Philoptochos
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What is PHILOPTOCHOS?
Philoptochos is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and has offered over 85 years of philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and throughout the world. The Society was established in November 1931, has more than 400 active chapters and over 26,000 members.
Philoptochos responds immediately to needs and crises and its philanthropic outreach extends to each area of the country and throughout the world. In 2016, National Philoptochos distributed $2.06 million in philanthropic aid.
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 help 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.
Philoptochos fulfills its Mission
Our local chapter fulfills this Mission through our National Philoptochos Annual Commitments, our District Commitments and by supporting our Parish and Community. More information on these commitments can be found at http://www.philoptochos.org/outreach/commitments. District Commitments include supporting St. Michael’s Home, Holy Cross Scholarship Fund, Hellenic Cultural Center and donations/monetary support for infirm and needy as requested by our District Philoptchos.
St. John’s Ladies Philoptochos
Our members work hard each year with our fundraising efforts to fulfill our commitments and to support our church and community. For Christmas and for Easter, financial assistance is provided for the needy in our community. Our members also provide assistance when needed to the infirm when called upon. We also collect items to assist the needy in our local community through the Angel Tree donations for the holidays. Recently, we have collected items for our Veterans, Stony Brook Hospital Children, Mercy House, Community Housing Innovations, St. Michael’s Home and more.
In 2019, we cooked for the parents at Ronald McDonald House and distributed meals and toiletries for the National Philoptochos Feed the Hungry Program in Manhattan. For 2020, we have collected and delivered clothing for Dress for Success, will be going to cook at Ronald McDonald House once again, are having a symposium on Human Trafficking and have a Blood Drive planned already for the winter/spring season. Other events include bake sale, plant sale, loukoumades, luncheons and our annual fundraiser in November.
Our dues are minimal at $30 per year and of that amount, $16 goes to National Philoptochos and $8 to District Philoptochos. We usually meet on the third Thursday of the month.
Membership is what you make of it. Our members contribute their time, assist with our fundraising efforts and support our organization.