2014 NATIONAL
PHILOPTOCHOS BIENNIAL CONVENTION
July 6-9, 2014,
Philadelphia, PA
The Orthodox
Christian Family: A Dwelling of Christ
and a Witness of His Gospel
Delegate Attendee: Ann Burmeister
What an honor it was to attend the 2014 National Philoptochos
Biennial Convention. I learned so very
much and met so many wonderful Philoptochos Sisters from all over the United
States.
Sunday- July 6, 2014
Sunday morning began with Orthros and Divine Liturgy at St.
George Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop
Demetrios of America. The Cathedral was breathtaking. All seats and balconies were filled with both
Philoptochos and attendees of the 42nd Biennial Clergy-Laity
Congress.
That evening the Convention had its Opening Ceremonies and
General Assembly. His Eminence
Archbishop Demetrios gave the invocation.
His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey welcomed everyone.
There were 440 registered delegates. Later that evening we went over the Bylaws/Resolutions
and the Budget Preview.
Monday- July 7, 2014
The Opening Ceremonies of the 42nd Clergy Laity
Congress began with a welcome from His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and a
surprise Skype from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. What an
honor and privilege. Philoptochos ladies
departed and began their afternoon session.
His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, an emissary of his All-Holiness
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and spiritual advisor to Philoptochos, lead
the opening prayer.
During the proceedings it was
suggested that if we raise our stewardship 10%, we than can raise our
commitment by 10%. It was also stated
that the family is the nucleus of the church.
We need to remember that God is the center of the universe—not us. The church is an ideal place to talk about
family situations and seek help.
During the conference Rachael
Lloyd, founder and CEO of GEMS (Girls Education Mentoring Service) eloquently
spoke on human trafficking. Many were
brought to tears. She pulled herself out
of a horrendous situation and now GEMS is helping young women 12-24 free
themselves from that life. Human trafficking
is rampant in this country. Lloyd wrote
the book, “Girls Like Us” and can be found on the website: www.gems-girls.org.
2014 Chapter Challenge
Presentations:
-St. Andrew Church, Randolph, NJ,
choose to do a prison ministry.
-St. Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles,
CA, put together a program called “Operation Lace Up” where they distributed
shoes to the homeless.
-St. Haralambos Church, Canton, OH,
prepared buckets with cleaning supplies for the formerly homeless who were
going to a new apartment.
Jerry Dimitriou, Executive
Director of Administration, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, told how St.
Nicholas was crushed by the twin towers.
After a very long struggle, a new St. Nicholas Shrine, where all can
worship, is being built next to the reflecting pool at Ground Zero. It will cost $37 million. If each member makes a gift of $100 the
shrine can be completed by 2016.
That evening we were bused to the
Water Works Restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious Greek meal and watched some
talented young adults dance.
Tuesday- July 8, 2014
The Reverend Dr. John Chryssavgis,
Archdeacon Ecumenical Throne spoke on the environment in “On Earth as It Is in
Heaven.” He said that the world is an
icon and that we cannot treat people like things. Our relationship to this world is our
relationship to Heaven. He spoke about ascesis, “the exercise of
self-discipline” and the way we treat creations. We are all responsible for this world and
must not abuse it.
Another articulate and dynamic
speaker was Alexandra Pink who moved into Saint Basil's Academy last September. She was abused as a child and moved around
with her mother. She stated that St.
Basil’s helped her become the best individual that she could be. She told us
the things to pack for a world adventure were patience, mindfulness and forgiveness. National Philoptochos gave $50,000 to St.
Basil Vasilopita and $20,000 for a new van to St. Basil Sisterhood for a total
of $70. It was brought to our attention that women can graduate with a Master
of Divinity from Hellenic College Holy Cross.
National monies went to numerous
worthy causes. Here are just a few:
International Orthodox Christian
Charities (IOCC) $45,000 (with an additional $10,000 for flood relief in Serbia)
-Orthodox Christian Mission Center
(OCMC) $35,000
-Support-a-Mission Priest $36,000
(to send the gospel to furthest corners of the world).
-Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)
$20,000 for Summer Leadership Institute
-Orthodox Christian Network (OCN)
$5,000
-Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry
(OCPM) $7,080
So very much more.
We learned about Loukoumi Books by
Nick Katsoris available on Amazon.com.
Elizabeth Metallinos-Katsaras, Ph.D.,
RD, Department of Nutrition, Simmons College, told us how the traditional Greek
diet can keep us healthy.
That evening chapter presidents
brainstormed leadership styles and how to improve our chapters.
Wednesday- July 9, 2014
At 7:15 a.m. were all to be seated
for a breakfast honoring National President Aphrodite Skeadas and her six years
of service. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios praised
all her works over the years.
It was my honor to have my picture
taken with His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah, Mariam Catechis, Metropolis of
Denver President, and Olga Plomarity, who is related to our Manitzas family. It was my pleasure to be seated next to her
at breakfast
Later that day, Martha
Stefanidakis, 2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention Co-Chair presented
“The Brave Ones Past and Present” video composed of about 1,000 photographs of
family members who had served in the military throughout the years. Pictures of our own Steve Tefas, and David
Garza where among them. On Tuesday
evening, 65 baskets for veterans were put together by convention delegates. The presentation was made Wednesday, for the distribution
of the baskets to the Veterans' Multi-Service Center. Lt. Colonel Elizabeth Konon Sweet, National Geospatial-Intelligence
Agency, Army Operations Officer, told us about the many faces reflecting those serving
in the military. Michael Emanuel, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Chief
Congressional Correspondent, FOX News, spoke on critical issues of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate and religious freedom.
The evening banquet was
extraordinary since our guest speaker that evening was Vice President Joseph R.
Biden. In his remarks, he stated that he
was raised and tutored by the Greek community, and that he has many special
Greek friends. He told about the special time in his life when he spent time
with His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople, and when his
All-Holiness was a guest in the Biden home.
He said that His All-Holiness was the most Christ-like man he had ever
met. Vice President Biden said he had
been meeting with Greek Prime ministers since 1973. He hopes the occupation of Cyprus by Turks
will end.
These are just some of the
highlights. We heard some phenomenal
speakers throughout the convention. I
would encourage anyone who can, to attend in 2016.
Ann Burmeister is President, Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos in San Angelo, Texas, Chapter 8038. The chapter is in its second year and has 18 members. Burmeister is also church treasurer and chairs the annual bake sale.
