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CLEVELAND, Ohio — National Philoptochos, the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, welcomed a record-breaking 385 attendees to Cleveland for its 2026 Biennial Convention, held June 29 through July 2. With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and under the theme “Rise and Build: Women Leading, Inspiring, and Impacting the World,” the four-day gathering brought together women from chapters nationwide for a convention rooted in Philanthropy, Fellowship, and Faith in Action, reaffirming Philoptochos’s place as one of the largest women’s philanthropic organizations in the country.
This landmark gathering was made possible through the tireless dedication of Convention Chairman Anna Vedouras – National Philoptochos Treasurer, alongside Co-Chairs Anita Kartalopoulos – First Vice President, Stella Piches – Second Vice President, and Joyce Spanakis – Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos President, whose planning and care shaped every detail of the week. Their work was carried out with the guidance and support of Spiritual Advisor His Grace Bishop Athenagoras, National Philoptochos President Debbie George, and the National Philoptochos Office, whose steady hand and quiet commitment behind the scenes made this convention a resounding success. It is with immense gratitude that National Philoptochos recognizes all those who gave their time, talents, and treasures, offered not for recognition, but out of love for this organization and all it stands for.
Day One (Monday): Arrival and a Preview of Business to Come – Delegates arrived in Cleveland, registered, and hit the ground running at the convention’s opening session, where an early preview of the proposed budget and resolutions set the stage for the deliberations to come later in the week, offering delegates time to review, ask questions, and reflect before formal proceedings began.
Day Two (Tuesday): Powerful Speaker Panels Focusing on Hunger and Homelessness and Prison Ministry – Tuesday morning featured the Joint Opening of the Clergy Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Convention at the Huntington Convention Center. From there, Philoptochos delegates returned to the Hotel Cleveland for the Official Philoptochos Opening. Our delegates welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria, His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Buenos Aires, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, and Rev Grand Archimandrite Iakovos Krochak. Delegates viewed the inspiring and heartfelt Patriarchal Message from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew; and warmly received His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros’ and National President Debbie George’s message. The convention’s second day brought a rich lineup of speakers to the floor who focused on the enduring mission of Philoptochos. Eilish Counts, Kirk Reis, Beth Spanos, Niko Petrogeorge, Deacon Keric, and Despina Kartson, each contributing insight and perspective that enriched the delegates’ knowledge in the areas of Hunger and Homelessness and Prison Ministry. The day closed with a memorable evening at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where delegates gathered for fellowship against the backdrop of one of Cleveland’s most iconic landmarks.
Day Three (Wednesday): Budget, Resolutions, and a Day of Joy and Reflection – Wednesday, July 1, marked one of the fullest days of the convention, one that moved from sacred reflection to spontaneous celebration to the serious work of shaping the organization’s future.
Our day Wednesday began not with an agenda, but with worship and then with music. Having joined together as the Body of Christ at Wednesday morning’s spirit-filled Divine Liturgy attended by over 1,000 participants, the National Philoptochos delegates once again turned to the work of the Convention. Before any business was called to order, an impromptu kalamatiano broke out in the meeting room, over 350 delegates joining hands and dancing together in a joyful, unplanned moment that captured the spirit of sisterhood at the heart of Philoptochos.
That joy gave way to something deeply moving: a presentation from Rev. Grand Archimandrite Iakovos Krochak, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Fr. Iakovos offered delegates a rare and candid look at the realities facing the Church in Poli today, and spoke to how National Philoptochos’s continued financial support directly sustains the work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as the needs of the Orthodox population in Poli. His remarks were as insightful as they were moving, and National Philoptochos was profoundly blessed to welcome him to the convention floor. His presence and his message reiterated and reconfirmed the close bond between National Philoptochos and the Mother Church in Constantinople.
From there, delegates turned to the business of the organization. National Philoptochos’s 2026-2028 budget was presented by Anna Vedouras, National Philoptochos Treasurer, and approved by the voting body. Anita Kartalopoulos, First Vice President and Resolutions Committee Co-Chair, and Stella Piches, Second Vice President and Resolutions Committee Co-Chair, then guided delegates through 12 resolutions affecting the organization’s Bylaws and national commitments. The session drew thoughtful questions and detailed analysis from delegates representing chapters across the Archdiocesan District and eight metropolises, a reflection of the engagement that defines this community and of National Philoptochos’s longstanding commitment to full transparency in the stewardship of its funds.
