Sophie Hadjiyannis

Mrs. Katherine Pappas, of Canton, MA, was appointed the fourth National Philoptochos President by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, Archbishop of North and South America. Mrs. Pappas served from 1974 – 1982 and under her leadership the national organization flourished and expanded its philanthropic work.

During Mrs. Pappas’ tenure, Philoptochos celebrated its 50 Year Anniversary, expanded its support of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA, and made great strides in the philanthropic endeavors of the National Philoptochos ministries. The organization embraced the entire world by giving support to countries devastated by earthquakes and other natural disasters; by joining the United Nations year-long celebration for the “Year of the Child” and by reaching a new level of giving in 1976-1978 by contributing an estimated one million dollars to various worthy causes.

Mrs. Pappas received numerous honors including being named Alpha Omega’s First Woman of the Year where she was recognized for her contributions to the Greek Orthodox Church and the National Philoptochos, and was also recognized by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, Metropolitan of the Metropolis of Boston with the Metropolis Service Award in 2005.

Mrs. Pappas passed away on May 12, 2007. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America presided at the funeral service of Mrs. Pappas on May 17 at the Annunciation Cathedral of Boston. In his words of condolence to the family, Archbishop Demetrios stated, “As we bid farewell to this beautiful woman of grace and kindness, we recall her dedicated service to her family, her Church, to those in need, and to the vision and purpose of the Philoptochos Society. We pray for the repose of her soul and memory eternal.”