Saint Sophia Cathedral: La Cañadan Frances Bissias Honored as Mother of the Year ’07

Frances Bissias of La Cañada was recently named Mother of the Year 2007 by the Philoptohos Society of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles.

The organization hosted over 600 mothers, their families and guests at its “Songs My Mother Taught Me “ Mother’s Day celebration at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of Mother of the Year 2007 by Helen Lambros, who praised Bissias’ many contributions to church and community over the last 40 years. Bissias was presented with an icon by the Very Rev. John Bakas, dean of Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Society president Irene Frankos offered the traditional engraved silver bowl followed by Senior Assistant City Attorney Theresa Stamus, who presented Bissias with a resolution from the city of Los Angeles.

Bissias has been a board member of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptohos and a 20-year board member of National Philoptohos, chairing the Saint Basil’s Academy Committee.

In 1992 she chaired the Clergy-Laity Congress for Western States. She has attended every Congress since 1982 and has hosted the Kids ‘n’ Cancer reception in her home.

During her tenure as president of St. Sophia Cathedral Philoptohos, Bissias provided leadership to establish the William F. Freedman, M.D., Research Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at the UCLA School of Medicine.

She has chaired numerous Philoptohos fundraisers. She served on the Senior Residence Committee until that project became a reality.

Bissias has been associated with the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, La Cañada Flintridge Rose Parade, La Cañada PTA, La Cañada Flintridge Heart Drive and the Foothill Committee of the Spastic Children’s League.

Bissias and her husband Nick are the parents of Peter Bissias (Michele), Elaine Bissias and Diane Bissias and the grandparents of Taia.