HERALD - Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Herald Page 9Dear Philoptohos Ladies,Sunday, January 16th was a magical night for the 23Debutantes of our Saint Sophia Cathedral. TheBeverly Wilshire Ballroom has never looked so fantasticor so very crowded. Our elegant and veryaccomplished 23 young ladies were presented—making their curtsy in front of their fathers. It was asight to behold. The fathers looked at them with pride,deep love and admiration. It was a very emotionaland wondrous moment in the life of all these lovelyand inspiring young girls.The Debutante Ball is really a ―Daddy‘s night‖.PHILOPTOHOS NEWSThefathers couldn‘t believe that their darling little girls ofyesterday were the gorgeous young women of tonight.My congratulations and fondest love to all, especiallyto their gorgeous young mothers who worked so hardin the background to insure that the girls lookedperfect.What kind of praise can one give to the awe-inspiringchairman, her outstanding Ball Committee and thePhiloptohos women who have worked so endlessly andhappily for this event?All these ladies are workingmothers and wives, and they amaze us every singletime with the energy they have left over, offering theirgreat talents with kind hearts to the endeavours ofPhiloptohos. The committee includes: Katrina Beers,Jeanine Dalis Klima, Bessie Politis, Mary Kezios, GeorgiaKezios, Maria Psara, Marianna Politis, Judie Christopoulos,Patricia Mentas, Mary Ann Mallis, Bess Pappas, RitaStephanou, Scarlett Billis, Mary Galanis, Olga Jordan,Angela Karavedas, Sophie Mastor and myself, DinaOldknow.Special mention to Tanya Grafos and ZoeVidalakis for their great talents in producing the mostgraceful and beautiful dance for the debs.Weexpress our deepest thanks for a Ball that will remain inour hearts forever.February is the month when we hold nominations forthe ―Mother of the Year‖. If there is anyone you wouldlike to nominate, please call Lola Galketsis (323) 465-9664 before Monday, February 7th.Remember to pay your 2011 membership dues. Ournext General Assembly meeting will be held in theFellowship Tent on February 17 th at 10:30 a.m. Pleasecome to learn about all of our plans for this year.PHILOPTOHOS OUTREACHPhiloptohos has been helping a very large number ofpeople since January. Many people in our owncommunity are struggling through the economicdownturn and with personal issues. We have beenhelping those who are close to losing their homes, theirapartments and their jobs. Meanwhile, families arestruggling to put food on the table and buy clothes andschool supplies, for their children. Additionally, Philoptohoscontinues to help those with medical bills, funeralexpenses for the poor and still support our own church.The costs are tremendous every month.We feel that many people in our community would liketo help those in need, even though they may not be inPhiloptohos. Therefore, we are giving you the opportunityto ‗help others‘.We give families grocery cards, store cards for clothingand gasoline debit cards to help people get to the jobsthey have. If you would like to donate toward thepurchase of one or more cards, please mail yourdonation to the church office, with PHILOPTOHOS OUT-REACH on the memo line. Please include how manycards of $20 each, you would like us to purchase. Wewould be very grateful. If you prefer to purchase/donate the gift cards yourself, below is a list of storeswith whom we are currently working:FOOD: RALPHS/FOOD 4 LESS, VON‘S, ALBERTSONS &TRADER JOESCLOTHING: TARGET, WAL-MART, K-MARTPHARMACIES: CVS, WALGREENSGASOLINE STATIONS: ANY COMPANYA minimum donation of $20 would help people morethan you can imagine. You may remain anonymous ifyou prefer. This is strictly voluntary on your behalf.With the holidays approaching, we know many familieswill struggle to have a nice holiday dinner or to buyChristmas presents for their children. Philoptohos alsokeeps track of many elderly people who are alone andneed a helping hand at this time of the year. Yourdonation could bring real happiness to someone rightnow.Please send your monetary or gift card donation to thecathedral, attention: Philoptohos.Our deepest appreciation for any donation.With love in His service,Dina Skouras OldknowTHANK YOU!! Saint Sophia Philoptohos