Philoptochos
Many questions have been asked as to why we have a Philoptochos. What are its aims and purposes? What does the organization strive to accomplish?
The Philoptochos Society is an official philanthropic organization of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. We are also the largest women's Christian Philanthropic Organization in America. The name Philoptochos literally means "friend of the poor". If there are no poor, then we have to be philanthropists, philanthropies, philoxenos, and philochristos. In addition to our philanthropic endeavors, we try to preserve the sacredness of the Orthodox Family and promote the Greek Orthodox Faith.
The Annunciation Cathedral Philoptochos was established in 1933. It was comprised of very dedicated women of the community and their legacy still lingers on. Many of the current members of the Philoptochos are the daughters and granddaughters of these women.
Throughout the years, the Annunciation Cathedral Philoptochos Society has been successful in raising money through their wonderful projects to fulfill their ministries at the local level, the Diocese level and the National Philoptochos commitment level. Our current projects include lunch preparation for Makareas on request, sponsoring the crab feed, and the Christmas tree program. In addition, once a month a local bus tour visits various churches in San Francisco and stops at the Annunciation Cathedral for lunch and a tour. Our chapter also sponsors the Mother's Day Luncheon/Fashion Show and the Father's Day Luncheon.
Our philanthropy on a local level is as follows:
At the Diocese level we support the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund. This Fund offers tuition support to San Francisco Diocese students attending Hellenic College/Holy Cross Orthodox School of Theology.
All chapters throughout the United States contribute to the National Philoptochos Commitment Programs. These programs are as follows: Social Services, Cardiac Fund, St. Photios Shrine, Hellenic College/Holy Cross, St. Basil's Academy, Cancer Fund and UNICEF.
For those that are not presently members of our Society, please consider joining our organization. Volunteerism should be a part of everyone's life. It's a great way to make new friends and help others in need.
We would like to share the following message with you:
"The only thing that can remove poverty is sharing. Jesus came to the poorest, to teach people to love one another, which is to share-to use the gifts that God has given to people who have, to share with those people who have not."
--Mother Teresa