St. Helen Women’s Philoptochos of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and Hellenic American Women’s Council-Great Lakes Region (HAWC) have teamed up to present International Bestselling Author Yvette Manessis Corporon for a book talk and signing at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Palos Hills, IL on October 6. The author will appear in conversation with Journalist & Author Maria A. Karamitsos.
Manessis Corporon returns to the Chicago area ahead of the release of her new novel, Daughter of Ruins, which will be available in stores on October 8. Last year, the author served as keynote speaker for the sold out Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos luncheon.
“I am so excited to return to Chicago and visit my old friends and make new friends. The Chicago community has welcomed me so beautifully and warmly and I can’t wait to introduce everyone to my newest novel, Daughter of Ruins,” said Manessis Corporon.
She is an international bestselling author and an Emmy Award-winning producer. Her other books include Where the Wandering Ends (Harper Muse, 2022), Something Beautiful Happened (Howard, 2017), and When the Cypress Whispers (Harper, 2014). To date, her books have been translated into 16 languages. The daughter of Greek immigrants, she is a native New Yorker. Manessis Corporon studied Journalism and Classical Civilizations at NYU and loves combining both of her passions and crafting stories from little known moments in history and mythology.
She is also a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist who has traveled the world covering the biggest stories in news and entertainment. Manessis Corporon is currently a Senior Supervising Producer with EXTRA. She is also a recipient of the Silurian Award for Excellence in Journalism and the New York City Comptroller and City Council’s Award for Greek Heritage and Culture.
Image by Connie Fernandez.
Set in Corfu and Kefalonia, and partially in America, Daughter of Ruins examines the experiences of women in Greece in the 1920s and 1950s and provides a glimpse at the early Greek-American woman’s experience. The author culled inspiration from Greek history, culture, traditions, and myth to craft a sweeping tale.
Karamitsos is the founder and former publisher/editor of WindyCity Greek magazine. Her work has been published in various Greek media and other publications. She’s contributed to two books and is a published poet. She’s currently editing her first novel.
“Daughter of Ruins is a riveting and inspiring tale about the power of friendship and ultimately, the power of women to change their own destinies,” said Karamitsos. “You won’t be able to put it down.”
Following the discussion, Manessis Corporon will read from Daughter of Ruins and sign copies. The event will take place on October 6 at 12:15 pm CT at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church, 11025 S. Roberts Road (Hon. Father Byron Way), Palos Hills, IL. The book is not yet available in stores but will be released on October 8. A limited number of copies will be available for sale at the event. Proceeds benefit the works of the St. Helen Women’s Philoptochos. Light refreshments will be served.
“We are very excited about co-hosting this event with HAWC and looking forward to reading Yvette’s new book,” said Penny Vitogiannis, St. Helen Women’s Philoptochos corresponding secretary.
HAWC Communications Chair Pericleia Veremis spoke about the partnership.
“This is the first time we’re partnering with St. Helen Women’s Philoptochos, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with such a dynamic group of women for our first HAWC event on the South Side. And how perfect for two women’s groups to come together to host Yvette and her new book, which shines a light on the experiences of Greek women in different eras.”
The St. Helen Women’s Philoptochos, founded in 1924, is a chapter of the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos. When the National Philoptochos was finally established in 1933, they became a chartered affiliate. Their mission is “to promote charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic outreach; to preserve the sanctity of life and family; and to perpetuate and to promote our Orthodox faith and traditions.” At the national level, the Philoptochos Society is the largest women’s religious philanthropic organization with more than 25,000 members. For more information, visit https://www.stconstantinehelen.org/philoptochos.
The Hellenic American Women’s Council is a nonprofit nonpartisan, nationwide network whose mission is to identify and harness the tremendous talents of Hellenic American women. HAWC sponsors regional conferences, lectures, debates, and seminars by prominent scholars, government officials, and experts on various issues of interest to its membership. For more information, visit https://www.hawcnet.org/.
For information on the event and to RSVP, call 708.289.9004 or 708.715.5322.
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