Philoptochos - The Lovers of the Poor


 

Officially formed in the United States over 92 years ago, we can proudly state that Philoptochos is the largest Christian women’s philanthropic organization in the United States. 

Philoptochos functions at the parish, metropolis, archdiocesan, and international levels and is open to all women over 18 years of age who are of the Greek Orthodox faith. Our local Philoptochos Chapter is one of over 400 chapters that exist across the United States with over 26,000 members.

The mission of the Society is to:

  • To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts; and

  • To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources;

  • To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs;

  • To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council.

 

Meet Our Officers

 
President - Kathy Johnson
Vice President - Joy Arnold
Secretary - Nicole Turner
Corresponding Secretary - Helen Costopoulos
Treasurer - Stephanie Lindholm
Board Member - Anna Barker
Board Member - Nancy Tsandes

 

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN PHILOPTOCHOS MINISTRY?

Your active and/or financial support enables the Philoptochos Society to be effective as a contributor to charitable organizations and to assist in fulfilling the needs of the parish.  The greater the support, the greater the potential of Philoptochos to fulfill and expand its ministries. 

Even if you are unable to give of your time and talent, your financial commitment is beneficial and most appreciated.  Our Philoptochos chapter membership is on a stewardship pledge basis, each contributing member pledging annually an amount according to her/his ability and willingness to give.  Local chapters must forward $7.00 to the Diocese Philoptochos and $15.00 to the National Philoptochos for each contributing member.  The remainder of your pledge benefits our local chapter.  Therefore, the more generous you can be, the more we can support the ministries and activities of our own chapter. 

You can become a member by:  

  • Being an active member who participates in our regular meetings, and actively participates in our ministries
  • become an “Associate” (non-voting) member (female/male) who is not an Orthodox Christian, but married to an Orthodox Christian  
  • Inactive member pays her/his Stewardship, while they may choose not to attend meetings, they may support and assist us with our charitable works whenever possible

Our goal is to have every woman (or man) of the parish be a member of Philoptochos. Like all Orthodox ministries, the benevolent works of Philoptochos are a continuation of Christ’s ministry on earth.  We have an opportunity, through our participation in the ministries and programs of Philoptochos, to return our time, talents, and resources back to God.

Another purpose of Philoptochos is to help the Church with its many ministries. Philoptochos is an organization of women who enjoy the fellowship and spiritual enrichment of working together as Orthodox Christians. 

Our chapter meets monthly in our church hall. Fund-raisers, activities, and service projects are planned for our monthly meetings. Our chapter also recognizes that evening meetings are not always the best time for all members. Special gatherings may also be scheduled at certain times, and will be announced in advance.

For more information, please contact us at philopwyo@gmail.com