My Dear Sisters in Philoptochos,

St. John Chrysostom wrote

"Almsgiving is the heart of virtue ... it is the queen of the virtues, which quickly leads people to the very height of heaven; it is the best of advocates ... To do alms is a work greater than miracles ... To feed the hungry Christ is a work greater than raising the dead in Christ's name."

AND THIS IS THE HEART OF PHILOPTOCHOS!

As we start the new ecclesiastical year let's keep in mind that all our labors towards fulfilling our National and Metropolis obligations is to take care of the sick, the poor, the hurting, the homeless, the hungry, the thirsty and to keep the Orthodox faith alive. Thank you, dear Philoptochos sisters, for your many efforts in fulfilling this mission!

We are working with the vicars and the communities to set up Area Meetings and as soon as they are finalized in each Conference the chapters will be notified, and we hope that all presidents and board members will participate.

The Agape celebrations are beginning; the first one was a delightfully planned "Cruise Luncheon" in Tarpon Springs, Florida on October 8th with a beautiful musical presentation of favorite Greek songs, and the graceful Tahitian & New Zealand dance presentations, and delicious food. (look for the photos link).The next one is being planned for Columbia South Carolina with dates to be verified soon, and a third one is set for March 10, 2012 in Raleigh, North Carolina. We urge everyone to attend these enjoyable events to help out with the Metropolis youth projects!

Another program that is annually presented at the Diakonia Retreat Center and is truly enriching to our members is the Spiritual Retreat.  A wonderful program is planned and more information will be coming out.  Mark your 2012 calendars for January 27-29.

As it is vital for us to have a permanent home from which to offer our loving support to those in need, Evan Scurtis, immediate past Metropolis president and currently our Advisor to the Board, will be planning a Luncheon Fundraiser for the acquiring of our National Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy and information will be soon be forthcoming.

Please allow me to remind you once again that some of the ratification of elections have not come in. If you have not sent the list of officers and board members, signed by your priest, please do so now so that all our chapters may be ratified.

Please check this newsletter for the OCF and Membership information as they are very important for our young College Students and for the growth of our Philoptochos.

May you have a wonderful, dynamic and productive year, lived in Christ's love and harmony.

Laura Nixon, President
Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos Board