The Metropolis Philoptochos Biennial Conference is held in the year prior to the National Philoptochos Biennial Conference which takes place in conjunction with the Biennial Archdiocese Clergy-Laity Congress.
The word philoptochos translates to mean friends of the poor, but the name does not begin to describe the many facets of the organization. The Greek Orthodox ladies of Philoptochos are involved in all areas of philanthropy. Whether it be on a global scale, such as helping earthquake and tsunami victims, or at the local level, helping a struggling parishioner to pay a bill, Philoptochos seeks to serve those in need. Following the dictates of Christ, they aid those who are in physical or emotional pain, work in homeless shelters, conduct food drives, raise funds for cancer, autism & other medical needs. They help their parishes in countless ways and extend their hand to as many as possible. As they do this Christian work, they find not only the joy of giving and helping, but also of creating fellowship and treasured friendships.
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;
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.
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.
Click here to go to the Metropolis Philoptochos home page.