St. Anna’s Philoptochos—By Kelly Hadjoglou Haass The Blessed day of Christmas is quickly approaching and the New Year 2018 is at our doorstep. I would like all of you to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the joyous times each and every one of us has had in our lives. By the end of 2017 we will be able to have donated almost 25,000 dollars to help individuals with their needs because of all the continued support that we receive from you. The recent natural disasters made it necessary to help such organizations as the I. O. C. C. Along with GOYA and the Girl Scouts we prepared 245 health kits which we shipped out. Our wreath sale was on December 3 and all the wreaths and preordered grave blankets were bought. They were beautiful each one different and were sold out quickly. During the week of December 3 – 9 we had a coat drive and brought about 450 donated coats to the Mary Brennan Inn. The annual St. Anna’s Christmas luncheon was held on December 14 and was quite successful. There was a touch of snow but everyone had a wonderful time. Part of the proceeds will go to St. Michael’s Home and to St. Mary’s Health Care System for children. We presented the Director of Income Development with a 1,000-dollar check. Three days later our ladies were busy baking for the Bake Sale. Homemade Greek pastries which were delicious and Vasilopites which were ordered from Ayia Skepi Monastery, were sold. On January 7 we will pass a tray in honor of St. Basil, and will send the money that we will collect to benefit the children at St. Basil Academy. Last year we did something new. At our General Membership meeting we had an opasize trainer and again, by popular demand we will have another opasize fun night on January 16th. As you see we have been quite busy and I would like to inform you about some upcoming events:
February 24th Third Saturday of the Souls St. Anna’s will be hosting a Psychosavato brunch in memory of our deceased members. A light breakfast will be served.
March 15th there will be a reception in the Cathedral Center following the Vespers to celebrate the tearing Icon of the Lamentation of the Mother of God.
March 16th we also invite you to a light reception after church.
March 25th our annual Nistissimo Luncheon to honor the Evangelismos tis Theotokos will be held on Sunday right after church.
Again I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of the Cathedral of St. Paul family for always opening up your hearts to St. Anna’s Philoptochos because without you, we would not be able to fulfill our philanthropic mission. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2018 to our beloved Cathedral of St. Paul and to all parishioners and their families.
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