His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Chairman
His Grace Bishop
Athenagoras of Nazianzos
Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos- Spiritual Advisor
Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos (Christos Ziliaskopoulos) was born in 1970 in Reutlingen, Germany, and grew up in Greece and Germany. He spent his young adulthood on Mount Athos as a monastic and learned to live a life devoted to Christ and the Church. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate in 1997 and the Holy Priesthood in 1998 by His Eminence Metropolitan Augoustinos of Germany. In 1999, he was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Patriarchate by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. On May 19, 2021 he was elected Bishop of Nazianzos by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as an Auxiliary Bishop to His All-Holiness. On June 5th, 2021 he was ordained to the Holy Archpriesthood by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
For over twenty years, Bishop Athenagoras served as a parish priest starting at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Germany with successive appointments. He was appointed as the Hierarchical Vicar of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis for two States in Germany. A member of the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Ecumenical Theological dialogues. In Germany, he served as a member of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Councils, the founding chairperson of the Interfaith Council of Religions, and as a chairperson for one of the Assemblies for Orthodox Clergy. He was a frequent speaker at universities, public schools, interfaith groups, cultural associations to discuss Orthodox life and spirituality.
Bishop Athenagoras established the first Orthodox Chapel in the international Frankfurt Airport and a 24-hour Orthodox crisis hotline. Founder of the first Greek Orthodox youth camp in Germany. Spearheaded a 15th-century church building's archeological renovation, built a church and community center from the ground up, and other needed initiatives.
In 2017, Bishop Athenagoras relocated to Toronto, Canada at the invitation of His Eminence Sotirios Archbishop of Canada to serve as Dean of the Patriarchal Theological Academy of Toronto and Office Director for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada. In 2019, he transferred to the United States of America, at the request of His Eminence Elpidophoros Archbishop of America, to offer his ministry to the Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2021, Bishop Athenagoras was appointed Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and as the Spiritual Advisor to the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of America.
Bishop Athenagoras holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Theology, a Masters of Theology, and a PhD in Theology from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. He also took classes in Pedagogics, German Literature, Roman Catholic and Protestant Theology, Judaism, Islamic Studies and Comparative Religious Studies at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany. Fluent in modern and ancient Greek, German, and English, proficient in Turkish and has a basic understanding of Latin, French, and Koranic Arabic.
Arlene Siavelis Kehl
National President - Arlene Siavelis Kehl
Upon the re-appointment by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Arlene Siavelis Kehl serves as National President for the 2022-2024 term. A lifelong Chicagoan Arlene resides in Winnetka, Illinois with her husband Dr. Kenneth A. Kehl. She is a proud Wildcat alumna and received her B.S. from the School of Communications, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois majoring in Communications and minoring in Economics and her M.B.A. from J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University with concentrations in Marketing, Finance, and Hospital and Health Services Management. Her professional experience is highlighted most notably by her 30 years as an executive/shareholder of Medline Industries, Inc. in the health care industry.
Arlene is an active lifetime steward of St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago and its Philoptochos chapter where she served as Treasurer and President, and the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos where she served tirelessly on the Board in various capacities for 10 years.
In 1994, Arlene was appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory to the National Philoptochos Board, and for the last 26 years has embraced faithfully by giving of her time, talents, and treasures, and worked diligently to further the ministries of the “friends of the poor” while upholding the teachings of our Holy Greek Orthodox Church.
From 2002 to 2016, upon the appointment to the Executive Board by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Geron of America, Arlene has served for 2 years as Secretary, 4 years as Second Vice President, and 8 years as First Vice President.
As President, Arlene sees a bright future to lead Philoptochos to new heights, and it is her fervent hope that love, grace, and truth will guide her and her Philoptochos sisters as they endeavor to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families in need and the less fortunate among us.
