Our year started beautifully as we honored St. Basil the Great with the “Cutting of the Vasilopita”on the first Sunday of 2025. Following Divine Liturgy, Father Andrew cut and distributed Vasilopita to every parishioner who was present. Our tray passing benefited the efforts of St. Basil Academy located in Garrison, New York and our National Philoptochos Children’s and Young Adult Ministries.Thanks to our community’s generosity, $1,200 was raised. A sincere “Thank You” to Niki Dougenis, Vicky Mellos, Jannie Gallanis and the team of fantastic bakers who every year offer their helping hands, giving from the heart with love, as they continue to treat our community with their culinary talents! Thank you for all you do, Ladies!
Our Chapter is collaborating with the National Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society to support the California Fire Relief Fund, which has been established to provide aid for Orthodox Christian families impacted by the Los Angeles fires. As you are all aware, the fires have left behind immense destruction, displacing countless families and devastating entire communities. Our National Philoptochos is committed to a unified response in mobilizing resources to provide aid where it is most needed. Through the Social Services Ministry, there are well-established procedures in place to assess and address families' needs. At our Epiphany luncheon, many parishioners graciously opened their hearts to donate over $3,000 for the Fire Relief Fund – we are grateful for your generosity. Our Chapter has committed to matching funds up to $5,000. I am touched beyond words that we have received additional donations in excess of $5,000 at a special tray passing held on January 19th and will be sending a check to National Philoptochos in the amount of $12,862. If you are interested in making a donation, you may donate via our chapter website or by sending your check made payable to “Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society” to the Church Office.
Please save the date for our Anthousa Membership Event. We invite you to join us on Saturday, March 1st at 11:00 am in the Cypress Room for our Complimentary Membership Luncheon. We invite all new and renewing members of our Chapterand their guests. In addition to the luncheon, we are excited to present this year’s program “Body & Soul.” Join us to learn how to live better and healthier lives at any age through movement, nutrition, and prayer to enhance your well-being. We welcome all to help us make a difference in the lives of many.If you cannot actively participate, your membership pledge helps to enable our continued support of many charitable endeavors within our parish as well as local, national, and international communities. Please RSVP to the Church Office at 619.297.4165 by February 23rd.
Save these dates in 2025:
Saturday, March 1st - Annual Membership Event. We have a fun morning planned for you! Come and renew your membership, or join for the first time, and spend time with friends and family. We are looking forward to seeing you, and please bring a friend!
Sunday, April 13th - Pascha Bake Sale
Sunday, April 27th - Kids 'n' Cancer Celebration of Love - Newport Beach Country Club
Saturday, May 3rd - A Night in the Platia, featuring comedian Angelo Tsarouchas.
Sunday, November 9th - Thanksgiving Luncheon
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and your participation in our ongoing Philoptochos efforts.
In Christ,
Sofia Samouris
Anthousa Chapter President
619-518-4537