The Ladies’ Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Church here in America. This group of women are active volunteers who not only assist different needs financially but also with their time and talents.
If you are interested in joining this amazing group, contact Mary! marymbcarroll@gmail.com
Below is an explanation of the National Society, based out of the Archdiocese in New York:
About the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Chairman
His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Media, Spiritual Advisor
Maria Logus, President
Helen Lavorata, Director
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that has offered eighty years of philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and throughout the world. 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.
Philoptochos fulfills its mission to “help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities and the victims of disasters through its National and Metropolis Boards and its 485 Chapters and 27,500 members nationwide.
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America called Philoptochos, “an army of nobility and the jewel of our Church. Philoptochos must continue to do what God does by loving people.”
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. The website of the department of Social Services can be accessed here: http://philoptochos.org/programs/socialservices/.
Some recent Philoptochos Society outreach activities include:
- Provided funding to build a children’s medical clinic in Waliso, Ethiopia
- Established programs such as Go Red
- Correspond to National Health Observance days across the United States
- Expanded membership programs in order to serve the needs of all generations (click here for list of available resources)
For further information contact:
7 West 55th Street
7th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Tel. (212) 977-7770 — Fax (212) 977-7784
Email: philosny@aol.com — web: www.philoptochos.org
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