Home Church & Religion Debbie George Appointed National President of Ladies Philoptochos Society

Debbie George Appointed National President of Ladies Philoptochos Society

New York, NY – Greek News USA

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros in his capacity as Chairman of the National Philoptochos Board, has appointed Debbie George [Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos President] as National President of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society for the 2024-2026 term.

Mrs. George succeeds Arlene Siavelis Kehl who has served two consecutive terms [2020-2024].

Commenting on the appointment of the new President and Executive Board, His Eminence stated, “I am so pleased that the national and unified character of the Philoptochos is reflected in the makeup of the 2024-2026 Board. Once again, in recognition that Philoptochos does its work nationally and internationally, every Metropolis of the Archdiocese and the Archdiocesan District are represented in the Executive Board. President Debbie George has the distinction of being the first National Philoptochos President from the sacred Metropolis of Detroit, where she has served so well as the Metropolis President”.  

On accepting her appointment, President George stated, “It is with joy and appreciation of His Eminence’s trust in me that I accept this appointment.  Guided by the Holy Spirit, I know that the National Philoptochos Executive Board as well as the National Board will continue to do its significant work bringing forth the love of Christ, both within our Archdiocese and throughout the world.  Wherever there is need, Philoptochos has always been, and will continue to be present”.

The members of the new National Philoptochos Executive Board are Anita Kartalopoulos (Metropolis of New Jersey), First Vice President; Stella Piches (Metropolis of Denver), Second Vice President; Elaine Zetes (Metropolis of Boston), Third Vice President; Philippa Condakes (Metropolis of Boston), Secretary; Anna Vedouras (Metropolis of Pittsburgh), Treasurer; Diana Jianas (Metropolis of San Francisco), Assistant Treasurer; and Arlene SIavelis

Kehl (Metropolis of Chicago) Past National President/ Advisor to the Board.

In advisory positions are Maria Logus (Archdiocesan District), Legal Advisor, Chrissy Zografos (Archdiocesan District), Protocol Officer, and Martha Driscoll (Metropolis of Atlanta) as Parliamentarian.  

Additionally, the Presidents from each Metropolis and the Archdiocesan District, serve as members of the Executive Board.

The First National Philoptochos President from the Metropolis of Detroit

Eleni Deborah Evrigenis George (‘Debbie’) is a Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church member in Farmington Hills, Michigan. As a third-generation Philoptochos member, she follows in her grandmother, mother, and sister’s footsteps, holding various officer positions while being active in all aspects of Philoptochos. She recently served two terms as President of her Philoptochos chapter and serves as the President of the Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos.

Debbie George joined the Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos Board in 2015, where she served as Treasurer and is now serving in her first term as Metropolis President. In addition, she was appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros to the National Philoptochos Board for the 2020-2022 term.

Her maternal grandmother was a dedicated church volunteer, demonstrating the values of charity and love through volunteerism. As a child, she assisted her mother in various volunteer endeavors in and out of the church, which instilled the notion of helping others and sharing time, talent, and treasures. Debbie taught Sunday School for many years and donated many hours to the ‘Next-to-New’ shop managed by the Junior League of San Francisco. Her passion for art and art history led her to lead tours as a Docent at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, California.

Debbie George was born in Portland, Oregon, and baptized at Holy Trinity Cathedral. She was raised in Sacramento and attended the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church until 2010, whereupon she and her husband, John K George, moved to Michigan.

She received her BA in Business with a minor in Art History from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and she received a Certificate of Fashion Design from FIDM in San Francisco. She has worked for Merrill Lynch Capital Markets and Wells Fargo Bank and served as a substitute elementary school teacher when Debbie and John’s two children, Dianna and Christina, were in their formative years. She is proud that both daughters are continuing the cherished legacy of volunteerism.