Anita Kartalopoulos
First Vice President- Anita Kartalopoulos
Anita B. Kartalopoulos, Esq. is a third generation Philoptochos member with a deep passion for Philoptochos' work and community. She is an attorney, advocate and faithful Orthodox Christian who works to support and expand the mission, ministry and Philanthropy of our Archdiocese and Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Appointed to the National Philoptochos Board in 1998, Anita has served five terms as national Legal Advisor. As Chair of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Committee, she has chaired two Philoptochos Pilgrimages to the Patriarchate: in 2007 and in 2013. Anita has been a testifying delegate, on behalf of Philoptochos, to the OSCE in Warsaw, Poland regarding religious persecution endured by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
She chaired the 2022 National Philoptochos Convention in New York City and previously has served as National Convention Chair of the Resolutions/Legislation Committee at the 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016 Conventions and National Chair of the Make A Difference Day Initiative in 2015, 2016, and 2017. She has Co-Chaired the grant committee of the New Jersey Metropolis Children’s Medical Fund luncheon along with President Arlene Siavelis Kehl.
Since 2009, she has been a Co-chair of the Steering committee (with Aphrodite Skeadas and Arlene Siavelis Kehl) for the purchase of a permanent home for the National Philoptochos. In 2012 the goal became a reality with Philoptochos’ purchase of the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy, which we occupy today, debt-free. In connection with the St. Nicholas National Shrine, Anita did the local fundraising training for the entire National Philoptochos Board.
Anita has served the Archdiocese as a member of the Charter Committee and on November 10, 2022, was appointed a member of the Mixed Commission for the new Charter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and the Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese. The Mixed Commission is composed of six members from the GOA as well as members from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Professionally, as a Manhattan attorney, Anita B. Kartalopoulos engages in federal complex litigation and specializes in securities fraud litigation, derivative litigation, and mergers and acquisitions nationwide. Some of Ms. Kartalopoulos’ notable representations include In re Sears, Roebuck & Co. Securities Litigation ($215 million settlement) and In re Chiron Corp. Securities Litigation ($30 million settlement). She has also achieved improved corporate governance improvements and increased share value in litigations such as in In re Topps Co. Shareholder Litigation, In re Anheuser-Busch Cos. Shareholders Litigation and Southwest Airlines Derivative Litigation.
Ms. Kartalopoulos was a New Jersey State regulator and served in senior regulatory positions, including Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, for Life and Health; Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs (Department of Health); and Executive Director of the New Jersey State Real Estate Commission. She managed the New Jersey Insurance Department's Multi-State Task Force investigating the sales practices of the Prudential Insurance Company, which resulted in a $50 Million fine against Prudential and a $4 Billion recovery for policyholders.
Originally from Toledo, Ohio, she is a member of one of the founding families of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, a centennial church, established by immigrants from the then-Greek island of Tenedos. Her grandmother, Stergianna Zelles was also a founding member of the local Philoptochos Chapter in Toledo which her mother Mary Brass also served. Anita and her husband, Dr. Stamatios Kartalopoulos, are fulfilled members of Leadership 100, and founding members of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. They are stewards of St. Mark, Boca Raton, FL and Holy Trinity, Westfield, NJ where she and her spouse chaired the nationally known Sights and Sounds Youth Arts Program for 20 years. They are the proud parents of Vasili (Dartmouth 97) and Stephanie (Harvard 01). Anita and her husband, Archon Stamatios, have strong ties to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Since 1998, they have made 21 memorable trips to Constantinople to visit our Patriarch and our Mother Church.
Anita is proud of her Orthodox faith, her family, her Tenedian and Greek heritage and is fervent about the ministry and work of the Philoptochos.
Jeannie Ranglas
Second Vice President and Metropolis of San Francisco President - Jeannie Ranglas
Jeannie Ranglas was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She moved to San Diego, California to marry Gerry, her husband of 42 years. They are proud parents of two children Athan, Alexis and granddaughter, Juliette, committed to maintaining a strong family life including the importance of service to others.
