Dear Philoptochos Members,

It’s June already!  We are gearing up for the Denver Greek Festival and looking forward to seeing all our friends and family there.  The women of our Philoptochos are integral to the success of the festival and I want to thank each and every one of you for the tireless devotion you provide each year to assure that Greek hospitality is tangible in our community.   If anyone has time to volunteer a shift in the Pastry Shop, Taste of Greece, Café, Wine & Cheese Bar, or attending to the Cookbook Table, please let me know at 720.524.4837.  We welcome you and need you!

And for those that are unable to attend the festival in person this year, may we suggest the next best thing - a copy of our Festival of Greek Flavors cookbook which will allow you to savor all the great tastes of our culture at home. Copies can be ordered in the store of our website, denverphiloptochos.com. We now ship out of state!

Dear Philoptochos Members,

When I was about 12 years old, I went to see the film Camelot at the once Cooper Theater on Colorado Blvd with my favorite Aunt Athanasia and beloved cousin Mary.  We were totally enraptured by the film, taken by the gallantry and romance of the characters, the music, and the legend of King Arthur and his royal knights.  One particular scene stood out that I always still remember at the start of each May.  The women of Camelot gathered in the wildflower fields to make garlands for their hair and rejoice together at the onset of spring.  They were filled with such pure happiness and glee, decorating the maypoles and preparing the feast that they would enjoy together.  It made me want to recreate that experience for myself someday, and now, finally, 58 years later, it’s coming to pass.  You see, a very talented and enthusiastic group of women has been planning and preparing a wonderful event for all of us to share together at the start of May.  There will be flowers and music and the magic that comes with women having fun together.  I hope you can all be there on May 10th for our Fashion Show and Luncheon.  It will truly be something special that you won’t want to miss, a memory shared forever before evaporating into mist.

Dear Philoptochos Members,

I have watched the buds of spring emerge with determination and courage this season, bursting through mulch, snow and the debris of the past to bloom their vibrant colors and bring us joy.  I think of the toil of the bulbs underground preparing for their journey towards the sky.  It’s clear that anything worth becoming requires time and care. 

I have seen the same beauty in the women of Philoptochos this season, working their hands and giving their hearts to prepare our community for Pascha.  They have donated their days to the art of baking, the care of giving.  They are a bouquet of kindness and love.   

Dear Philoptochos Members,

As we enter the introspective time of Lent in our preparation for Pascha, I have found myself reflecting on the necessity of thoughtfulness in all we say and do.  This time of year, our faith affords us the opportunity to slow down, simplify our lives, and reflect on the tenets of sacrifice and moderation.  In the fast-paced tempo of American life, this is even more vital for our health and peace of mind.  As we follow the path of Christ in his days leading up to the crucifixion, let us model his love for humanity, his careful communication with those closest to him and his forgiveness and love for all.  Let us allow ourselves the grace of time, the hope of prayer, and the heartfelt consideration of our community.  Let us embrace the promise of spring and the opportunity to be reborn and cleansed of our trespasses.  Let us emerge from this time a bit more patient and caring in circumstances where our hands and hearts can make a difference.

The fact that we are members of Philoptochos speaks to the compassion we have for the needs of others.  We are a volunteer army of agape, each of us at our post and defined by our talent.  We keep our watch, and we keep our word.    

Dear Philoptochos Members,

February is upon us, the month to make time for those we love.  Our friends, family and acquaintances are drawn into the assurance of our care through the small acts of kindness that we provide.  I hope that each of us can take a moment to consider a person that we haven’t connected with for a while and reach out to check in, or to begin to build a bridge with someone in isolation.  Loneliness is an epidemic in America, but Greeks are a warm and generous people.  We can make a difference in someone’s life by just sharing our genuine selves.  Don’t be shy.  Reach out where you can.  The reward is always greatest for those who give and a huge blessing for those who receive.

And for those that stoically nurture themselves, do something just for you.  Have gratitude for your positive attitude, your strength and fortitude.  Know that you are an example to others of how to live a good life. 

