Recognizing their contributions, the St. Photios Awards banquet in Pittsburgh honored 58 volunteers from 31 parishes in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, including Marian Cheri and Tony Phyrillas from Sts. Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church in Reading, PA.

Cheri is President of the St. Xenia Philoptochos Society, a former Sunday School teacher and longtime member and past president of the Philoptochos Society, serves on the church’s Parish Council and Stewardship Committee and volunteers for the church’s Food Pantry and Greek Food Festival.

Whenever a volunteer is needed, she’s said the first to raise her hand. A running joke in the community is that Cheri “lives at the church” because she is present for nearly every service and all church events.

“Our awardees have given a lifetime of service, skill, and love to the Greek Orthodox Church,” Metropolitan Savas said, presenting each with a framed certificate and a pin of St. Photios.

Phyrillas, Editor of the Mercury in Pottstown, which reported the story, has been a member of the church more than 50 years and of the Parish Council for 27 years and has taught Sunday School for 17 years.