At the age of 22 she was appointed on the first Philoptochos board of Saints Constantine and Helen in Cardiff by the Sea.CA A few years after being on the Board, she was appointed Philoptochos President of her Chapter, where she served proudly for 8 years. Her Communications degree has enhanced her leadership skills throughout her philanthropic works. Jeannie is a founding active member and benefactor of the Church. She was elected as Parish Council President of her Church as well as President of Cardiff Orthodox Housing, a Foundation of the Church for low income Seniors.
She also holds other leadership positions, National Philoptochos Board for the past 20 years and was reappointed as First Vice President, Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos President for the past 11 years, the Metropolis of San Francisco Council and Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. Also, a member of Leadership 100 and served on the Executive Board of Trustees of Hellenic College/Holy Cross the past 4 years.
Jeannie offers her time, talents, treasure and stewardship at the Metropolis, Archdiocese levels and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. She continues to support the Monastery of the Theotokos, The Life-Giving Spring, Saint John Monastery in Goldendale, Washington which has given her many blessings. Jeannie’s philanthropy extends into the civic community as the lead donors for the Ancient Greek History Chair at the University of California, San Diego.
Jeannie has strength in her faith, hope for those in need and love, Agape always in her heart. “For with God nothing will be impossible” Luke 1:37
Valine Georgeson
Third Vice President - Valine Georgeson
Valine Chaknis Georgeson, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, has been a member of Philoptochos for over 35 years and was recently honored to be appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America as the Parliamentarian for the Philoptochos Executive Board. She has served as a National Board member for 12 years.
She is married to Stephen P. Georgeson and they are the proud parents of two daughters and one son and Yiayia and Pappou to four adored grandchildren. Her family has deep roots in Atlanta, and she is a lifelong member of the Annunciation Cathedral. Both sets of her Greek-born grandparents came to Atlanta as young immigrants, met their spouses and both couples were married there in 1919.
In her Atlanta chapter, Valine currently serves as the president of the Annunciation Cathedral Philoptochos and through time, has held every office in Philoptochos, and chaired many fundraising events. She is also a member of the Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos Board.
During 2019, she was proud to lead the Diamond Anniversary Luncheon Celebration of the Atlanta Annunciation Cathedral Philoptochos (chartered in 1944) which raised $170,000 that was distributed to local Atlanta charities as well as assorted Orthodox charities.
Valine is a graduate of Georgia State University where she received a B.A. in history. Her love of history and reading led to her becoming the manager of an independent bookstore.
Her parents centered their family life around participation and service to the church. Valine’s love for Philoptochos and its outreach of serving those in need plays a huge role in her life. She is honored to be part of this incredible and amazing sisterhood.
Philippa Condakes
Secretary - Philippa Condakes
Philippa Condakes is a member of the St. Demetrios Parish in Weston, Massachusetts. She has served her local St. Christine Philoptochos chapter in many capacities including President and treasurer and is currently on the Scholarship committee.
Philippa also served on the Board of the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos and was Metropolis President from 2009 to 2013. During her terms as Metropolis President, the Metropolis began the Homeless Veterans Operation Housewarming project in conjunction with the VA in New England. Also, during this time the Metropolis expanded their own Social Services ministry. She has served on the National Board since 2005 on many committees including Finance and Hellenic College Holy Cross committees.
Philippa is married to Peter John Condakes and is the proud mom of John. She is a graduate of Boston College and works at Mass General Cancer Center at Newton Wellesley Hospital.
Barbara Pasalis
Treasurer- Barbara Pasalis
Barbara Pasalis was appointed to the National Philoptochos Board in 2006 by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, and has served 8 years as Co-Chair of Public Relations and 2 years as Chair of Office Administration. In 2008, she was Co-Chair of the Philoptochos Banquet at the National Philoptochos Convention held in Washington, D.C. She chaired the Convention Documents committee twice, and also served on the 2013 Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon committee in Pittsburgh, PA. In 2016, she was appointed to the Executive Board and served as Secretary from 2016-2020. She was Co-Chair of the National Philoptochos Convention in Boston in 2018 and Chair of the 2020 National Philoptochos Convention originally planned in Cleveland, but which ultimately became the first virtual National Philoptochos Convention. She was appointed to serve as Treasurer of the Board in Fall 2020.
