Volunteers make sandwiches that are delivered to the Grace Episcopal Church in White Plains and distributed to those in need there. Also, once a month, volunteers prepare and deliver a meal that feeds about 60 friends at the Oasis Shelter in New Rochelle. Through our Soup Run we provide a meal and various sundry items to the homeless in Manhattan. Members of our Prison Ministry have started monthly Saturday morning visits to a correctional facility in Bedford to conduct spiritual classes there. Members of our Saint Michael’s Ministry have visited there three times since September. On February 9 th The Michael Zoulis Trio joined the fun providing lively Greek music for both residents and volunteers to enjoy. There was so much singing and dancing! Finally, since September, the Knitting for Charity group and our Book Club have met several times. Visit our Church’s website at www.holytrinitynr.org or stop by our Philoptochos bulletin board in the Church foyer for information about what dates are available for you to participate in any of the Outreach Ministries and for further information about these ministries, clubs, and other forthcoming events.
Finally, remember our chapter is connected. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram where you can see photos, read about our ministries, clubs and events, and see what we do together to make the world better.
With gratitude and love,
Agathy Gerkis
Philoptochos Chapter President
avloula@gmail.comNo Facebook? No problem!
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