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Orthodox Observer - June 5, 1997

A Look at the National Sisterhood

In 1982 at the 26th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in San Francisco, the Presvyteres of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, with the full support and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, formally organized The National Sisterhood of Presvyteres and elected Presvytera Elaine Stephanides, from Irvine, Calif., as its first president.

By Presbytera Margaret Orfanakos

The purpose of the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres is to provide opportunities for presvyteres to get acquainted with one another and to discuss issues of mutual concern. The elections of officers for the Executive Board and for diocese representatives to the National Board, are held at every Clergy-Laity Congress. Other presvytres who have served as Presidents of the Sisterhood are Mary Scoulas, from Glenview, Ill., Eleutheria Dogias, from Sacramento, Calif.; and my immediate predecessor, Goldie Doukas, from Buffalo, N.Y.

In 1984, the Sisterhood established a Benevolent Fund to help sister presvyteres and their families who need short-term financial assistance. In order to be of greater service to our fellow clergy families, however, last year it was decided to merge the Benevolent Funds of both the Presvyteres and the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council.

The Sisterhood, constantly looking for ways to strengthen the bonds of fellowship, not only has a Newsletter, but through the talents of Presvytera Pauline Pavlakos from Syracuse, N.Y., has a home page on the Internet. We can log on to view reports from each of our diocese reps; updates on the family of our Sister-in-Christ, Demetra Davis who was killed in an automobile accident last September, or the latest news from Fr. Luke Veronis and Fr. Martin Ritsi, two of our missionary priests who have chosen not to abandon their flock in the troubled country of Albania. We can also read about the progress of our various ongoing projects,  | as well as the personal message from our spiritual leader, His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon.

Realizing that it is important for us, as presvyteres to have a patron saint, we selected Sts. Martha and Mary, the Sisters of Lazarus. They represent the two sides of womanhood which are in constant battle. Not only were Martha and Mary true helpmates of their brother, Lazarus, but they also personify the struggle of the presvytera as she feels compelled to nurture and tend to her own family (Martha), as well as, others outside the home. The presvytera is also called, however, to sit at the feet of the Master, searching and praying for ways for the Grace of God to enrich her spiritual intellect (Mary) so she may seek salvation for herself and those the Lord has entrusted to her husband, the priest, and herself.

| Both Archbishop Iakovos and Archbishop Spyridon, recognizing the importance of our position in the parish, have invited the President of the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres to be a member of the Archdiocesan Council.

As the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres matures, we will continue to seek ways to support one another and we hope to use our God given talents in areas which go beyond the boundaries of our parish life.

[ Orthodox Observer, Vol. 62 - No. 1130, June 5, 1997, p. 10 ]