Barbara has been an active member of her local Philoptochos chapter serving as President, Vice President and Treasurer. In addition, she has served on the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos Board for over a decade and as Treasurer for 4 years.
Professionally, Barbara founded Northcoast Educational Consulting, an educational consulting business, to help high school students navigate college admissions. She is a member of many professional national organizations, including the Independent Educational Consultants Association for which she served on the Executive Board and recently completed her service as President of the Association.
Barbara was born in Columbus, Ohio and has lived in the Cleveland, Ohio area since 1977 when she married Thano Pasalis (deceased). Barbara has two sons and two grandchildren. She has been a member of Saint Demetrios Church, Rocky River since 1977.
Harriet Stoukas
Assistant Treasurer- Harriet Stoukas
Harriet Stoukas was born and raised in Detroit and currently lives in the city of Eastpointe outside of Detroit.
She has been a life-long member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, where she has dedicated her time, talent, and treasure to serve her beloved parish and the greater Orthodox Christian community. At her home parish, Harriet has served in various parish leadership capacities. She has been a member of the Assumption Parish Council for many years, serving on multiple committees – including the Iconography Committee which was established after a devastating fire at the parish.
For several years, and on many levels, Harriet has served and been a member of the Philoptochos. She has been a dedicated member of her parish Philoptochos since the age of 18, serving in many officer positions – including Chapter President. In addition to serving on the Philoptochos National Board, Harriet currently serves on the Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos Board.
Harriet is a graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Finance. For many years, she worked in the banking industry. However, the Lord guided her in a different direction for her vocation. Harriet currently serves as the Office Administrator of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit, appointed by and under the guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit.
Maria Logus, Esq.
Past National President/ Advisor - Maria Logus
Maria Logus is a lifelong resident of the New York City borough of Brooklyn and parishioner at Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church. She is a retired attorney for the New York State Unified Court System, and has had over three decades of legal experience. She studied at New York University and Brooklyn Law School. She joined Philoptochos at age 18, following in the footsteps of her grandmother, and her mother, who held several positions in the organization. In 1986, Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America of blessed memory appointed Miss Logus to the Philoptochos National Board in the role of Parliamentarian. Multiple leadership roles followed, including Chair for two National Conventions and First Vice President under Presidents Mimi Skandalakis, Eve Condakes, and Georgia Skeadas. She was President of the Board of Saint Basil Academy for several years and served on the boards of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and St. Michael’s Home. Her paternal grandparents hail from Constantinople and her maternal grandparents are from the island Limnos.
Maria has provided valuable services to the Philoptochos and to the Archdiocese for many years and was eager to offer even more when appointed president in 2014. Her vision as president, Maria Logus has stated in an interview with The National Herald in 2014, that “Philoptochos doesn’t have the luxury of any single priority. We live in an increasingly complex world and we have to be prepared to respond to multiple challenges both anticipated and unexpected in vibrant meaningful ways, but we also have to combine with the readiness to answer the unknown with an unwavering commitment to the institutions of the Archdiocese."
Aphrodite Skeadas
Protocol Officer- Aphrodite Skeadas
Immigrating to America at age five with her parents and siblings from Lakonia, Greece, Aphrodite recalls her Yiayia praying daily in a mountain chapel to our Most Holy Theotokos. As a child and young adult Aphrodite attended the Prophet Elias Church, Yonkers, NY where she married Peter James Skeadas. She received her Philoptochos “basic training” at the Church of Our Savior, Rye, NY while raising their two young children Constantina and Nicholas and serving as Secretary and as President of the Rye Philoptochos Chapter.
