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New York, NY – On October 16, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America administered the Oath of Office to the members of the National Philoptochos Board for the 2026–2028 term.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America introduced the 2026-2028 Executive Board, with Debbie George continuing as National Philoptochos President, from the Metropolis of Detroit, welcomed Board members and introduced the Executive Board for the 2026–2028 term: Anita Kartalopoulos, First Vice President, Metropolis of New Jersey; Stella Piches, Second Vice President, Metropolis of Denver; Philippa Condakes, Third Vice President, Metropolis of Boston; Chrissy Zografos, Secretary, Archdiocesan District; Diana Jianas, Treasurer, Metropolis of San Francisco; Athena Kalyvas, Assistant Treasurer, Metropolis of Boston; and Arlene Siavelis Kehl, Past National President/Advisor to the Board, Metropolis of Chicago. Advisory Positions include Martha Driscoll as Parliamentarian from the Metropolis of Atlanta and Despina Denne as Protocol Officer, from the Metropolis of Pittsburgh.
In his reflections to the Board, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros said:
“As you begin this new chapter, I encourage you to be united in purpose and bold in vision. Preserve the precious legacy entrusted to you, while welcoming new ideas and inviting younger generations of women into this joyful ministry. Strengthen the bonds among the National Board, the Metropolis organizations, and the local chapters. Let every decision be guided by humility, mutual respect, and the love of Christ. Remember that the true measure of your work is not only the funds raised or the programs established, important as these are. It is found in the lives you touch, the suffering you relieve, and the hope you restore.”
His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey offered the opening prayer and spiritual reflections centered around Psalm 23.
As National President Debbie George said in her closing:
“I close with the thought that every organization has a mission statement. Philoptochos has a hundred years of proof. For nearly a century, the women of this Society have turned faith into action, and that legacy now rests in this room with all of you. The decisions we make around this table don’t just shape our budget or our calendar. They shape whether a grieving family feels held, whether a struggling mother finds help, and whether the next generation of women sees Philoptochos as a place where their hands are needed. We are not just stewards of an organization. We are stewards of a promise, and it’s our job to make sure it’s kept.”
The day also brought a welcome opportunity for fellowship. National Board members were blessed to join members of the Archdiocesan Council for both breakfast and lunch, sharing conversation and community alongside the work of the day.
After Secretary Chrissy Zografos confirmed a quorum and presented the minutes from the May 30, 2026, National Board Meeting, the Board heard the management report through September 30, 2026, from Debbie George. Niko Petrogeorge of the Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry spoke about how grants and funds from National Philoptochos are supporting various programs within the ministry. Joyce Spanakis (Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos President) presented the 2026 National Convention report, and Anita Kartalopoulos reviewed the resolutions approved by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros. National President Debbie George and Effie Moraitakis (Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos President) shared an update on the recent visit to the Ronald McDonald House in Mobile, Alabama.
After lunch, the afternoon session turned to the ministries and initiatives that will shape the term ahead. Members heard a Social Services report from Eleni Constantinides (Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos President) and an update from Theo Nicolakis, Chief Information Officer and Director of National Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Theo’s presentation opened a fruitful conversation among board members, who are hopeful about making a positive change in the surrounding Social Services topics. Anita Kartalopoulos spoke about Philoptochos’ support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and provided an update on the Girl Delegate Program. Chrissy Zografos updated the Board on Aid to Greece and Cyprus. Joyce Spanakis provided an update on the Operation Classroom committee. Katherine Clark presented the Marketing and Communications update pertaining to the website, the new Philoptochos app, and National Philoptochos social media channels.
National President Debbie George closed the meeting with general end-of-year housekeeping, closing remarks, and prayer.
The National Philoptochos Society extends heartfelt thanks to every Board member who traveled to New York for this first meeting of the new term. Their presence, and the time, energy, and care they so generously give, are a testament to their commitment to this ministry. Gratitude is also extended to those who were unable to attend in person, whose dedication and support continue to strengthen Philoptochos’ work throughout the year.
As the 2026–2028 term begins, the National Philoptochos Board looks ahead with gratitude and renewed purpose. Grounded in faith and guided by the spirit of philanthropy that has defined Philoptochos for generations, the Board is eager to continue its work alongside chapters and members across the country, caring for the poor, the sick, the elderly, and all those in need. With the organization’s centennial on the horizon, this term offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the women who built this ministry and to carry their legacy forward with love, compassion, and service.
As Archbishop Elpidophoros said in the closing of his remarks:
“Beloved sisters, the affirmation you make today is more than an acceptance of office. It is a renewed promise to serve Christ through service to His people. Look to the Panagia as your example and protector. May her humility inspire your leadership, her compassion guide your actions, and her prayers strengthen you in every good work. I thank you for all that you offer to our Church. May this new term be blessed with unity, courage, and abundant fruits of love. Congratulations, and may God bless you all!”
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. With over 90 years of experience, Philoptochos has served communities in need through fundraising and charitable programs. The Society includes more than 400 active chapters nationwide. Learn more at www.philoptochos.org.
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