From Our President

 

Below you will find communications from our NSP President, Pearlann Bithos.

June 1, 2026

Kalo Mina!

Some of our PKs are already out of school and enjoying the freedom of summer, others are counting down their last few days, barely able to concentrate as their minds drift toward the lazy days ahead. Do you remember those days? As children, summer seemed endless. As adults, we find ourselves searching for those same lazy days, only to realize that after our responsibilities of home, work, and church, we somehow manage to fit an entire extra day into the longer daylight hours!

This month brings something special for me—a weekend away with my siblings. Since we live in different parts of the country, we usually only see one another for major celebrations or, unfortunately, during times of loss. Most often, our gatherings include our children and grandchildren in tow. This time, however, it will be just my brother, my sister, and me as we attend an anniversary celebration for our cousin and enjoy some precious sibling time together.

Once I return, it's back to Zoom calls and pre-gaming for Clergy-Laity in Cleveland!

June has always been filled with happy milestones for my family, and it still is. We celebrate birthdays and our wedding anniversary, which I continue to honor because it marks the day God brought Steve and me together and created our family. Each year, I make it a point to gather with Angie, Katie and John, and my precious grandchildren—Cecilia, Daphne, and Leo. They are here because God united Steve and me, and that is always worth celebrating.

There are several special occasions to look forward to this month. On June 4th, we celebrate our Feast Day—the Feast of Saints Mary and Martha. What a wonderful opportunity to reach out to your fellow sisters. Give them a call, check in on them, and if you live nearby, perhaps share lunch or dinner together in celebration.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros will be sending an Encyclical for the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Sunday. Encourage your husband to look for it and share it with your parish. Even the simplest gesture of acknowledgment is appreciated and means so much to our Presvyteres.

And then, of course, we honor all of our fathers on Father's Day. Some of my fondest Father's Day memories are tied to the day we left for camp. The girls always made sure to shop for Steve and buy him colorful polo shirts for the week. It became our annual tradition—and, quite honestly, it was time to replenish his wardrobe!

Before we know it, it will be time for us to gather together in Cleveland. I am so excited to see all of you who will be attending. For those who cannot be with us this year, please know that you will be missed.

As you move through this beautiful month, take time for your family. Plan your vacations. Make wonderful memories. Laugh a little more. Rest a little longer. Spend time with the people God has placed in your life.

And most of all...

CHOOSE JOY.

With sisterly love,

Pearlann

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May 4, 2026

Dear Sisters,

Christ is Risen!
Kalo Mina! 
 
As we turn the page into a new month, we also find ourselves at that beautiful (and busy!) transition—where the end of the school year opens the door to summer. Here in the north, this means our parish life begins to bloom in a different way. We shift from the busy weekdays of Lent into even busier weekends filled with festivals, sacraments, camp, and preparations for gatherings like Clergy-Laity. 
 
Our calendars quickly fill as we try to weave together family vacations with the life of the Church—camp schedules, baptisms, weddings, festivals, and of course, Clergy-Laity. It’s a joyful kind of busy, but busy nonetheless! So, I encourage you now: plan your vacations thoughtfully, and plan on joining us at Clergy-Laity. The Clergy-Laity Committee, along with the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres, are truly looking forward to being together again in fellowship, faith, and support. 
 
If you are planning to attend and have not yet registered, please do so as soon as possible. An email has been sent to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros and all the Metropolitans, asking them to encourage parishes to assist Presvyteres with registration costs. His Eminence along with some of the Metropolitans have already sent these letters to both the Parish Priest and Parish Council President—so be sure to ask your husband to keep an eye out! 
 
Please remember: everyone must be registered to attend the Divine Liturgy, workshops, and even to browse the exhibit hall. This includes our children. Children’s registration is no cost and includes daily lunch and the Clergy Family Event. However, it does not include childcare, which is a separate registration and fee. The child’s registration fee covers daily lunch and entrance to the Clergy Family event. Also, all tickets are non-transferable.  Only the name on the registration can use the tickets. 
 
Also, a special note: regardless of your Clergy-Laity registration status, you are still warmly invited to attend the Presvytera Luncheon on Thursday afternoon. Please be sure to RSVP by June 20th—no reservations can be accepted after that date. You should have already received an email with the RSVP link, and the flyer is also posted on our Sisterhood Facebook page. 
 
As we approach Mother’s Day, I wish each of you a blessed and joyful celebration. After all, in so many ways, we are the mothers of our parishes—nurturing, guiding, loving, and serving with grace. 
 
Until then… Choose Joy! 
 
With love in the Risen Christ, 
Pearlann 

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