Having been appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory to the National Board of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Aphrodite has uninterruptedly served on the National Board since then. She has served as National Philoptochos Assistant Treasurer, National Philoptochos Treasurer and National Philoptochos President of the Society. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America appointed Aphrodite as Protocol Officer of the National Philoptochos Society for the 2020-2022 term.
Aphrodite participated on several pilgrimages to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, most recently last year under the leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros. In 2014 on the Apostolic Pilgrimage to Jerusalem, she represented the Society at the historic Papal/Patriarchal meeting of His Holiness Pope Francis and His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew. In 2013 she accompanied the Philoptochos stewards to the Phanar on the Philoptochos Pilgrimage to Constantinople for an audience with His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew. In 2008 His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios led a delegation to Moscow to meet with Patriarch Alexy II of blessed memory where Aphrodite represented the National Philoptochos Society. Aphrodite currently serves as Communications Chair of the newly established Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation.
Embracing the values of our Orthodox Christian teachings close to her heart, Aphrodite has served the underprivileged and the disenfranchised through the noble Philoptochos ministry for over 40 years. She feels supremely blessed for the opportunity to collaborate with her Philoptochos Sisters for the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Martha Driscoll
Parliamentarian - Martha Driscoll
Following Christ’s teachings through the work of Philoptochos has been a striving goal for Martha (Marty) Driscoll. Honored to serve as a National Board member since 2008, Marty was recently appointed Parliamentarian to the Philoptochos Executive Board by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
As a National Board member Marty has served on committees assisting cancer and other major illness patients, mission priests and missionaries, and victims of human trafficking. She has helped with women’s initiatives on heart disease and pancreatic cancer and also served on the Finance Committee.
As a member of the Atlanta Philoptochos Metropolis board for several terms, Marty coordinated the Philanthropy Committee working with Metropolis chapters and National Social Services to provide assistance to those in need. She currently serves as the Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos Treasurer.
Marty became active in Philoptochos when she, her husband and three young daughters moved to Atlanta from Western New York and joined the Annunciation Cathedral. It was there that she first experienced the overwhelming enthusiasm and resolve of Philoptochos women dedicated to helping others.
Later as a founding member of Holy Transfiguration Church in Marietta, GA, Marty shared her enthusiasm for the work of Philoptochos and helped establish the church’s Panayia Chapter. As an active member of the Chapter Board, she has served in several offices including Chapter President and in various committee leaderships. Embracing the Philoptochos Mission also “to preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts,” Marty has been an avid Philoptochos volunteer in the church bookstore. She was chosen as a Metropolis of Atlanta Archangel Michael Award recipient in 2005.
Marty received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Education from St. Lawrence University. Her career as a teacher led her to Sylvan Learning Centers where she worked with students and parents as a tutor and center education director. Daughters Tanya and Elizabeth and grandsons John and Robert are a loving support of her dedication of time, talents and resources for the Mission of Philoptochos.
Jennifer Constantin
Direct Archdiocesan District President- Jennifer Constantin
Jennifer Constantin has been President of the Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos Board since the fall of 2013. Jennifer first joined Philoptochos at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan in 1991. She later served as President of Philoptochos of the Church of Our Saviour in Rye, New York. Jennifer brings to the Philoptochos organization extensive experience in philanthropic and civic work including leadership roles in the Junior League of Central Westchester, Scarsdale Committee for Historic Preservation, to her Scarsdale Neighborhood Association, and helping to found the pre-school of her Church in Rye.
Jennifer’s commitment to her Church and community is also expressed through her key leadership role within Philoptochos in raising funds for the rebuilding of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. As well, she was instrumental in the raising of funds for the Philoptochos Center for Philanthropy. She serves on the Board of Saint Michael’s Home and the Direct Archdiocesan District Council.
She has been married to George Constantin for over 25 years. They have two sons Andrew and Alexander. Jennifer is a licensed real estate professional in Scarsdale, New York. She earned the distinction of being 2016 Five Star Real Estate Agent Award Winner by Westchester Magazine.
