JANUARY
Dear philoptochos Members,
It’s always hopeful and exciting to embark on a fresh, new year. Hope keeps us open to possibility, to the changes that better us, to the lessons we will learn in the infinite twists that life takes on the road of experience. Hope fortifies us with courage and patience. It is a barrier against irrational fear and an antidote to the thoughts that make us blue. It is the Holy Spirit at work within us, shielding us from despair, or doubt in our ability, or fear that circumstances may exceed our control. Hope lifts our hearts and helps us to set our purpose while fueling us against the fatigue and roadblocks that sometimes slow us down. Most importantly, hope teaches us that it is never too late to change the future. With eyes forward and minds focused our common faith and commitment will guide us throughout this year and into the next. We are so fortunate to be woven into the fabric of this great community where we all hold our place, tightly sewn, warm, and durable, and strong.
May 2026 bring us all a time of health, contentment, and the peace that comes with having done our best. Happy New Year.
VASILOPITA Celebration & Auction, Sunday, January 4, 2026 to benefit st. basil’s academy & National Youth programs
Please join us for our annual Vasilopita celebration and auction this Sunday, January 4th during coffee hour where we will be sharing our community vasilopitas with our parish ministries and all in attendance during coffee hour. Please come to bid on a beautiful bread or cake crafted by our gifted bakers in support of Orthodox youth with the proceeds. These breads and cakes are works of art! Thank you to all the gifted bakers that prepare these beautiful offerings each year. You are so talented.
upcoming meetings
Philoptochos Board, Wednesday, January 14th @ 7:00 PM via Zoom
Philoptochos Members Meeting, Sunday January 25th immediately following coffee hour in the Annunciation Room @ approximately at 12:15 PM. We will be reviewing 2026 budget items and events for the coming year. Please plan to attend. Your input is important and welcome.
2026 senior programs & Events
Please check the calendar section of our website for our upcoming programs and events. Coming up this week please join us for the new Stretch & Balance Class to be held on Thursday, January 8th @ 10:30 AM in the Annunciation Room. Please wear comfortable clothing and come to give your body a treat! Healthy snacks will be provided.
Philoptochos will host a
Stretch and Balance Class
Beginning January 8th @ 10:30 AM
Wear comfortable clothing
Everyone is welcome to attend!
Fleece Navidad results
Thanks to the generosity of so many of our members, Philoptochos was able to provide warm and useful gifts to over 100 nursing home and shelter residents who were in need and very pleased to receive them. We were able to make the holidays special for so many people. Thank you to all who bought a fleece and to our organizers, Dianne Sweeney, Mitsi Andrews and Liberty Matzakos. The spirit of the holidays were enhanced by this very wonderful project. Thank you all!
HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR
Spirits were merry and bright for the Holiday Lights Tour that took a very happy group of people past some wonderful light displays downtown. Special thanks to the kind donor that made this excursion possible, and to the merry elves that helped Faith Ioannides celebrate her birthday with some tasty holiday cheer! Και του χρόνου, με υγεία!
please Think of us as you sort and store your things this year
Please keep Philoptochos and the Gold Dome Holiday Market in mind as you assess your possessions in the coming year. We welcome all your contributions to our vintage Agora, and ask that you put them aside as the year progresses for our marketplace in November. Your great taste will live another lifetime and the needs of the community will be better served with the proceeds. Thanks so much!
Wishing you a blessed, healthy and happy new year!
Love, Christine
