The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity Cathedral
Welcomes You to a Pan Orthodox Lenten Retreat
It is good when Orthodox faithful come together in fellowship and worship and never more so than Saturday, March 18th when our Cathedral, under the leadership of our own Fr. Larry and Philoptochos hosted the 2017 Pan Orthodox Lenten Retreat in our community center. At 9:30 a.m. more than 50 men and women gathered for the opening prayer and a plentiful breakfast prepared and offered by our Philoptochos.
Together with Fr. Larry, three other Toledo Area Orthodox Clergy presented “Orthodox Spirituality: A Journey through Lent.” The main speaker Fr. Ayman Kafouf, St. Elias Antiochian Church, was assisted by Fr. Michael Shaheen, St. George Cathedral Woodley Road and Fr. Nicholas Hubbard, St. George Cathedral, Rossford.
Fr. Ayman developed the theme of God’s love; that we were put on earth to be in communion with God; the Expulsion from Paradise; Salvation through Jesus Christ; that God became Man so man may become God by grace. Following these remarks, attendees separated into break out groups led by the clergy to discuss Fr. Ayman’s comments.
At noon, the delicious Lenten lunch prepared by our own George Kamilaris, chef owner of Georgio’s Café International was enjoyed by everyone. Thank you, George, for your continuous stewardship to our beloved Cathedral.
The afternoon session continued with Fr. Ayman’s remarks about human passions and emotions. He concluded by sharing the good news that there is no hopelessness in Christianity; that our spiritual life is the means to our salvation.
Truly this was a day of enlightenment, learning and prayer and we thank our area clergy as they faithfully lead us in our Lenten journey towards His Glorious Resurrection.
This timely and successful retreat was organized by the committee that included Presbytera Jenny, Philoptochos President Susie Doukides, Kathy Chaka, Maria Kopan, Kelly Yakumithis, Yanula Stathulis, Carole Faoiz and Terry Timmons. We thank them for all that they did in the true spirit of stewardship.
We wish everyone strength as we complete this blessed Lent in anticipation of His Glorious Resurrection. Kali Anastasi!
Philoptochos will be offering a service scholarship to high school graduates. You may request an application from Stephanie Berardinelli at Mrs.berardinelli0728@gmail.com or 419-276-0964. All applications must be submitted no later than Sunday, April 30th.
