January 2017
Lekita Essa, Raleigh, North Carolina
My first
experiences at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Raleigh, NC still warm my heart.
The outpouring of love and friendship made me want to become a part of the community
and get involved.
My nouna,
Pota Vallas, one of the founding members of our Philoptochos chapter, brought
me to my first Philoptochos meeting. I did not fully understand the meaning of philanthropia
or the value of this connection for me. I was moved by its mission statement:
to aid the poor, to promote charitable works, to preserve and perpetuate our faith
traditions and promote community participation. I found myself wanting to participate
and dedicate myself to the work of our Philoptochos chapter.
Each
Philoptochos sister I have come to know has influenced my life and helped form
my thoughts and actions. On any given subject, we have as many passionate
thoughts and opinions as we have members, but by the end of each meeting, there
is consensus.
In
particular, there are four Philoptochos women who have been mentors and role
models to me.
Pota
Vallas, my nouna, now 108 years young, inspires me through her life as an
immigrant, a business woman and a community leader. She has shown that being a
“friend to the poor” is of utmost importance. She has taught me that not
everyone has the talent or ability to work an event, but if we can’t be working,
we need to be a major consumer or supporter! The key is to be involved and give
back.
Artie
Sarayotis and Mitsa Capetanos, two of our “50 plus years” members continue to
teach me the true meaning of service. Mitsa
arrived from Greece in 1959. Four days later, she attended her first
Philoptochos meeting at Holy Trinity! Artie moved to Raleigh from New York almost 40
years ago and brought many new ideas. Artie and Mitsa make a great team, having
served as chapter officers and event chairpersons, always inspiring others with
their leadership and positive approach.
Each
leads by example, selflessly giving their time and talent, teaching that everyone
should utilize their unique gifts to help others. Artie, walking spry with a
walker and Mitsa, active with her cane, are the first to show up for meetings.
Observing their lives and all they give, nudges me to inventory my own life and
how I might serve.
Like
many of you, I have the pleasure of having friendships with Philoptochos women
from other cities. The enthusiasm of Evan Scurtis for Philoptochos is
contagious. Evan lives in Miami and is a long-time Philoptochos member of the St.
Sophia parish. A natural leader, she deftly reaches out and serves Philoptochos
on the chapter, Metropolis and National levels. She generously shares her
knowledge and time with others and inspires those around her to give more of
themselves.
Through
the example of her own life, Evan has given me a deeper understanding of the
true mission of Philoptochos. Her simple, yet powerful, description of our
mission is engraved in my mind and heart, “The core mission of Philoptochos is
social service – Philanthropy”. She practices this every day. She seeks to have
a positive impact on every life she touches and her dedication to Philoptochos
continues to inspire me to do the same.
Philoptochos
sisters have taught me that we are responsible to give and volunteer with an
open heart. We are here to serve, to inspire to work side by side, to be
respectful, to teach and be taught. As
we continue our journey of philanthropia, may we always enjoy each other every
step of the way!
