Leadership 100 Sunday Observed
Leadership 100 Sunday was observed in hundreds of Greek Orthodox parishes across the country on Sunday, October 17, 2010, its second national observance. Parish Priests read the Encyclical issued by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod and members of Leadership 100 spoke of the National Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, for whose support Leadership 100 was founded in 1984. The date was chosen as the Sunday prior to the Feast Day of St. Iakovos, a tribute to Archbishop Iakovos of Blessed Memory, the visionary Founder and namesake of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund.
Michael R. Henry, named National Chairman of Leadership 100 Sunday by Constantine G. Caras, the Leadership 100 Chairman who chaired the first observance in 2009, reported on programs at a wide variety of parishes, from New York to California and from Cleveland to Memphis. Some 15 Regional Chairmen worked with Parish Chairmen who, in turn, worked with local priests to organize the programs during the coffee hour after the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Henry began developing a strategy after the first celebration in 2009, conferring with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and the Metropolitans to insure that the observance met agreed guidelines and with members of the Board of Trustees and Regional Chairmen, providing them with materials and instructions.
In a poignant note to the celebration, Dr. John Collis spoke to the entire congregation of SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland Heights, Ohio in honor of the memory of George Chimples, one of the Founders of Leadership 100. In attendance were George's wife, Janet, sons Dean and Tom, and two of George's grandchildren, Grant and Thomas. Dr Collis also raised awareness to help promote participation in Leadership 100, highlighting the major accomplishments and future goals of the organization.
Chris W. Caras, Sr. and Chris W. Caras, Jr. made full use of the materials at St. Katherine Church in Redondo Beach, California, erecting a 3x4 sign with all the information on Leadership 100 so parishioners could get a full picture of the “Ministries That Matter” and support over the years in one strategic place.
Arthur C. and Madeline Anton sponsored the Fellowship Hour at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England in Boston at which parishioners were impressed by the “lavish spread” but, said the Antons, “when they looked at the pamphlet, they were more amazed when they saw that Leadership 100 had given out $30 million in grants.”
Other Regional Chairmen, who also ran programs in their local parishes, included Tom Kyrus at Annunciation Cathedral in Norfolk, Virginia; Louis G. Malevitis at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago; Stephen G. Yeonas at St. Sophia Cathedral in Washington DC; Constantine G. Caras at Holy Trinity Church in Wilmington, Delaware; Cathy Sakellaris at St. Katherine Church in Braintree, Massachusetts; George E. Safiol and Arthur C. Anton Jr. at St. Demetrios Church in Weston, Massachusetts; Mike A. Manatos and John Sitilides at St. George Church in Bethesda, Maryland; George Tsandikos, Froso Beys and James Pantelidis at Holy Trinity Cathedral in New York City; Maria Allwin at Church of Our Saviour in Rye, New York; Angelo J. Coutris and Michael R. Henry at St. Demetrios Church in Rocky River, Ohio; Charles H. Cotros at Annunciation Church in Memphis, Tennessee; and George and Bess Bilidas at St. Katherine Church in Falls Church, Virginia.
