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The National Philoptochos Society welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia to its Center of Philanthropy on Thursday, where he thanked the organization for “the love, generosity, and steadfast support” it has shown his Metropolis.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who chairs the National Philoptochos Board; His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey, Philoptochos’s Spiritual Advisor; and Fr. Elias Villis, Chancellor of the Archdiocesan District, also attended. Metropolitan Cleopas thanked Archbishop Elpidophoros “for the brotherly friendship” shown to him “throughout the years we have known one another and served together.”
National Philoptochos President Debbie George welcomed the three hierarchs, calling their presence “a blessing to our organization and a meaningful encouragement to the women across our country who carry out the ministry of Philoptochos every single day.” To Metropolitan Cleopas, she said, “It’s a joy to welcome you home to our headquarters once again.” She called Saturday’s enthronement of Metropolitan Athenagoras “a blessed and historic moment for our Church.”
Metropolitan Cleopas thanked Mrs. George and First Vice President Anita Kartalopoulos, whom he has known since his years as dean of the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston. “Anita has always welcomed others with a warm smile, one that reflects her love for the Church and her devotion to Philoptochos,” he said.
Metropolitan Cleopas is in the United States to represent the Ecumenical Patriarchate at Saturday’s enthronement of Metropolitan Athenagoras at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly, N.J. The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate elected Metropolitan Athenagoras on Oct. 1. He had served as Bishop of Nazianzos since 2021 and has for several years been Spiritual Advisor to the National Philoptochos Society.
Metropolitan Cleopas was elected to lead the Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia in 2014, after serving as dean of the Boston cathedral.
“Through your loving service, you bear witness to the Gospel and to the compassion of Christ,” he told the Philoptochos board and members.
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