Irene Philip, the beloved wife of Archon Dr. Chris Philip, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate from 1989 to 1997, passed away on April 7, 2025 in Fort Lee, New Jersey. She was 89 years old. Mrs. Philip leaves behind a rich legacy of philanthropia and devotion to her Greek Orthodox Christian Faith.

Born Irene Stavropoulos in the Bronx, New York, Irene demonstrated her devotion to God’s Holy Church and to the Hellenic community from an early age. Irene sang in her parish’s choir and became Miss Greek Independence in 1953.

Around this time, she met her future husband of 59 years, Dr. Chris Philip of blessed memory, who was serving as a Captain in the Air Force Dental Corps. They married and settled in Tenafly, New Jersey, where they had two children, Chris and Katherine, and became pillars of the Church. Irene served for twenty years on the boards of both St. Basil Academy and the National Philoptochos Society, and found the time as well to chair numerous fundraisers and events for Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in New York City, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian in Tenafly, New Jersey, and The Archdiocese of New York.

His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America of blessed memory appointed Irene to the Archdiocesan Council; His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon of America bestowed upon her the Patriarchal Cross.

Irene will be sorely missed by her loving family, including her son Chris Philip Jr., her daughter Katherine Kojanis, her son-in-law Dr. Chris Kojanis, a grandson, Dr. Lee Kojanis and his wife Dr. Daniele Orellana, twin granddaughters and their spouses, Dr. Renee Cuomo and Michael Cuomo, and Ellyn Bannon and husband Michael Bannon. Also left behind are two great-grandchildren, Christian Elias Cuomo and Katerina Jules Bannon. She has many loving, devoted nieces, nephews and cousins.

Irene Stavropoulos Philip will also be missed by all of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, who strive to emulate her unwavering dedication and devotion to our Holy Mother Church of Constantinople and to the Greek Orthodox Church around the world. May her memory be eternal.

Yours in the service of our Holy Mother Church,