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May 2014
PHILOPTOCHOS PERSPECTIVE The quarterly publication highlighting news and events from the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Metropolis of Chicago
President’s Meeting Table of Contents President’s Message Page 1
!National Commitments, Metropolis Chapter Liaisons Page 2
Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy Grand Opening Pages 3-7
2013 Metropolis Clergy Laity & Philoptochos Assembly Pages 8-10
Lenten Retreat Pages 11-13
2013-2014 Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Board Page 14
Navy Pier Page 15
2013 Metropolis Luncheon Page 16
Upcoming Events-Calendar Pages 17-18
President’s Mtg. Presentations Page 19
St. John the Baptist Luncheon Page 20
Dress a Girl Around the World Page 21
St. Harambalos Luncheon Page 22
Submission Deadline for August Edition of the Philoptochos Perspective is July 25th.
Hi Ladies, Christos Anesti! We had a fantastic turn out at the President’s meeting at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. It was wonderful seeing all of you. I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedules to be present and participate. I am most grateful for those who came from a far distance, and it was especially rewarding to see some new faces. Today we had Philoptochos ladies come from all parts of our Metropolis: Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. I know you will take back to your chapter what was discussed today with much enthusiasm. I would like to thank our guests and speakers. Thank you to Peter Valessares and his staff from the Hellenic Foundation. We look forward to a long lasting relationship with the Foundation, benefitting those who are less fortunate and down on their luck. Also thank you to Tom Kanellos and Bill Vranas for giving us an update on the progress of the Retreat Center. I know we are all excited for the completion, and our first meeting at the new facility. Thank you Andrea Tiggas, President of St. Mary's Philoptochos chapter, and the 2014 Chicago Metropolis Chapter Challenge Recipient. Andrea, St. Mary's Philoptochos and the entire parish should be commended for their outstanding efforts and contribution they have made to the Healing House. The chapter exemplified the perfect example of how we as Philoptochos members could reach out to the entire community while making a substantial difference in the lives of others. Thank you to Alexandra Smirniotis, President of St. Constantine and Helen Philoptochos chapter in Palos Hills for her presentation on the Lenten Quilt-a-thon. Again, another example of a community working together to help others, and involving other chapters to participate. Thank you to Sts. Peter and Paul Philoptochos who do the same project involving chapters in other parts of our Metropolis. Hopefully the awareness of the Quilt-a-thon will encourage others to attend next year. A very special thanks you to Dorothy Bezemes, our Metropolis 2014 Agape Award Recipient. We are so proud of Dorothy and her many accomplishments, but more grateful for the inspiration she has given over the years. Please remember to send in your convention registration, and we will see you in Philadelphia and the Delegate breakfast. Again, thank you for attending the meeting, and for those who could not be with us, we missed you, but please know you are a very important part of this Metropolis, and hopefully will see you some time in the future. My sincerest gratitude to the entire Metropolis Board for all your help in the implementation of today's meeting, your reports, and especially for all the support you continue to show me, and always having the best interest of our Metropolis Philoptochos Society in your hearts.
With Sisterly Agape, Irene
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Connect Contact Convey In an ef for t to Stay Connec ted, The Metropol is Phi loptochos
Board has estab l ished a l ia ison program. Every Chapter has
been ass igned a l ia ison that wi l l be able to answer quest ions
and prov ided support as needed. The l ia isons are below:
Voula Andrews: St. Haralambos, Niles; Assumption, Homer Glen
Lena Angelos: St. Demetrios, Elmhurst; Assumption, Hegewisch
Netsa Antonakos: Three Hierarchs, Champaign; All Saints, Peoria, IL
Pam Argyris : St. Sophia, Elgin; St. Nectarios, Palatine; Assumption, Chicago;
Demetr ia Bakr is : St. Demetrios, Hammond, IN; St. George, Schereville, IN;
SS Constantine and Helen, Merrillville, IN
Georgia Gavar is: Annunciation Cathedral; St. George, Chicago; St. George,
Des Moines, IA
Penny Geavaras: St. John the Baptist; Assumption, Madison, WI; SS
Constantine and Helen, Wauwatosa, WI
Pat Gerbanas : St. Demetrios, Chicago; Holy Trinity, Sioux City, IA; Holy
Trinity, Chicago
Chr ist ina H iot is : St. Mary, Minneapolis; Kimisis tis Theotokou, Racine, WI
Mar ilynn Jemas: St. Nicholas, St. Louis; Assumption, Town & Country, MO;
St. Luke, Columbia, MO
Kathy Kat rakis : St. Athanasios, Aurora; SS Constantine and Helen, Palos; SS
Constantine & Helen, Rockford, IL
O lga Pax inos : St. Spyridon; St. George, Rock Island; SS Constantine & Helen, Swansea
Georgia Sar las: St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn; Annunciation, Kankakee
Kathy Siavel is: St. Spyridon, Sheboygan, WI; Transfiguration of Our Lord,
Mason City, IA; St. John the Baptist, Cedar Rapids, IA; Holy Trinity, Fond du
Lac, WI
Caro l Stamas : Ascension of Our Lord; St. Demetrios, Libertyville; Holy Apostles, Westchester
Joanne Stavrakas: Sts. Peter & Paul, Glenview, St. George, St. Paul, MN,
Annunciation, Milwaukee
Pat ty Tsaoussis : Holy Cross, Justice; Assumption, East Moline
Mar ilyn Tzakis : St. Andrew, St. George, DeKalb; St. Andrew, South Bend, IL
Peggy Vranas: St. Anthony, Springfield, IL; Annunciation, Decatur, IL; All
Saints, Joliet, IL
Kathy Walstrom: St. Basil, Chicago; Holy Anargyroi, Rochester, MN; St. Iakovos, Valparaiso
Help us stay connected. We want to hear from your chapter. Email us
pictures and a description from your events to
[email protected]. To post information on the Calendar of Events, email [email protected]
Introducing The New Philoptochos Perspective
We have changed the look of the quarterly newsletter and hope you like it. Please make sure your chapter is a part of it. Send your
pictures and articles to: [email protected]
100% National Commitments My Dear Philoptochos Sisters, Christos Anesti! I just wanted to congratulate al l of the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos chapters on reaching 100% part ic ipat ion in our National Philoptochos Commitments program. A l l 55 active chapters have met ALL National Commitments for both 2012 and 2013 and that is quite an achievement! Thank you for your hard work and perseverance in reaching this milestone; it is through the efforts of all of our Philoptochos members, working together as a team, that we are able to support not only our own Metropolis endeavors but also the far reaching endeavors of our National Philoptochos. I would be remiss if I didn't thank our Metropolis Commitment liaison, Peggy Vranas, for her efforts in communicating with those chapters that may have been missing a few commitments. She did a wonderful job following through with chapters and making sure that all understood the importance of the National Commitment program. Again, on behalf of the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Board and the National Commitments program, thank you for helping to fulfill the mission of Philoptochos...to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities and the victims of disease. By working together WE can make a difference in the lives of others. With sisterly agape, Pam Argyris 1st Vice President, Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos National Commitments Chairman
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Opening Day – Saturday March 1, 2014 – New York The Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy
Cloudy and cold weather could not curtail the celebration in preparation for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at our new Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America on March 1, 2014.
Several hundred Philoptochos members, supporters and friends from across the United States joined His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela and National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas on Opening Day at the Ribbon Cutting and Blessing of the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy at 126 East 37th Street in New York City. The building is a beautiful 5 story brownstone originally constructed in 1868. It is located in the Murray Hill Historic district.
Saturday morning began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy led by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Manhattan. Followed by a luncheon at the church.
This Opening Day was a day full of great joy for the entire membership of our Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. President Aphrodite Skeadas expressed gratitude to Archbishop Demetrios on behalf of the Society’s 27,000 national members. She offered her deepest thanks to the many Philoptochos volunteers led by Arlene Siavelis Kehl and the very dedicated staff who worked tirelessly to move and prepare the facility for the opening festivities. This special day was the culmination of 3 years of planning and fund raising. The purchase of this building shows that Philoptochos members do not wait until conditions are perfect to begin. They know and have proven by purchasing our new home, that beginning makes the conditions perfect.
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios is the first to enter The Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy.
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The anxious crowd waits to file in for the first glimpse of the new Philoptochos offices. It was close quarters for the hundred plus members who participated in the Thyranioxia Ribbon Cutting and Blessing.
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The Chapter Giving Tree The Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Chapters joined the National Campaign to donate a leaf from their chapter to The Chapter Giving Tree. Members of the Chicago Metropolis who attended the Opening Day Festivities at the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy were proud to view each leaf. Pictured in front of the Giving Tree are Marilyn Tzakis and Pam Argyris, who headed the campaign to contact each chapter in the Metropolis and achieved 100% participation.
