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.   We are happy to be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the beginning of National Philoptochos in 2011.

By the numbers:  27,500 members nationally in 485 chapters 

Chapter Update

Thank you to the ladies who were able to attend the meeting is Sunday, January 29.  Many summaries were presenting for past projects and discussion regarding the upcoming Festival of Tables on May 5.  At the end of the month, on February 26, we will hold our annual Stewardship Tea.  Please mark your calendar now as we take the time to gather and renewing our commitment to St. Irene Philoptochos.

Our Outreach committee visited several homes this past holiday season and found that it was the precise work we were meant to do.  These visits personify our purpose and the meaning of the words "holiday spirit."  Thank you to Rena for organizing all the visits and to those who went on the visits.   If you are interested in a visit by the ladies of Philoptochos, please contact Fr. Vasile or Chairperson Rena Poletes for arrangements.  

We still have a healthy stock of the DVD Angels and Autism so if you know of anyone who would benefit from it, please see Joanie Ruppel or the bookstore to purchase a copy for only $10.   This is a timeless video and aimed to help those create understanding and tolerance for those with special disabilities with a subject geared to autism.

Kathy and Mike Fox made our first delivery of a box of shoes and socks for the "Shoes for Orphan Souls" project.  The box is back in the hall, empty, so please fill it up by purchasing a new pair of tennis or sneaker style shoes in order for us to make a second delivery!  In 2009, over 230,000 pairs of shoes were distributed to needy souls.

 

Planned events 2012:

February 12 - A fabulous time is in the making to celebrate the secular holiday of Valentines Day.  A gourmet meal will be prepared and served with a dessert raffle.  Please plan on supporting this fundraising event and to help Share the Love!  Thank you Bertha for chairing this event.

February 26 - Membership Tea at the home of Barbara Vittas.  Thank you Barbara for chairing the Stewardship committee.  Info to be distributed.  

March 2, 16 & 30 - Lenten Soup Suppers, Kathy Fox chairman

March 25 - Parish event, Philoptochos to participate in Pan-Hellenic Vespers

May 5 - Festival of Tables,  at Holy Trinity in Dallas

This years silent auction will be entitled "The Power of the Purse"  More info to come in the next few months.

 

Completed events/projects 2012:

January - Vasilopita auction, all proceeds sent to St. Basil's Academy.  Metropolitan Isaiah was among us and cut the bread.  Thank you to Toni N., Angela C., & Georgia P., who headed up the baking crew.  Also thanks to George Vittas for acting as auctioneer!

 

 

 

 See 2009 Walk-a-Thon pictures here 

Philoptochos Officers and Board for 2011-2013

President - Joanie Ruppel

Vice President - Barbara Vittas

Secretary - Rena Poletes

Treasurer - Angela Cline

Advisor - Bertha Gianulis

Pat Ballas - Board Member

Margaret Chokas - Board Member

Toni Nicholas - Board Member

Athena Pachares - Board Member

Connie Rafailedes - Board Member

Karen Steffaro - Board Member

 

Forms available on this website: