TheLeader VOLUME XXVI ISSUE1 Winter2025 - Flipbook - Page 22
G R A N T S
AT
W O R K
Empowering Voices:
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s Girl
Delegates to the United Nations
By Niki Devaris Morgulis
GOA Girl Delegate and Girl Leading Change Honoree Noel Demetrio
of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, IL, with First Lady
Dr. Jill Biden, White House Press Secretary and senior advisor
Karine Jean-Pierre, and the other Girls Leading Change honorees.
Orthodoxy in general and the GOA in particular have also
long been committed to social justice, community service,
and the promotion of human dignity. The Girl Delegate
Program builds on this legacy. The GOA’s unique
accreditation at the UN since 1985 allows us to create a
space where young women can actively engage with global
issues. By participating in UN events, delegates learn about
international relations, diplomacy, and the intricacies of
policy making while representing the values of their faith.
The program offers a comprehensive experience that
includes workshops, mentorship, and participation in UN
sessions. Girl Delegates are trained in public speaking,
negotiation, and the workings of the UN, preparing them to
contribute meaningfully to discussions on pressing issues
such as human rights, environmental sustainability, and
gender equality.
In the rich history of the Greek Orthodox Church in
America (GOA), the role of girls is both vibrant and
multifaceted. And in today’s
increasingly interconnected world,
Throughout the
the importance of youth engagement
program,
in global discussions cannot be
participants also
overstated. The Girl Delegate
have the
Program to the United Nations (UN)
opportunity to
stands as a beacon of empowerment, Girl Delegates Xanthi Lazarakis and Beatriz Fino Morfogen of Dormition network with
of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Southampton, NY, and
providing young women with the
Demetra Chudley of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in
other youth
New York City at the 2023 International Day of the Girl celebration at
opportunity to represent their faith
leaders and
the United Nations.
and culture in the international
professionals
arena. This initiative not only fosters leadership skills and
from various sectors, expanding their horizons and
spiritual life but also equips participants with the tools to
inspiring future collaborations. In the Spring, Girl
advocate for issues affecting their communities and the
Delegates met with representatives from the Permanent
world at large.
Mission of the Republic of Cyprus, the Permanent Mission
The Orthodox Church has always held as a matter of both
doctrine and theology that men and women are equals in
personhood. This program puts that theology into practice.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has
said repeatedly that “we must be a Church that embraces
our young people.” This program responds directly to his
call and utilizes the talents and skills of the girls and young
women within our community. It is an opportunity to
collaborate in a Christlike manner with different groups to
advance the mission of the Church, while walking towards
salvation.
20
of Ireland, the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy
See, and the Sovereign Order of Malta. Most recently, the
Girl Delegates met with 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Malala Yousafzai, who charged the girls with continuing the
fight for the rights of all girls all over the world. Girl
Delegates also spearheaded the 2024 International Day of
the Girl Speakout and connected girls with policymakers to
bring their experiences to the forefront of discussions and
to hold space for girls to advocate for their vision of the
future. This exposure not only enhances their
understanding of global dynamics but also instills a sense of
responsibility to advocate for change within their
communities.
