Philoptochos
PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY MISSION
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, an official philanthropic organization of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, was established in November, 1931, by the late Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was then serving as Archbishop in North and South America.
The members of Philoptochos are dedicated church women (and men) who offer countless hours to the philanthropic, humanitarian, and Christian mission of the Church.
There are over 500 Philoptochos chapters in the United States. The National Philoptochos President is responsible for coordinating the National Board, the Diocesan Boards and the local Philoptochos chapters in every parish of the Archdiocese.
The main aim and purpose of Philoptochos is philanthropy, the loving care of human sufferings. Our goal is to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the elderly, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the disabled and victims of disasters whether in our country or wherever the need arises.
In addition to these philanthropic endeavors, the Philoptochos chapters are to preserve the sacredness of the Orthodox family through family concern, service, unity of action; to perpetuate the Christian concept of marriage and upbringing of children and through it perpetuate and promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions in conformity with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, and customs.
Our sacred mission is to help at all levels of our church in cooperation with our parish priest for the welfare of our church communities and the Orthodox Church in the United States. Our mission is to be achieved through our charitable and philanthropic efforts as well as through the sponsorship of educational programs that will continue to enlighten us and our fellow parishioners in our communities.