Philoptochos
About us
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
On January 17, we were blessed to have a visit by Martha Stefanidakis to kick off our 2010 Membership Drive. Martha is a member of the National Philoptochos Board and the Metropolis Board along with our own Barbara Vittas, holding the same two positions. Our Paulos Center meeting room was transformed into a reception site that hosted over two dozen ladies and Father Vasile. Martha spoke about putting our hearts into our work and gave us a message from Metropolitan Isaiah who has claimed us to be "An Army of Women!" Let us prove him right and be the strongest chapter we have ever been! Our goal is 50 members - can YOU be ONE? See below for a pledge form.
Also at this meeting, Stephanie Callas, who is our church school teacher for the high school students, gave a tear-jerking rendition of the delivery of Christmas gifts to her special needs students. Our souls were moved and we felt privileged to be a part of that afternoon. We were especially proud of our young adult Goyan advisors who spent the day with Stephanie and her students.
We continue to mail out Angels and Autism DVDs. February is the month National Philoptochos requires all chapters nationwide to remit a donation towards autism. Knowing that commitment was soon to be due, we completed a mailing to any chapter in the Denver Metropolis who has not yet ordered the DVD. We will be making an effort via mail to contact chapters outside of our Metropolis that have not yet purchased a DVD. Please see below for a DVD order form. We are also working with Dr. Carolyn Garver of the Autism Treatment Center of Dallas who has asked if she could present our DVD at the Autism Society of America Conference to be held in Dallas in June 2010.
Our "Shoes for Orphan Souls" project will be ending on Sunday, February 14. The box is almost full! Roberta and Kathy will be taking the shoes to the collection site. Thank you ladies!
See 2009 Walk-a-Thon pictures here
Upcoming events 2010:
February - Valentine Luncheon fundraiser on the 14th. Lenton Soup Suppers begin on select Friday's during Lent
March - continuation of Lenton Soup Suppers (all proceeds go to Holy Cross/Hellenic College)
April - Festival of Tables on Saturday the 24th in conjunction with St. Barbara Philoptochos at Holy Trinity in Dallas. Guest speaker FoodNetwork Iron Chef Michael Symon!
Completed events/projects 2010:
January - Vasilopita auction, all proceeds sent to St. Basil's Academy. Monthly meeting and Membership Tea with guest speaker National Board Member Martha Stefanidakis.
Philoptochos Officers and Board for 2009-2011
President - Bertha Gianulis
Vice President - Joanie Ruppel
Secretary - Theresa Alexander
Treasurer - Angela Cline
Advisor - Barbara Vittas
Roberta Brandon - Board Member
Margaret Chokas - Board Member
Kathy Fox - Board Member
Toni Nicholas - Board Member
Rena Poletes - Board Member
Connie Rafailedes - Board Member
Forms available on this website:
- Philoptochos 2009-2010 Calendar
- Angels and Autism DVD Order Form
- Philoptochos Pledge Form
- Philoptochos Stewardship Letter
-
Cookbook order form (Coming soon!)