The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, the official philanthropic organization of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, was established in November 1931, by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was then serving as Archbishop of North and South America.

The members of the National Board of Philoptochos are dedicated church women who offer countless hours to the philanthropic, humanitarian, and Christian mission of the Church. There are 475 Philoptochos chapters in the United States.

The structure of the Philoptochos includes the National Board, Metropolitan Boards, and Chapters in every parish of the Archdiocese.

St. John's Philoptochos was instituted in 1981 and is active with charity work, bake sales, a Festival of Tables every other year, and various projects within the community.

Chapter Update

Our spring membership drive has us at 43 members and climbing!  Our goal is 50 members in this 2008/2009 year.  With a group of ladies that big and strong, we have been able to host many events towards the goal of our organization - being "friends to the poor." 

 In February our Festival of Tables was held at the beautiful setting of the Colleyville Community Center and featured tables decorated with creativity and beauty!  We were honored to have as our key-note speaker, Gloria Campos, anchorwoman of WFAA Channel 8 news in Dallas.  Gloria spoke eloquently about family values, goals as women, and volunteer work in the community. 

At the end of May we were honored to have with us Barbara Latsonas, our Metropolis Philoptochos President, and Elaine Cladis, our Metropolis Treasurer, at a brunch held in their honor.  They were on the last stop of a "Texas Tour" after visiting seven Philoptochos chapters in one week!  In addition, they toured the Holy Archangel Michael Monastery at Kendelia and Saint Basil in Houston.

Since then we have completed the work on our Chapter Challenge and are about to embark on the presentation and distribution of the documentary about faith and the autistic child.  We will present it to our peers at the National Philoptochos Convention in Washington, DC, in July and will begin distribution shortly thereafter.  Our goal is to have every parish in America view this film!  We believe a transformation will come about in the areas of compassion and understanding regarding the developmental disorder labeled autism.   We will have 4 representatives at the National Convention.

We always have in mind the goodness and support of our fellow parishioners at St. John the Baptist who makes our work very easy.  Efharisto!

 Angels and Autism DVD Order Form

Philoptochos Officers and Board for 2007 - 2009

President - Bertha Gianulis
Vice President - Lynn Peters
Treasurer - Joanie Ruppel
Corresponding Secretary - Athena Pachares
Recording Secretary - Angela Cline