Georgia Skeadas, Tenth National Philoptochos President, 2002-2008

We proudly honor the Tenth National Philoptochos President, Georgia Skeadas, and thank her for her service and reflect on her tenure as National President from 2002 through 2008.

Georgia Skeadas served under the spiritual leadership of Archbishop Demetrios and among the highlights of her tenure were the meetings with His Eminence. She traveled throughout the country to visit each Metropolis and many Chapters and was honored to participate in the historic visit of His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States and to New Orleans following the devastating Katrina Hurricane. Throughout her presidency she had the wonderful support of her husband Chris Skeadas and their children.

Georgia’s tenure is marked with great enhancements organizationally, in Public Relations, National programs, Outreach and Response to major disasters. A major highlight was the first National Philoptochos Pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patriarchate raising awareness and reinforcing our commitment to this important ministry.

National Philoptochos responded to numerous disasters that raised over $700K for relief in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, the Asian earthquake and Tsunami, the Florida Hurricane as well as Fires in Greece and Southern California. The Chapters provided additional support for projects assisting the victims of these disasters. Two major international outreach efforts included support for health clinics in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.

National Philoptochos implemented new ministries including the 75th Founders Fund that distributed $10K to each Metropolis to meet the physical needs of the elderly; adoption of OCF – the Orthodox Christian Fellowship - as a National Ministry; establishment of the Autism Awareness Program; introduction of the Chapter Challenge program; Go Red Sunday, Wheelchair Project, and the Literacy Outreach Project. Major communication successes include publication of the Philoptochos Voice Newsletter; launching the Philoptochos Website, and production of the 75th Anniversary Video. Highly successful Children’s Medical Fund Luncheons and Biennial Conventions were hosted throughout the country that increased distribution of funds; the National Board assumed a broader geographic representation that included the Metropolis Presidents on the Executive Committee; the National Committees established vision and mission statements and the full board participated in Strategic Planning.

Mrs. Skeadas was also honored to receive the Medal of St. Paul for her service.