NEW YORK – The National Philoptochos hosted three-time Emmy Award-winning writer, author, and producer Yvette Manessis Corporon on December 7 at the newly renovated Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan as the first in-person event at the National Philoptochos headquarters since the start of the pandemic.
Initially a journalist by trade, Corporan decided years ago that she wanted to tell the history of her own family, starting with the sacrifices her grandmother’s family made for a Jewish family on their Greek island during World War II. She emphasized the ‘philotimo,’ true love and hospitality that the family showed to the persecuted people. During the event, Corporon told additional personal anecdotes about growing up as a first-generation Greek-American, which have informed her novels as well. The stories that she shared resonated with audience members across generations, evoking questions and positive feedback for the author.
Corporon’s newest book, a work of historical fiction titled Where The Wandering Ends: A Novel of Corfu, is a rich story of two young friends who are separated by an unspeakable tragedy during the Greek Civil War. The story is charged with themes of love, hope and courage, while painting the picture of the rich culture in the Ionian islands.
The event was well-attended by Philoptochos Spiritual Advisor, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, National President Arlene Siavelis Kehl, First Vice President Anita Kartalopoulos, visiting Metropolis Presidents Irene Politis of Atlanta, Debbie George of Detroit, Marilyn Tzakis of Chicago, Paulette Poulos, Director of Leadership 100, chapter members of the Direct Archdiocesan District and the Metropolis of New Jersey, and many other guests.
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Society has historically responded immediately and generously when floods, hurricanes, devastating fires, and other disasters affect those around us.
More information is available online: www.philoptochos.org.
