History of the Eastern Orthodox Women’s Guild

The EOWG was organized in 1962 with a few women from the different Cleveland area parishes. The first President was +Mary Washko, a member of St. Theodosius Cathedral, who persevered in bringing a diverse group of women together, meeting on Sunday afternoon whose purposes were to know each other better, foster fellowship, propagation of our Faith and present a United Orthodox front when called upon.

One of the most important functions in the beginning was gaining recognition of our Faith among other denominations and encouraging fellowship with women of other Faiths as a missionary effort in helping them to learn about us.  We worked and succeeded in the public school recognizing our Good Friday and permitting our children to have the day off from school.

Various Fundraisers were used to cover expenses. After expenses, the remaining funds were earmarked for charitable contributions. On a yearly basis we have continued to donate funds to Orthodox Seminaries, Monasteries, Missions, IOCC, Orthodox Christian Fellowship for college students, and an Orthodox Radio Program. We also send cards and small gifts to the ill and shut-ins.

We continue yearly to prepare and deliver gifts to all parish nursing home residents and contribute monies for the Clergy Christmas concert. For many years we have visited St. John’s Monastery, Monastery Marcha and St. Mary of Egypt Monastery. An annual Memorial Service is held for our deceased members, and a $10 stipend in their memory is sent to the deceased members’ parish.

We would be remiss if we did not mention Very Reverend Father Vasile Hategan who served as our spiritual advisor for 30 years with dedication, encouragement and inspiration. We thank all the priests who have served as spiritual advisors after Father Hategan.