New York, NY- A record number of delegates are set to attend the 2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention on July 6-July 9 in Philadelphia, PA. More than 440 delegates are registered, topping the previous record of 417 in 2012.

Photo: Dimitrios Panagos

The key event of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society will run concurrently with the Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown with the shared theme of “The Orthodox Christian Family: A Dwelling of Christ and a Witness of His Gospel.”

Under the leadership of National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas and Convention Tri-Chairs Anastasia Michals, Martha Stefanidakis and Evellyn Tsiadis, the program is set to include guest speakers, professional training, and award presentations, in a framework of spiritual growth.

The entire Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos and President Anastasia Michals are hosting the event. In honor of the City of Brotherly Love, there will be a “Philly Style” reception, dinner at the historic Water Works Restaurant, and a fundraiser for Philabundance, the largest hunger relief organization in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Woven throughout the program will be a focus on U.S. Armed Forces, “The Brave Ones, Past and Present: A Tribute to Those Who Safeguard Our Freedom,” to honor men and women who have served their country. A slide show of Philoptochos military family members and a philanthropic team building project will personalize the tribute.

Presentation topics include “The Environment: On Earth as it is in Heaven,” “The Ecumenical Patriarchate and Religious Freedom,” “Mental Illness: Our Community’s Journey to Understanding, Compassion and Hope,” “Family Health and Nutrition: How Can the Traditional Greek Diet Keep Us Healthy?” and “Special Needs Adapted Program (SNAP).” Mentoring will be discussed in “Leadership and Mentoring” as well as Philoptochos’ growing concern for “Human Trafficking” through a presentation by Rachel Lloyd, Founder of Girls Education and Mentoring Services (GEMS).

There will be an update on the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy, news from national ministry representatives, financial and committee reports, presentations by Chapter Challenge participants and All Generations Accomplishing Philanthropic Endeavors (AGAPE) award winners from across the country.

One evening is earmarked for interactive programs and discussion. “Philanthropic Action” will address the great interest in learning about effective philanthropic activities and “A Passionate Calling” will present strategies for engaging members. The “Chapter Presidents’ Forum” will focus on skills to develop effective leaders.

The Philoptochos Convention will join the Clergy-Laity Congress for a dinner banquet to close the event.

*****The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America with 27,000 members nationwide. Philoptochos responds immediately to needs and crises and its philanthropic outreach extends to each area of the country and throughout the world. For the two year period of January 2012 through December 2013, National Philoptochos distributed an unprecedented $3.102 million in philanthropic aid.