Philoptochos

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., as the philanthropic heart of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, has for over seventy- five years undertaken a multitude of philanthropic programs to aid the poor, the sick, and the elderly. The Society was established in November 1931, by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was then serving as Archbishop of North and South America. The structure of Philoptochos includes the National Board, Metropolis Boards and Chapters in the parishes of the Archdiocese. There are approximately 480 Philoptochos Chapters throughout the United States.

Since the late 1950′s, upon the recommendation of Archbishop Iakovos, Philoptochos has placed an increased emphasis on the implementation of important programs to benefit the Greek Orthodox community, including, but not limited to, institutions of the Church, the philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and assistance to Greek and Greek Orthodox families. Involvement in social and moral issues encouraged the establishment of several committees to address topics such as child abuse prevention, domestic violence, homelessness, pornography, drug and alcohol abuse, and aging.

Since 1987, the National Philoptochos office has employed a professional Social Worker, engaged in assisting the Greek Orthodox community in the United States as well as Greek and Cypriot nationals. The Department of Social Services is a very important, vital element of our organization. The mission of the Department is to improve the quality of life of those in need, in a way that maintains the dignity and self-respect of the individuals. Through confidential and professional services, the office provides outreach, education, information, support, intervention, motivation, advocacy, financial assistance and referral to local and broader resources.

National Philoptochos Society Commitments and Programs include such worthy causes as:

1. Academy of Saint Basil
2. Autism Assistance Fund
3. Cancer Fund
4. Children’s Medical Fund
5. Ecumenical Patriarchate
6. National Philoptochos Emergency Fund
7. General Medical Fund
8. Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology
9. International Orthodox Christian Charities
10. National Sisterhood of Presvyteres
11. Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)
12. Orthodox Christian Mission Center and Support a Mission Priest
13. Retired Clergy Association’s (RCA) Benevolent Fund
14. Saint Photios Shrine
15. Seventy-Fifth Anniversary Founders Fund
16. Social Services
17. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

Mission Statement

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 aid 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; and

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.