First meeting of the new Archdiocesan Philoptochos Council of the Archdiocese of Canada

The swearing-in ceremony of the new Archdiocesan Philoptochos Council was held on Saturday, October 19th, 2019 at St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church, located at the Archdiocese Headquarters. The ceremony was presided by His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios of Canada, assisted by the Archim. Ignatios Delis and the Archim. Alexandros Salmas, Dean of our Theological Academy.

The new Archdiocesan Philoptochos Council is comprised of thirty-four (34) ladies from all across Canada, from Vancouver tο Halifax. They will serve the Council for the next two years.

The executive of the Council is as follows:

Z. Veroutis-President (Τoronto, ON), E. West- 1st Vice-President (Markham, ON), T. Chronopoulos-2nd Vice-President (Montreal, QC), V. Stratidakis-3rd Vice-President (Vancouver, BC), A. Panagiotakis-4th Vice-President (Halifax,NS), C. Vlisma- 5th Vice-President (Calgary, ALTA), P. Karagiannis-Corresp. Secretary (Toronto, ON), V. Soteropoulos-Recording Secretary (Toronto, ON), A. Aivalis-Treasurer (Toronto, ON), E. Papadimitriou-Assistant Treasurer (Toronto, ON), S. Rassias-Advisor to the Board (Toronto, ON).

It was a wonderful swearing-in ceremony. After the service, Archbishop Sotirios spoke to the new Council regarding the programs of the Philoptochos Society for the next two years.

Following the luncheon, the first meeting under new President Zoe Veroutis was held, where responsibilities were delegated to every member of the Archdiocesan Philoptochos Council.

Archbishop Sotirios thanked the outgoing Philoptochos Council, especially former President Sapfo Rassias, for they all truly worked with a spirit of dedication and zeal. He congratulated the new President, Zoe Veroutis, along with all the members of the new Archdiocesan Philoptochos Council. He said, “Progress is defined as ‘every last year was good, but this and next year must always be better’. The former Archdiocesan Philoptochos Council worked honourably and very well. The new Council should make even greater progress.” Finally, Archbishop Sotirios glorified God for the great blessings of the Philoptochos Chapters across Canada. He prayed that the grace of God always accompanies them. The Holy Mother protects them and are guided by the example of St. Philothei, the Patron Saint of our Archdiocesan Philoptochos.