Where Your Support Goes - Advancing Parish Sustainability
Advancing Parish Sustainability: Leadership 100 Supports Planned Giving Initiative
Through the generosity of a Leadership 100 grant, clergy and lay leaders from twenty parishes across the Archdiocesan District recently came together for the inaugural Lunch & Learn Workshop on Parish Planned Giving - marking an important step forward in strengthening the long-term financial sustainability of parishes.
Hosted by the Greek Orthodox Church of Our Saviour (GOCOOS) in Rye, New York, the workshop provided both inspiration and practical guidance for parish leaders working to build enduring financial foundations for their communities.
Equipping Parishes for Long-Term Success
At the heart of the workshop was a comprehensive review of the Archdiocese’s three-phased Parish Planned Giving Program, a structured approach designed to guide parishes toward greater fiscal stability through the development of planned giving initiatives and endowments.
Fr. Elias Villis, Chancellor of the Archdiocesan District and Proistamenos of GOCOOS, opened the session with a message that underscored the importance of stewardship, not only as a financial obligation, but as a reflection of faith and responsibility to future generations.
Building on this foundation, Melpomeni Murdakes, Director of Parish Planned Giving, led attendees through a detailed presentation aligned with the newly developed Implementation Workbook. Participants were introduced to practical tools, case studies, and best practices that will enable their parishes to move more efficiently from early interest to meaningful implementation.
Each attendee received the new Implementation Workbook, providing a roadmap to help parishes establish and advance planned giving programs through dedicated endowments, ensuring that their efforts translate into lasting impact.
Turning Strategy into Action
Launched in 2024, the Parish Planned Giving Program was developed to provide parishes with the resources and support needed to build sustainable financial models. Through guidebooks, templates, and direct coaching, the program equips parish leaders with both the vision and the practical tools required to succeed.
The Lunch & Learn Workshop represents an important extension of that effort, creating an interactive forum where clergy and lay leaders can learn from one another, share experiences, and receive hands-on guidance.
During the session, Linda Kordes and Tim Francis of GOCOOS shared their parish’s experience in applying the Archdiocesan program to their own giving initiatives. Their insights provided a real-world example of how structured planning and community engagement can come together to strengthen parish stewardship.
Building Momentum Across the Archdiocese
This inaugural workshop is just the beginning. As part of a broader initiative supported by Leadership 100, a series of ten workshops will be held over the coming year, expanding access to these critical resources across the Archdiocese.
The next Lunch & Learn Workshop is scheduled to take place at St. Paul’s Church in Irvine, California on June 13, with additional sessions planned at the Clergy-Laity Congress and throughout the year.
A Shared Commitment to the Future
The Parish Planned Giving initiative reflects a broader commitment shared by Leadership 100 and the Archdiocese: ensuring that parishes are equipped not only to meet today’s needs, but to thrive for generations to come.
By investing in tools, education, and community-driven solutions, this grant is helping to strengthen the financial and spiritual foundation of parishes, empowering leaders to build a more sustainable future rooted in stewardship, faith, and long-term vision.
For more information and access to resources, visit https://www.goarch.org/planned-giving or contact Melpomeni Murdakes directly at mmurdakes@goarch.org.