Dear Philoptochos Members,

2025 is upon us and I wish you all the best in the months ahead.  I was struck a few weeks ago by the sermon delivered by Father Lou where he illuminated that joy is magnified by the experience of sorrow and pain.  As this holiday season has been elevated with the joy of new life, it has also been made poignant by the sorrow of loss and injury.  I have often thought of the Critikos, Kitsos, Garva and other families facing their first holidays without their loved ones, only to be elated again at the thought of Vasiliki and Kally’s new beautiful babies.  My heart has been full with prayer for Stellee and Greg Papdeas’s Venetia, and it has been a true blessing to hear of her constant improvement.  The same is true for the progress being made by Yiota Anadiotis, Diana Linnen and the many others who face their challenges privately and bravely.  We all have a place in our heart that carries a weight.  Thank God that we also have a place in our souls that sings with happiness.  Let’s stand together through it all.  Philoptochos has much to look forward to and our strength is in our unity and mutual care.   We will work with sensitivity and attentiveness as we plan for the events and activities that await.

Dear Members,

Finally, a nice chilly day has arrived conducive to writing a few lines to fill you in on what’s been going on in our Philoptochos. I have been so grateful for the Philoptochos members that have made time during this hectic time of year to assure that our events and programs are executed without a hitch.  Our committee leaders have taken their responsibilities seriously and invested of their time and talent for the benefit of all of us.  My heartfelt thanks to everyone that’s made our chapter hum.

DEAR MEMBERS,

Happy November!  We’re on the cusp of our Holiday Season and about to embark on the preparations we conduct annually to assure that our community is well cared for.  Please get your calendars out to note the dates of upcoming events and plan to take part in as much as you are able.  We welcome you in every instance!

Our community will soon be receiving a letter requesting support for our Philoptochos programs.  As you know, we support over 40 local initiatives and 20 regional and national endeavors that assist those seeking comfort in difficult times.  Details are available on our website that illuminate our use of funds, and we encourage you to direct anyone with questions to have a look at our financials for clarity.  We are transparent in all that we do, and we are very grateful for every donation that furthers our service to the community.  Our members continue to be our greatest asset, however, and we thank each of you for your time and all that you do!

DEAR MEMBERS,

I hope that each of you is enjoying the shift into the crisper fall weather as we prepare to spend more time focusing our efforts within our community.  It has been so nice to see the children return to their Sunday School classrooms, as well as to witness the growth of all the other activities of the initiatives in our parish.  As Philoptochos, we are always forward-thinking and there seems to be an endless stream of ways we can make a difference.

We are a network that looks out for each other, and to this end, we have some wonderful special projects and programs ahead.  We are optimistic that each of you will participate as much as your schedules will allow in the weeks of October.

DEAR MEMBERS,

I hope everyone is staying safe and warm today as the second spring snow of the season has blanketed the earth with its white and silent beauty.  We know that in a few days’ time, it will all melt away and that the warmth of spring awaits us.  It’s important to absorb the blessings of each day as they are granted to us, and to feel gratitude for our lives and the wonders that each day brings.

In this Holy Lenten Season, we all draw within ourselves to examine our relationship with Christ, renewing our faith and hope for the world and for the well-being of all we hold dear.  It is a gift to be an Orthodox Christian, and a joy to be Greek.  Let’s embrace our traditions with the respect they deserve as they serve us so well in our lives.  As Father Lou says, Holy Lent is the ‘most wonderful time of the year.

DEAR MEMBERS,

I hope everyone is staying safe and warm today as the second spring snow of the season has blanketed the earth with its white and silent beauty.  We know that in a few days’ time, it will all melt away and that the warmth of spring awaits us.  It’s important to absorb the blessings of each day as they are granted to us, and to feel gratitude for our lives and the wonders that each day brings.

In this Holy Lenten Season, we all draw within ourselves to examine our relationship with Christ, renewing our faith and hope for the world and for the well-being of all we hold dear.  It is a gift to be an Orthodox Christian, and a joy to be Greek.  Let’s embrace our traditions with the respect they deserve as they serve us so well in our lives.  As Father Lou says, Holy Lent is the ‘most wonderful time of the year.

