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.

News

Parish Philoptochos Chapter President Resources

• President's Handbook (download .pdf)
• President's Leadership Manual (download .pdf)

The Mission of Philoptochos

“The 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?

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.

• Barbara Latsonas, Denver, Colorado

• Georgia Carson, San Antonio, Texas

• Marian Catechis, Houston, Texas

• Helen v. Carnegis, Dallas, Texas

• Elaine Cladis, Greenwood Village, Colorado

• Klea Kappos, Denver, Colorado

• Martha Stefanidakis, Houston, Texas

• 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 blue and underlined) to send e-mail.

• Valerie Ranahosseini, Greenwood Village, Colorado

• Mitzi Theo, Shreveport, Louisiana, and


• Stella Piches, Albuquerque, New Mexico

• Fay Zaharas, Cheyenne, Wyoming

• Martha Stefanidakis, Houston, Texas