Dear Holy Trinity Family,
During this Lenten Season, as we reflect on our many blessings and prepare for Easter, and as we celebrate the beauty of a new spring, our Philoptochos chapter continues its philanthropic work. In accordance with the Philoptochos Mission Statement, we continue to provide help to the less fortunate and to preserve and perpetuate the doctrines and customs of our Orthodox faith.
The annual Presanctified Divine Liturgy dedicated to our chapter took place on Wednesday March 19, 2025. After the service, a light Lenten supper was enjoyed by our members and friends, followed by an inspirational talk by Deacon Patrick who discussed the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts: its beginnings, structure, and importance for our Lenten discipline.
Springtime means Easter Market! Once again this year, our amazing co-chairs, Andrea Nicholas and Elizabeth Zoulis, are diligently and tirelessly working to make this yet another successful event. Proceeds from this important fundraiser directly support our Outreach Ministries and many other philanthropic endeavors. Our members gather to bake, cook, prepare, and pack Lenten and Paschal foods, home-baked Greek pastries, and other related goods. Please support our chapter by volunteering your time, purchasing foods and goods, and/or making monetary donations. Orders for all our Easter Market goodies are being accepted now. Easter Market pick-up dates and times will be as follows:
Friday, April 11 5 pm - 7 pm
Saturday of Lazarus, April 12 11 am - 1 pm
Palm Sunday, April 13 12 pm - 1:30 pm
The Archdiocesan District Philoptochos’ Agape Luncheon will be held on Saturday April 26, 2025, starting at 11 o’clock in the morning at the Inn at New Hyde Park, with proceeds to benefit the Expansion Fund of Saint Michael’s Home. This event is always a beautiful one filled with fellowship amongst women from all the chapters in our district. Reach out to me if you would like to attend.
On Wednesday May 7, 2025, our chapter will be holding elections. If you’re interested in a position on our Philoptochos Board or just want to find out a little bit more about what that entails, please let me know. I would be happy to discuss this with you. A position on the Board gives you the opportunity to do rewarding and important philanthropic work and to work with some dedicated and amazing fellow Greek Orthodox women of our parish! Finally, we will have our fun-filled End-of-the Year party on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. I hope to see you there!
Of course there are many ways to become involved in our chapter, including volunteering for one or more of our Outreach Ministries. Once a month, volunteers at the Carver Center assist food-insecure members of the Port Chester community select healthy groceries. Volunteers provide a meal for HOPE Community Services of New Rochelle six times a year. Our chapter sponsors the weekly Community Food Drive, which is in special, high gear now during the Lenten season. Once a month, volunteers make sandwiches that are delivered to those in need at the Grace Episcopal Church in White Plains. Also, once a month, volunteers prepare and deliver a pasta and salad meal that feeds our grateful friends at the Oasis Shelter in New Rochelle. Through our Soup Run, we provide a meal, toiletry kits, clothes, and various sundry items to the homeless and those living in shelters in Manhattan and elsewhere. One Saturday a month, members of our Prison Ministry visit a correctional facility in Bedford to conduct spiritual classes there. Members of our Saint Michael’s Ministry have visited our beloved elderly three times since September 2024. Our Philoptochos chapter also provides other ways to be engaged. Every month both the Knitting for Charity Club and our Book Club meet. Visit our Church’s website at www.holytrinitynr.org or stop by our Philoptochos bulletin board in the Church’s social hall foyer for more 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 all 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 all do to make the world better.
With gratitude and love,
Agathy Gerkis
Philoptochos Chapter President
avloula@gmail.com
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