Philoptochos
What is Philoptochos?
Literally, Philoptochos means friend of the poor—not only poor in financial resources but also poor in spirit, poor in health, poor in companionship, poor in emotional stability and poor in whatever is needed to lead a fulfilling life.
Since 1931, when it was established by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, Philoptochos has been the largest organization of Greek Orthodox women which supports many charities while spiritually enriching its members through their participation in its philanthropic work.
In over 80 years of existence, we can proudly state that Philoptochos is the largest Christian women’s philanthropic organization in the United States.
Philoptochos functions at the local, diocesan, archdiocesan, metropolitan, national, and international levels.
Mission Statement
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the duly accredited women's philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The mission of the Society shall be:
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.
The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness.
For more information regarding Philoptochos Nationally, log onto www.philoptochos.org
President's Message
Are you interested in working with a dynamic, diverse and determined group of women? Are you the type of person that enjoys helping others? Would you benefit from educational, informative, friendly gatherings? Do you look forward to weekly fellowship, conversation, meeting new parishioners and making friends? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, St. Catherine’s Philoptochos may just be the group for you. Your membership and support, along with that of thousands of women from across the nation makes it possible for dynamic philanthropic efforts on a national, regional and local level. Our ever-changing society poses many challenges, but we all know the possibilities and power that can be unleashed when women come together to work on philanthropic projects.
If you’re interested, MEMBERSHIP is available to everyone eighteen years or older whether she/he is an active member, or a supporting member, in this dynamic and growing charitable organization. For additional info, please call Chrissie Rafael at (917) 856- 5650 and Chrissy Zografos at (516) 428- 3428.
What Does Our Philoptochos Do?
St. Catherine’s Philoptochos chapter conducts various fund-raising activities to benefit national, regional, and local philanthropic charities and programs. The following is a list of charities that St. Catherine’s Philoptochos supports.
Click here to download our St. Catherines Scholarship Application for Seniors.
For Our Church:
Bell Tower Fund
Book Club
Christmas Card
Christmas Decorations
Church Dance Journal
Church Name Day Celebration
Coffee Hour
Easter Decorations, Eggs, Epitaphio, Palms
Faith & Fellowship
Festival Pastries
Festival Raffle Prize
Greek School & GOYA Glendi Raffle
Monastery Trips
Oratorical Festival Scholarship Fund
Scholarship for H.S. Senior
St. Catherine’s Name Day Celebration
Vasilopita Luncheon
Visits to the Homebound
Youth Commission
Local:
Christmas Angel Program
Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect
Glen Cove Youth Bureau
Momma’s House
Long Island Harvest Food Pantry
North Shore Homeless Shelter
North Shore Hospital of Glen Cove Gynecological Exam Room
Norwalk Emergency Shelter School Supplies
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Student Sponsorship for Hellenic College
Saint Philothea Project
Medical Relief:
For several needy patients
Emergency Relief:
Hellenic Fire Fund
Hurricane Disaster Relief
Direct Archdiocesan District Charities:
Clergy Laity Convention Donations
District Olympics
Hellenic Cultural Center
Holy Cross Scholarship
Shop for a Cause
St. Michael’s Home
National Philoptochos Charities:
Academy of St. Basil
Cancer Fund
Cardiac Fund
Children’s Medical Fund
Children of St. Basil Academy
Ecumenical Patriarchate
Founders Fund for the Aging
General Medical Fund
Hellenic College Holy Cross
International Orthodox Christian Charities
Mission Priests
National Philoptochos Emergency Fund
National Sisterhood of Presbyteres Benevolent Fund
Orthodox Christian Mission Center
Retired Clergy Benevolent Fund
Hellenic College Holy Cross Scholarship Program
Social Services
St. Photios Shrine
UNICEF
Patron Saints of Philoptochos
November 1 is the Feast Day of Saints Kosmas and Damianos, the patron saints of Philoptochos.
Kosmas and Damianos were born of wealthy parents and educated in the best schools receiving degrees in medicine. They were apostles of Christ and physicians of both the body and soul, who pledged never to accept payment of any kind for their services. They healed thousands through the miracle of prayer and medicine.
Philoptochos members strive to make a difference in the lives of others, following the example of our patron saints.
Our Philoptochos Board
Nestoras Knoblach, Elena Razis Ljuljic, Maria Phillips,
Angie Sakellarides, and Marika Susi who were all elected
for the next two year term.