MAY
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.
If you plan to attend, we must receive your reservation and payment by Sunday, May 4th. There are very few seats still available, so don’t delay. Call Katherine Finch @ (720) 231-8012 or Liberty Matzakos @ libertyam@comcast.net or register online right here at denverphiloptochos.com. We look forward to seeing you there!
Thanks for your support of our BAKE SALE!
The spring bake sale was a record breaking success this year! We thank you for your support and we hope you enjoyed the delicious items prepared. Special thanks to all of our bakers, Yiota Anadiotis, Joanna Adrahtas, , Ann Charchalis, Liz Contos, Aleka Damarelos, Dena Demos, Dora Demos, Patrice Dovas-Hudson, Klea Kappos, Phyllis Kennebeck, Celeste Lee, Cathy & George Locallo, Kally Mott, Niki Mott, Vasiliki Murdiza, Kalomera Pantozopoulos, Rena Pappas, Alexandra Sietos, Dianne Sweeney, and our packaging crew Efthimia Andrews, Despina Balafas, Liz Contos, Faith Ioannides, Klea Kappos, Deanna Karavasilis, Phyllis Kennebeck, Celeste Lee, and very special kudos to Mary Athanites for her leadership! Please forgive me if I’ve overlooked anyone. It takes so many hands to do the good work we do and we are very fortunate for the depth of skill and talent of our members. THANK YOU!
PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD ELECTIONS
On Sunday, May 18th, at 12: 30 PM we will be conducting our elections for the board positions spanning the term June 2025 - June 2027. It is important that all of our members have a say in the election of the board, and we encourage you to make time for this important meeting.
If you have an interest in serving on our board, please contact Klea Kappos @ kleakappos@hotmail.com. She has the necessary paperwork that you will need to complete to assure your name is added to the ballot. Once the board has been voted in, the elected members will meet to elect officers for the upcoming term, as well.
PHILOPTOCHOS end of year POTLUCK
Immediately following the board election process on May 18th we will enjoy our annual potluck luncheon to celebrate another year of successfully fulfilling our mission as the right hand of the clergy. Please bring a dish to share! We can store your potluck contribution in the kitchen until the meeting convenes. This meeting is always a wonderful time together reviewing the achievements of the year and looking ahead to our priorities for fall.
2025 GREEK FESTIVAL WINE & CHEESE BAR
The wines have been selected with care and we are anticipating a fun and active booth at the Denver Greek Festival again this year. Our booth is always a special destination for the many attendees who visit us year after year, and we encourage you to bring your friends and families by to say hello and sample a high quality wine and meze in the upstairs lobby of the Community Center. We have limited air conditioned seating in the lobby and cabaret tables on the patio to offer you a respite from the crowds and heat of the main festival thoroughfare. See you there!
2025 greek festival cooking demonstrations
We have a loyal following of festival goers that plan their visits to the festival around our cooking demonstration schedule. Each year our members offer recipes from our Festival of Greek Flavors cookbook to the many Greek food lovers at the festival who hope to learn a secret to fine Greek cooking. They are not disappointed!
We will be offering cooking demonstrations on Saturday, June 7th at 1:00 and 5:00 PM in the upper tented patio immediately east of the lobby. We wlll host a third demonstration on Sunday at 1:00 PM, as well. Please note that we have copies of our cookbook Festival of Greek Flavors for sale, and can ship to any destination, should you wish to gift a copy to friends and family. Please stop by the table inside the lobby/patio doors to secure your order.
PREPARATION FOR THE GREEK FESTIVAL
The Greek Festival has always relied heavily on the skills of Philoptochos members for the preparation of the many specialty items that are sold in our booths. If you are available to assist, the dates below will welcome your skill.
Wednesday, May 14th, 9:00 AM - Paximathia Friday & Saturday, May 23 & 24, Kourambiethes
Also, on Saturday, May 17th we will be wiping the dust off of the equipment and surfaces of the Festival Booths and your assistance for a couple of hours beginning at 10:00 AM will be greatly appreciated. We rely on the skill of our facilities staff so often. This is a way to make their load a little easier and show our gratitude.
HEBREW EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE EXCHANGE EVENT
The ladies of the Hebrew Education Alliance have invited our Philoptochos to a morning of cultural exchange and fellowship on Tuesday, May 20th from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at their facility 3600 S. Ivanhoe St., Denver, 80237. Car pools will leave the Cathedral at 11:15 AM.
This event is an opportunity for women to exchange the culture, cuisine, and faith between the women of the two great entities. We will talk about our two similar Mediterranean traditions, prepare and share delicious foods from both cultures and then take an interactive tour of HEA’s sanctuary and its storied artistic and ritualistic legacy. This event is sponsored by the HEA Sisterhood and our Philoptochos.
This month is filled with events and activities engaging for all of us. Keep the love and strength of our faith in your hearts as you participate in the fellowship of our time together. I look forward to seeing each and every one of you!
Love, Christine
