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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 77 years of existence, we can proudly state that Philoptochos
is the largest Christian women’s philanthropic organization
in the United States. Nationwide it is second only to the Sisterhood of
Hadassah, the Jewish women’s charitable group.
Philoptochos functions at the local, diocesan, archdiocesan,
metropolitan, national, and international levels and is open to all
women over 18 years old who are of the Greek Orthodox faith. It is your
right and your privilege to be a member of
Philoptochos. e, the clergy of our Denver Metropolis come from many different backgrounds. Some of us grew up in the Orthodox Church, others are converts from the Roman Catholic and Protestant faiths. Some of us transferred into the Metropolis from various other canonical Orthodox jurisdictions.
Metropolis Philoptochos News
Nationwide HIV/AIDS 5K Walkathon
In keeping with the philanthropic ministry of the Greek Orthodox Ladies
Philoptochos Society, which states that we bring healing to the sick, embrace
those with any kind of affliction, necessity or distress and assist in the care
of orphans, National Philoptochos is sponsoring an HIV/AIDS Walkathon in May
2009. We ask all Chapters nationwide to host this event within their parish and
community in order to raise funds in support of HIV/AIDS in the United States and
in Ethiopia.
... more information (.pdf documents):
- Letter from National Philoptochos Board
- Information Packet
- Local Parish Chapter Flyer
Philoptochos Monthly News Tips
This monthly bulletin contains news, information, ideas, special events, and a few fun finds, as well as a message from Metropolitan Isaiah. These Tips are meant to be shared at the parish chapter meetings.
Parish Philoptochos Chapter President Resources
To help the local parish Philoptochos chapter presidents, two resources have been developed by the Metropolis Board:
The Mission of Philoptochos
“TThe mission of the Philoptochos Society is
to demonstrate God’s love for all people and to practice the inspiring
message of the parable of the Good Samaritan. It is to take the words
of Christ when He says, For everyone to whom much is given, from him
much will be required (Luke 12:48), and to show concern and
generosity to the less fortunate, the infirm, the hungry and the
homeless of this world.” His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah
The benevolent works of Philoptochos are a continuation of
Christ’s ministry on earth where we can return to God a portion of
the time, talents and resources with which He has gifted us. With the
leadership and guidance of Archbishop Demetrios, Philoptochos will
continue to transcend the confines of the Greek Community by broadening
its focus to include national issues such as the fights against cancer,
AIDS, pornography, substance abuse, suicide, child abuse, &c.
What Programs do the Philoptochos Chapters Support?
Each parish Philoptochos chapter conducts various fund-raising activities to
benefit local, regional, and national philanthropic programs. There are ten
programs, eight Metropolis Commitments and two
projects, which the Metropolis Philoptochos recommends that all chapters support.
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.
2007–2009 Metropolitan Philoptochos Board
The officers and board members of the 2007–2009 Metropolitan Philoptochos
Board are as follows; click on names (if in blue and
underlined) to send e-mail.
President:
1st Vice President:
- Georgia Carson, San Antonio, Texas
2nd Vice President:
Recording Secretary:
Treasurer:
Asst. Treasurer:
Advisor:
Board Members:
- Elizabeth Beck, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Irene Cassis, Houston, Texas
- Cindy Demeris, Houston, Texas
- Angie Lewis, Omaha, Nebraska
- Kim Pappas, Littleton, Colorado
- Stella Piches, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Valerie Ranahosseini, Greenwood Village, Colorado
- Cathy Roussalis, Casper, Wyoming
- Margo Sotiriou, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Mitzi Theo, Shreveport, Louisiana
- Barbara Vittas, Bedford, Texas
- Mary Wininger, Plano, Texas
- Fay Zaharas, Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Billie Zumo, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Metropolis Philoptochos Committees
The Metropolis Philoptochos board has the following Committees and chairmen;
click on names (if in blueto send e-mail.
- Membership/Stewardship:
- Public Relations/Fund Raising:
- Historian/Scrapbook:
- Elder Care Fund:
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Archbishop Demetrios
Metropolitan Isaiah
Saints Kosmas & Damianos