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Metropolis Clergy Laity and Philoptochos Assembly Sioux City, Iowa - October 2-6, 2013
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community has proven to be the little engine that could. The Metropolis Clergy Laity and Philoptochos Assembly was a huge success and enjoyed by all who attended. The meeting was held at the Marina Inn Hotel and Conference Center in beautiful meeting and banquet rooms. The speakers, workshops, food and hospitality of the Sioux City group were memorable as was the weather. Tornadoes not withstanding. Below are some pictures from the events and a letter from Mary Bariatakis, President of the hosting Philoptochos Chapter in Sioux City.
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Metropolis Clergy Laity and Philoptochos Assembly Sioux City, Iowa - October 2-6, 2013
The Philoptochos of Holy Trinity in Sioux City, Iowa was proud to host the 2013 Clergy Laity and Philoptochos Conference in our parish last October. While we are a small parish, we have many bright, energetic and talented members; all willing to undertake this event. We were happy and blessed to have had both His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos as well as His Grace His Grace Bishop Demetrios attend the conference.
In addition to the normal expectations of arranging such a conference, we started to think how we could make the event a memorable one for our guests. (No, we did not order OR plan the tornado!). This evolved into what we hope was a good experience for all those who attended. We thank you for making the trip to the far north-west corner of Iowa and experiencing our hospitality. In between sessions of meetings, break-out sessions with speakers and guest lecturers, we made time for some well-earned 'breaks' for our guests.
In keeping with traditions of Philoxenia and as a welcome, a small gift bag of 'Siouxland' items was presented to each registrant. Dozens and dozens of Koulouria, dolmades and tyropitakia were made and enjoyed by all. A big bowl of Skordalia appeared at Friday's luncheon. Treats of specialty soaps and candies were given to all Philoptochos registrants at their meetings. We took a short excursion to see a bit of our town, stopping at a beautiful park-like setting where 50 foot sculptures of the Virgin Mary and Christ are beautifully displayed in the landscaped greenery. This included a quick stop at our hometown candy factory storefront, Palmer Candy.
Following the inspirational Vespers in our church sanctuary, an elegant and delicious banquet was held in the beautifully decorated hotel ballroom. During the meal, entertainment was provided by our young Greek dance troupe as well as the Native American Dance Troupe from a nearby Indian Reservation. Dinner music, and later, dance music was provided by 'Dino', whom all enjoyed. Our hometown pride was evident, when one of our parishioners and Philoptochos member, Maria Schultz was awarded the St. Iakovos Service Award. We heard a humorist during our Friday lunch, which had us all laughing in our seats (and some wearing these funny red noses). For those who stayed through Saturday, a pig roast was held with all the trimmings. Sunday's Hierarchal Liturgy was followed by a Pastichio luncheon in the church hall.
Someone referred to us as 'The little church that could…"
Respectfully,
Mary Bariatakis
President Holy Trinity Philoptochos
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LENTEN RETREAT
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Theotokos & the Modern Woman
Metropolis of Chicago 32nd Annual Lenten Retreat On Saturday, March 15, the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos held the 32nd Annual Retreat at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Libertyville, IL.
Patricia Gerbanas, Cathy Katrakis, Kathy Siavelis, and Christina Hiotis, shared the Co-Chairs duties of the Retreat. Cathy Katrakis, welcomed everyone and thanked the St. Demetrios Philoptochos Society’s President Ms. Brenda Costopoulos and the Philoptochos Ladies for their warm and gracious hospitality.
His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos instituted a Lenten Retreat in the Chicago Metropolis 32 years ago when he was the Bishop of the Diocese. A Saturday in the Holy Megale Sarakoste has been reserved for reflection, prayers, and contemplating the three major principles of the Holy Tesarakoste: Praying, Fasting, & Charity.
His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, again, served as the Retreat Master and was instrumental in providing his guidance to make the event a success. For this year, there were 230 more people attending the Retreat that is the highest turnout in recent memory.
Rev. Fr. Cosmas Halekakis, pastor of St. Demetrios, extended a warm welcome to the attendees before offering Orthros. Following the theme of the Retreat, “Theotokos & the Modern World,” he exhorted the participants to follow Theotokos' example in life. The two speakers were:
Dr. Helen Theodoropoulos stated that the Theotokos is a “power source” for all of us and that her love sustains and uplifts us. She cited the special virtues of humility, honesty, and patience of Theotokos.