Athena Kalyvas
Metropolis of Boston President- Athena Kalyvas
Athena Kalyvas was born and raised in Portland, Maine and attended Holy Trinity Church where she participated in many ministries. Currently, she is a member of the Saint Demetrios Church, Weston, Massachusetts serving on the Parish Council and as alternate Choir Organist.
She has been a dedicated Philoptochos member for over thirty years and has held various positions including past Philoptochos President at Saint George Church, Bethesda, Maryland and Saint Demetrios Church, Weston. Serving on the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Board since 2017, she was appointed as President by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios in September 2019. In 2018, she had the honor to serve on the Clergy Laity Congress Committee in Boston.
Athena is a graduate of Regis College with a BA in Greek and European History. Professionally, she has worked in the biotech industry for over twenty years supporting senior management. The Greek Orthodox Church is a focal point in her life inspired by the teachings and examples of her beloved parents, Amalia and Elias Kalyvas.
Stella Piches
Metropolis of Denver President- Stella Piches
Stella Piches is a member of the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Ladies Philoptochos in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she resides with her husband, George. They are the parents of a set of 13 year old twins, Chris and Mary. Stella grew up in Brooklyn, New York and attended Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church. She has been a Philoptochos member for more than 25 years and has served in most offices in her chapter. Stella also currently serves on the Metropolis of Denver Council.
She has served on the Metropolis Board for many years and is in her first term as Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos president. Stella was appointed to the National Board by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios in 2016. Stella has always been an active volunteer, serving her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop as the Service Unit Treasurer since 2016. Stella feels truly humbled and honored to be given this opportunity to serve the Church and her faith through the good works of Philoptochos.
Irene Politis
Metropolis of Atlanta President- Irene Politis
Irene Politis was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. In 1978, she married Louie Politis and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they are active members of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
Irene is a member of Agia Elpis Philoptochos Society. She has served as President for two terms and has chaired many committees. She was appointed to the National Philoptochos Board in 2016 by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, former Archbishop of America, and is served on the Hellenic College Holy Cross Committee. His Eminence Alexios, Metropolitan of Atlanta awarded her the Archangel Michael Award in 2014 and appointed her President of the Atlanta Metropolis Philoptochos Board in 2017, where she has served as a board member for several terms.
Irene and Louie are the proud parents of Hope (and her husband John), Pete, and Zoe, and grandson John.
Debbie George
Metropolis of Detroit President- Debbie George
Eleni Deborah Evrigenis George (‘Debbie’) is a member of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan. As a third generation Philoptochos member, Debbie follows in her grandmother, mother and sister’s footsteps, holding various officer positions while being active in all aspects of Philoptochos. She recently served two terms as President of her Philoptochos chapter. Debbie joined the Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos Board in 2015, where she served as Treasurer and is now serving in her first term as Metropolis President. In addition, Debbie was appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros to the National Philoptochos Board for the 2020-2022 term and serves on several National committees.
Debbie’s maternal grandmother was a dedicated church volunteer demonstrating the values of charity and love through volunteerism. As a child, Debbie assisted her mother in various volunteer endeavors both in and out of the church which instilled the notion of helping others and the sharing of time, talent and treasures. Debbie taught Sunday School for many years and donated many hours to the ‘Next-to-New’ shop managed by the Junior League of San Francisco. Her passion for art and art history led her to leading tours as a Docent at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, California.
Debbie was born in Portland, Oregon, and baptized at Holy Trinity Cathedral. She was raised in Sacramento and attended the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church until 2010 whereupon she and her husband, John K George, moved to Michigan. Debbie received her BA in Business with a minor in Art History from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and she received a Certificate of Fashion Design from FIDM in San Francisco. She has worked for Merrill Lynch Capital Markets and Wells Fargo Bank and also served as a substitute elementary school teacher when Debbie and John’s two children, Dianna and Christina, were in their formative years. She is proud that both daughters are continuing the cherished legacy of volunteerism.
