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With gratitude and joy, we share the beautiful gathering of 125 devoted Philoptochos women from parishes across the Archdiocese District for their annual Lenten Retreat guided by their theme “Sustaining the Woman Who Serves.”
Under the inspiring leadership of their President, Irene Hotzoglou, Philoptochos sisters came together in faith, reflection, and renewal while embracing the sacred call to serve with love, strength, and compassion. Participants were especially thankful for the meaningful guidance offered by guest speaker Dr. Evelyn Bilias Lolis, who reminded us of the importance of gratitude and self-compassion in our spiritual lives.
They were also blessed to hear the Archpastoral message from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, read by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese District, Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Elias Villis, who reminded them: “In the Theotokos, we behold the true power of the woman who serves: the power to receive Christ deeply, to carry Him within the heart, and to offer Him to the world.” He further inspired us with these words: “Gratitude opens the heart to divine joy, and self-compassion restores the soul and guards it from exhaustion.”
With heartfelt appreciation, the ladies thank the incredible Holy Trinity parish in New Rochelle, NY, for their gracious hospitality and for creating such a warm and prayerful environment for this blessed day.
Strengthened by the example of the Panagia, may we all continue to rise in prayer, serve with humility, and carry Christ our Lord within us into the world.
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