Rev. Fr. Demetrios Kounavis gave a comprehensive account of Theotokos’ life. He exhorted the Philoptochos Ladies to follow the example of Panagia in their work to help the suffering and the needy.
This writer, as one of the co-chairs, extrapolating on the Retreat’s theme, stated that the women of modern age need the guidance, solace, support, and inspiration that the Virgin Mary, our Theotokos, has to offer. At no time in human history, has so much been demanded of humans, as the demands placed on the shoulders of the Modern Woman today. She is not just required to be a consort and a companion as a wife, she is expected to be highly educated, trained, work side by side with men at work, be a cook, chauffeur, party host, coach and educator to the children, a daughter and a sister, all rolled into one. The success of civilization rests solely on the shoulders of this Modern Woman because what she produces, breeds, and influences in the minds and bodies of our children and youth, ultimately shapes our civilization and our future. And, whom can this modern woman look to for guidance and support? Theotokos, who is the eternal model for women in all desirable virtues: humility, patience, purity, dignity, steadfastness in the face of calamity, provides the support and guidance the modern woman needs to fulfill these difficult roles.
At the Retreat funds were raised to help St. Mary’s Project operating in Minnesota. St. Mary’s Project involves working with the Healing House to meet various needs of operating a residential recovery program for women with children trying to break the insidious disease of addiction and transform themselves to become strong and healthy individuals living a life of faith and hope.
All in attendance received a pendant depicting an icon of the Theotokos with Christ as a remembrance.
Everyone felt the joy and spiritual blessings derived from their day of worshipping, reflecting, and learning together.
Excerpts courtesy of Christina Hiotis
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As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:10
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THE 2013-2015 METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD
Irene Arsoniadis, President; Pam Argyris, 1st Vice President; Marilyn Tzakis, 2nd Vice President; Carol Stamas, Recording Secretary; Penny Geavaras, Corresponding
Secretary; Georgia Sarlas, Treasurer; Christina Hiotis, Assistant Treasurer; Joanne Stavrakas, Advisor. Newly elected Board Members: Lena Angelos, Netsa
Antonakos, Demetria Bakris, Georgia Gavaris, Pat Gerbanas, Marilynn Jemas, Kathy Katrakis, Olga Paxinos, Katherine Siavelas, Patty Tsaoussis, Peggy Vranas, Kathy Walstrom. Honorary Board Members: Beatrice Marks, Georgia Barris, Helen
Theodosakis, Mary Ann Bissias and Lori Voutiritsas.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE….
What is the Essence of Philoptochos?
Take a moment to share your comment with the Philoptochos Perspective.
Email to: [email protected]
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Navy Pier Neighborhood of the World at Navy Pier was held on March 16th in Crystal Garden. The Metropolis of Chicago was invited to participate by the Consul General of Greece. Pam Argyris and Irene Arsoniadis are shown manning the Philoptochos Table. They distributed Philoptochos flyers, which highlighted the many areas of involvement and promoted awareness of Philoptochos with others. Thank you to all who baked koulouria. They were a popular treat for all who passed by.
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September 2013 Metropolis Luncheon The “Essence of Giving” Luncheon was held at the Rosewood Banquet Center on September 21, 2013. The event was proud to have as their honored guests and keynote speakers National Philoptochos President Aphrodite Skeadas and Ioanna Efthymiadou, Consul General of Greece/Chicago. Co- Chairwomen for this event were Carol Stamos, Joann Stavrakas and Marilyn Tzakis, who organized and hosted an exceptionally beautiful event.
Proceeds of this luncheon went to the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign and the Iakovos Retreat Center, as well as many other philanthropic endeavors of the Metropolis.
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2014 Metropolis Luncheon
The Metropolis of Chicago cordially invites you and your friends to attend the Metropolis Luncheon on September 20th at the Rosewood Banquet Center, Rosemont, IL. The theme for the 2014 Metropolis Luncheon is “Faith, Family and Philoxenia”. The proceeds of the luncheon will benefit the St. Iakovos Camp and Retreat Center and The Philoxenia House, Rochester, MN. Watch for more news on the event or contact any of the co-chairs.
Co-Chairs: Georgia Sarlas ([email protected]), Demetria Bakris ([email protected]), Marilynn Jemas ([email protected])
National Philoptochos Biennial Convention July 6 - 9, 2014 - Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Visit Philoptochos.org for more information.
