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ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

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Philoptochos and OCF Team Up and Walk for a Cure

Salt Lake City, UT. -- On the weekend of April 23-25 the Philoptochos chapters of Salt Lake City, under the chairmanships of Barbara Hillas and Shelly Anderson, and the Salt Lake City OCF, welcomed members of the National Philoptochos and Metropolis of Denver. The chapters came together to celebrate the spirit of Philoptochos for nearly 80 years, and their partnership with the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF).  

The weekend started out with a tour of Salt Lake City’s Hellenic Cultural Museum, and historic Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Salt Lake City. While in Salt Lake, members of both National and Metropolis of Denver Philoptochos joined Team Dynamis, in the annual Multiple Sclerosis Walkathon. The groups walked under the slogan created by Lauren Holmgren, “We Walk For A Cure. We Walk For Those Who Can’t. We Walk For Hope.” Lauren Holmgren chaired the event for the OCF Salt Lake City Chapter, raising nearly $5000, with over 70 participants from our community.  The Walkathon overall had 4000 participants, and was a huge success for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

After the walk the National and Metropolis of Denver members in attendance were treated to a luncheon at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Holladay, Utah. Keynote speakers at the luncheon were Father Michael Kouremetis Proistamenos Protopresbyter of Prophet Elias in Holladay, Father Matthew Gilbert Proistamenos Protopresbyter of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Salt Lake City, National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas, Kathy Gabriel National 3^rd Vice President, Elaine Cladis National Secretary and Metropolis of Denver Treasurer, Martha Stefanidakis National Assistant Treasurer, and Deacon Paul Zaharas Vice Chair to the Board of Directors for OCF.  The focus of the event was on the importance of Philoptochos for nearly 80 years, and its new partnership with the OCF under the “Find Them, Greet Them, Love Them” campaign. It was stressed that the Philoptochos is comprised of dedicated individuals who care, and that the group is not a social baking club. Speakers addressed the importance of caring for others, showing compassion, and keeping the spirit of hope alive. Speeches were heartfelt and inspirational. There were approximately 150 guests who listened to the stimulating words of insight. The weekend was one of spiritual growth, and understanding. 

Philoptochos chapters of Prophet Elias, Holy Trinity, and Transfiguration of Utah were gracious to the following for taking the time to teach and motivate: Deacon Paul Zaharas, Aphrodite Skeadas, Kathy Gabriel, Martha Stefanidakis, Elaine Cladis, Billie Zumo, Barbara Latsonas, Klea Kappos, Georgia Carson, and Mitzi Theo.  With the speakers and events, the weekend proved to be uplifting, spiritual, and exemplary for all those involved.

About OCF

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is the official collegiate campus ministry program under SCOBA. Our mission is to support fellowships on college campuses, whose members experience and witness to the Orthodox Christian Church through community life, prayer, service to others and study of the Faith. Our headquarters is located in Indianapolis, IN and supports over 270 local university chapters across North America. In addition, we provide a variety of thoughtful and innovative programming, including regional training, annual conferences, and domestic and international service learning programs.

For additional information contact:

Presvytera Shyla Hadzellis

Development Director, OCF
shyla@ocf.net
www.ocf.net

OCF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the official campus ministry of SCOBA.