Conducted with the guidance and input of a professional parliamentarian, and aided by an electronic voting system on every resolution for accuracy and transparency, the delegates worked diligently through legislative and non-legislative proposals and approved eight of the twelve proposed Resolutions.
With the day’s business complete, delegates set aside work for fellowship, gathering for an evening dinner cruise aboard the Goodtime III, a Cleveland classic. National Philoptochos was so blessed to spend an evening of fellowship together, celebrating the week’s progress and the sisterhood that carries it forward.
Day Four (Thursday): The AGAPE Awards Breakfast and a Grand Banquet Celebration – The convention’s final day opened with the AGAPE Awards Breakfast, a highlight of the week honoring the Chapters whose work embodies the mission and ministry of Philoptochos. National Philoptochos extended its deepest gratitude to Michael S. and Alicia Johnson, and their generosity in underwriting the AGAPE Breakfast, in loving honor and in memory of Katherine Johnson. The Johnson family’s support of National Philoptochos spans many years, and it was with profound appreciation that National Philoptochos recognized their continued devotion to the mission.
Nine chapters representing the Archdiocesan District and eight metropolises were honored as the 2026 AGAPE Award Winners.
- Archdiocesan District — Chapter 0013, Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Silver Springs, MD
- Metropolis of Boston — Chapter 3041, St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Springfield, MA
- Metropolis of Detroit — Chapter 7016, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Grand Rapids, MI
- Metropolis of Pittsburgh — Chapter 6011, St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church, North Royalton
- Metropolis of San Francisco — Chapter 4006, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, Belmont, CA
- Metropolis of Chicago — Chapter 2039, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Des Moines, IA
- Metropolis of New Jersey — Chapter 1082, St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, Broomall, PA
- Metropolis of Denver — Chapter 8030, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Omaha, Nebraska
- Metropolis of Atlanta — Chapter 5060, St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church, Boca Raton, Florida
Also recognized at the AGAPE Breakfast were a number of distinguished guests, including His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, His Eminence Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria, His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Buenos Aires, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, and Rev. Grand Archimandrite Iakovos Krochak. Special guest Paulette Poulos of Leadership 100, a longtime friend, supporter, and mentor of Philoptochos, was also honored and received a standing ovation as her distinguished love and support for National Philoptochos were highlighted and celebrated.
The centerpieces at the event were teddy bears, donated by chapters of Philoptochos within the Metropolis of Pittsburgh. The bears will be given by EMS personnel and first responders to children facing trauma or difficult circumstances during emergency calls, offering a small source of comfort in moments of crisis.
The day also welcomed several remarkable voices from abroad. Delegates were honored by the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Iosif of Buenos Aires and Dr. Kristina Mantasasvili, whose participation underscored the global reach of the Orthodox community and the shared spirit of philanthropy that unites it across continents. Their afternoon presentation regarding the missionary work in Buenos Aires offered delegates insight into how National Philoptochos’s contributions support the work in the missionary lands of South America.
Fr. Paul Abernathy of the Neighborhood Resilience Project presented his ministry’s approach to building trauma-informed, resilient communities, sharing firsthand experience and methods for walking alongside neighbors in under-served areas. His remarks offered a model of service grounded in presence, dignity, and lasting change.
His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos led an illuminating discussion on the Prosphoro, revealing the depth of meaning behind what is, in truth, far more than bread, and how its sacred example guides us today where the world is often centered less on the person and genuine intelligence and often too much on artificial intelligence. His focus on the authenticity of the person and our relationship with our Creator was inspiring.
Meredith Potter, Director of the American Security Fund, joined delegates to outline the organization’s mission and speak candidly about the risks and realities of artificial intelligence, offering guidance for parents and caregivers navigating its impact on children.
The week culminated in the Grand Banquet, hosted by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a celebration befitting the close of a biennial convention. Surrounded by sisterhood and shared purpose, attendees gathered one final time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future, the very throughline of everything Philoptochos sets out to do, and the enduring spirit of “Rise and Build: Women Leading, Inspiring, and Impacting the World.”
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