NO BLANK SPACES Don’t leave any blank spaces in the Philoptochos Perspective. Let’s all be contributors and make the Metropolis of Chicago Newsletter informative and fun. Remember, everyone can be great in Philoptochos because everyone can serve! Readers of the Perspective want to see your smiling faces and hear your stories. Submissions to: [email protected]
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METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO CALENDAR OF CHAPTER EVENTS May 05/02 - SS Constantine & Helen, Palos Hills: Wine Tasting & Demo Event 05/03 - St. John the Baptist, Des Plaines: 2nd Annual Mad Hatter Benefit @ Park Ridge Country Club 05/08 - St. George, Schererville, IN: Annual Style Show: “Fashion in the City” 05/09 - SS Peter & Paul, Glenview: Annual Fashion Show 05/10 - Metropolis Philoptochos Chapters Presidents Meeting @ St. Iakovos Retreat Center, Brighton, WI 05/18 - Holy Trinity, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin: Annual Greek Fest @ County Fairgrounds July 07/06 – 07/10 - 42nd National Clergy/Laity & 2014 Philoptochos Biennial Convention: Philadelphia, PA. September 09/20 - Metropolis of Chicago Annual Luncheon at Rosewood Banquets, Rosemont, IL 09/26 - St. Nectarios, Palatine: Annual Fundraiser October 10/02 - Ascension of Our Lord, St. John the Baptist, & SS Peter & Paul present POP Gala: “Poppin’ down the Pink Carpet” at the Pickwick Theatre, Park Ridge 10/18 - Holy Apostles, Westchester: Annual Luncheon & Fashion Show at Empress Banquets, Addison 10/25 - St. Basil, Chicago: Dress-a-Girl Sew-athon 10/31 - St. Demetrios, Elmhurst: SS Cosmas & Damianos Great Vespers November 11/01 - St. Demetrios, Elmhurst: SS Cosmas & Damianos Liturgy 11/08 - St. Nicholas, St. Louis, Mo. Grecian Kitchen Holiday Open House December 12/XX - Christmas Open House @ the Metropolis House TBA
To place your Chapter’s events on the Calendar, please call
Christina Hiotis at 847-699-7463 or 847-571-8188 or email: [email protected]
Our New National Address National Philoptochos Office 126 East 37th St. New York, NY 10016
For additional information, visit
www.philoptochos.org
e.newsletter
In keeping with our National President’s request to reduce paper and envelope usage and reduce postage costs, the Philoptochos Perspective will be emailed and posted on the Metropolis of Chicago website.
Please be sure that The Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Board has your email address and encourage others to do so.
BE SURE TO TELL A FRIEND ABOUT PHILOPTOCHOS!
Editor’s Thought…
My wish for you is that you always have new reasons to smile, favorite memories to look back on and the very best of times ahead of you.
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President’s Meeting Presentations
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St. John the Baptist Luncheon
Over 220 guests gathered at the Park Ridge Country Club on Saturday, May 3 for the Mad Hatters Luncheon hosted by the Philoptochos of St. John the Baptist, Des Plaines, Illinois. This year’s Guest Speaker was Eleni N. Gage, author of North of Ithaka and Executive Editor at Martha Stewart Weddings. A portion of the proceeds from the Luncheon went to Heifer International whose mission is to help in the fight against world hunger and poverty by donating livestock to families in poor countries. Co-chairs were Sophie Toulon and Kathi Stamatis.
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Dress a Girl Around the World As part of the St. Demetrios Ladies Philoptochos chapter’s “Dress a Girl Around the World” project, members gathered together on March 29th for a very meaningful Lenten project: to make dresses for girls in underprivileged areas in countries, such as Malaysia, Uganda, and the Philippines. Fifty-five Philoptochos members made dresses from new pillowcases. They sewed all day, beginning at 9:00 in the morning, and by mid afternoon, more than 100 dresses were ready . . . dresses that didn’t resemble pillow cases at all! These beautiful dresses were complete with decorative trim, appliqués, ribbons . . . and pockets. The pockets were a very important addition to the dresses, because inside each pocket, the Philoptochos members tucked a new pair of underwear that they had purchased. Imagine a world where every little girl owns a new dress! The complete article on their project by Francine Pappadis Friedman is in the May 6th issue of The Greek Star.
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Bake Sale - St. Haralambos - Niles, IL
Published by:
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Metropolis of Chicago
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