DEAR MEMBERS,

I hope everyone is staying safe and warm today as the second spring snow of the season has blanketed the earth with its white and silent beauty.  We know that in a few days’ time, it will all melt away and that the warmth of spring awaits us.  It’s important to absorb the blessings of each day as they are granted to us, and to feel gratitude for our lives and the wonders that each day brings.

In this Holy Lenten Season, we all draw within ourselves to examine our relationship with Christ, renewing our faith and hope for the world and for the well-being of all we hold dear.  It is a gift to be an Orthodox Christian, and a joy to be Greek.  Let’s embrace our traditions with the respect they deserve as they serve us so well in our lives.  As Father Lou says, Holy Lent is the ‘most wonderful time of the year.

DEAR MEMBERS,

I hope everyone is staying safe and warm today as the second spring snow of the season has blanketed the earth with its white and silent beauty.  We know that in a few days’ time, it will all melt away and that the warmth of spring awaits us.  It’s important to absorb the blessings of each day as they are granted to us, and to feel gratitude for our lives and the wonders that each day brings.

In this Holy Lenten Season, we all draw within ourselves to examine our relationship with Christ, renewing our faith and hope for the world and for the well-being of all we hold dear.  It is a gift to be an Orthodox Christian, and a joy to be Greek.  Let’s embrace our traditions with the respect they deserve as they serve us so well in our lives.  As Father Lou says, Holy Lent is the ‘most wonderful time of the year.

DEAR MEMBERS,

I hope everyone is staying safe and warm today as the second spring snow of the season has blanketed the earth with its white and silent beauty.  We know that in a few days’ time, it will all melt away and that the warmth of spring awaits us.  It’s important to absorb the blessings of each day as they are granted to us, and to feel gratitude for our lives and the wonders that each day brings.

In this Holy Lenten Season, we all draw within ourselves to examine our relationship with Christ, renewing our faith and hope for the world and for the well-being of all we hold dear.  It is a gift to be an Orthodox Christian, and a joy to be Greek.  Let’s embrace our traditions with the respect they deserve as they serve us so well in our lives.  As Father Lou says, Holy Lent is the ‘most wonderful time of the year.

DEAR MEMBERS,

February is the shortest month, but also the sweetest. Thanks for your patience in receiving this month’s newsletter. It was a busy month preparing for our special events, the Valentine’s Brunch & Bingo and also our Author’s Talk & Tea. Both events were very well attended and sincerely enjoyed by those who came. It was a pleasure to work with the wonderful women in Philoptochos to organize and prepare for our guests each time.

DEAR MEMBERS,

As the new year unfolds, Philoptochos is blessed with the many members that bring their individual skills and unique talents forward for the good of our community. Every program and project that we undertake requires an array of expertise and ability. We have been so impressed by the ideas and actions that each member has shared as we plan and prepare for this year’s activities. All of us together comprise a formidable force for good.

DEAR MEMBERS,

As the new year unfolds, Philoptochos is blessed with the many members that bring their individual skills and unique talents forward for the good of our community. Every program and project that we undertake requires an array of expertise and ability. Our members offer a diverse scope of talent and knowledge, that when combined, create impactful and inspiratonal programs. We’ve been so impressed by the ideas and actions that each member has shared as we plan and prepare for this year’s activities, and we are eager to embrace even more fresh and interesting perspectives. We encourage every member to identify someone not yet engaged in Philoptochos, and ask them to consider joining us. All of us together comprise a formidable force for good, and 2024 will be better for it. May God grant us the health, energy and wisdom necessary to grow and thrive.

DEAR MEMBERS,

We are so blessed this month to begin the holiday celebrations that bring our families and friends together to enjoy the traditions we have fostered over the years. As mothers and grandmothers, we pour our love into our preparations and fill our hearts witnessing the pleasure our labor brings to everyone dear to us. I wish each of you a Thanksgiving of gratitude and joy for all the blessings in your lives.