The Philoptochos at St Spyridon Parish in Kingsford, Sydney held a Mother’s Day luncheon at Ammos Restaurant at the Novotel Brighton on Friday, May 7 to honour mothers, women and their families.
The recent restructuring and refocusing of the Philoptochos on love and respect created an atmosphere which touched the hearts of the mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers and mother figures in attendance.
Father Steven Scoutas, as President of the Philoptochos, greeted the attendees and extended the paternal blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to all, wishing guests a Happy Mothers Day.
Fr Steven thanked the entire Philoptochos, including adviser Presbytera Patricia who has been instrumental in changing the mindset of the Philoptochos.
Toula Kyriazopoulos, Convenor of the Philoptochos, welcomed all attending with joy and thanked the women and mothers especially for their overwhelming response to attending the function.
The luncheon’s guest speaker was Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald of the NSW Police and Commander of the Inner West Area Command in Sydney.
Born in Wagga Wagga of Greek parents from Rhodes and Symi, Ms Fitzgerald studied policing to make a real change to the lives of women in violent relationships and to the protection of children who are abused. She was taught by her parents to think independently and to abide by the utmost integrity.
The luncheon gave all attending a chance to dance, appreciate live music and partake in a raffle with impressive prizes including a pearl necklace donated by Dame Betty Lee who has assisted the Philoptochos for nearly 20 years.