Joyce Spanakis
Metropolis of Pittsburgh President - Joyce Spanakis
Joyce Spanakis was born and raised in Canton, Ohio and attended St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Massillon, Ohio. While at St. George, Joyce was the first woman to serve on the Parish Council as Secretary and eventually served as the first woman President. After her time with the Parish Council, she became President of the Philoptochos and was heavily involved in its ministries. While president, she co-chaired the Metropolis Daffodil Luncheon to raise funds for Social Services. In 2008, Joyce was appointed to the National Philoptochos Board by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Geron of America. She served on the National Board from 2008-2016. In 2009, Joyce was appointed to the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Board and served there for 7 years.
Joyce currently attends Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Canton, Ohio and is a member of the Philoptochos Chapter at St. Haralambos in Canton. At Holy Trinity, Joyce has taught Sunday School and was an advisor to the HOPE group. She is a life-long choir member and currently serves as the Choir Director. She along with her husband, Nicholas, have chaired the regional Oratorical Festival at Holy Trinity. In 2020, Joyce rejoined the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Board as Vice President. In October of 2022, she was elected President of the Metropolis. She served as chair of the Fundraising Committee the past two years and organized a virtual Daffodil Luncheon where all monies raised went straight to regional Food Banks throughout the Metropolis. In October of 2021, she had the distinct honor to represent the women of Philoptochos as she greeted His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew on his visit through Pittsburgh.
Joyce and her husband, Nicholas, have been married for 19 years. They have one son, Stavros, who is attending college at Loyola Chicago. Joyce is currently in her 32nd year of teaching First Grade. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech Education from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Akron, as well as her K-12 Reading Endorsement. When she is not busy handling school or Philoptochos business, Joyce loves to bake and travel.
Marilyn Tzakis
Metropolis of Chicago- Marilyn Tzakis
Marilyn has long been an active leader and member of Philoptochos on all levels. She has previously held several officer positions on the Chicago Metropolis Board and served as president of her parish Philoptochos chapter at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago. She currently serves as a National Philoptochos Board member.
Most recently Marilyn served as Co-Chair of the hugely successful Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon held in Chicago in November 2019.
Marilyn is a self-employed Commercial Loan Banker, having served in the banking industry for over 25 years
She is a graduate of Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois and is President Emeritus of the Lake Forest College Alumni Association. She is also past treasurer and currently Distinguished Advisor for the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago.
Eleni Constantinides
Metropolis of New Jersey President- Eleni Constantinides
Eleni Constantinides, née Kalli, migrated to the United States from the island of Cyprus in 1974. Eleni is a graduate of Sorbonne University, Paris, France.
She met her husband Marios Constantinides in Astoria, New York, during the difficult days which followed the Turkish invasion and occupation of their homeland. She and her husband Marios moved to Morris County, New Jersey, where they have been active parishioners of Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, Randolph, New Jersey, for more than 25 years. They have three daughters, Anastasia, a school teacher; Katerina, a hairdresser; and Christina, a physician all of whom attended the Saint Andrew Sunday School, Greek School, GOYA, and the Greek Folk Dancing Group. Until recently, Eleni worked for an engineering/ construction company as a business manager. She is currently enjoying spending time with her husband, her children, and their five grandchildren, Alexie, Parker, Adelyn, Xander, and Walker.
Eleni joined the Saint Andrew Philoptochos soon after she moved to Morris County and has held various positions on the board, including the position of president. She feels very grateful to several Philoptochos women who embraced her and became her mentors, especially Betty Kelly and Anastasia Michals.
She has served on the Metropolis Board for many years and is in her second term as Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos president. She also serves as the National Philoptochos Social Services Committee Co-Chair for 2022-2024. She feels blessed and honored to be able to serve her church and her faith in this manner. Volunteerism is Eleni's passion and helping the needy and those less fortunate is something she strongly believes in. Eleni serves as the Social Services Liaison between National and the New Jersey Metropolis. She often says that Social Services is what Philoptochos is all about.