The Philoptochos Society of Canada celebrated its Patroness, Saint Philothei

Every year on the eve of the feast of St. Philothei of Athens, 18 February, an evening Divine Liturgy takes place to celebrate the patroness saint of the Canadian Philoptochos Society, at the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Toronto.

This year’s Liturgy was held on Monday, February 19th, because the eve of the Feast Day fell on a Sunday.

The evening Divine Liturgy was presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios of Canada assisted by His Grace Bishop Athenagoras and 14 priests.

Approximately 300 devout Christians were present, of whom 251 attended the dinner, which was held at the Metropolitan Centre of the Archdiocese. Among the attendees was Mrs. Betty Skoutakis, President of the Greek Community of Toronto.

The Executive Board of the Archdiocesan Philoptochos Society led by its president Mrs. Zoe Veroutis was present. The presidents of the Philoptochos of Toronto and surrounding areas and many members were also in attendance.

The Divine Liturgy was very spiritual, and Archbishop Sotirios spoke on the subject of almsgiving and how necessary alms are, both material and spiritual. He stressed that each of us should care for the material-physical health of our neighbour, but also for their spiritual health. Almost all parishioners received Holy Communion.

After the Liturgy, the Philoptochos Society of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas offered a dinner. It was prepared excellently by the president, Mrs. Georgia Orfanakou-Haramis, assisted by all the ladies of the Philoptochos Society of St. Nicholas and the president of the Cathedral Community, Mrs. Anastasia Sotiropoulos.

At the dinner, the president of the Archdiocesan Philoptochos Council Mrs. Zoe Veroutis, and Archbishop Sotirios spoke.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Philoptochos Societies across Canada are working with their hearts and souls with great success.

The evening will be remembered as the year progresses because the work of the Philoptochos Society continues across Canada by the grace of God. In closing, the Archbishop conveyed the love, wishes, and blessings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Source: Archdiocese of Canada