The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., as the philanthropic heart of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, has for eighty-one (81) 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 parishes of the Archdiocese. There are approximately 480 Philoptochos Chapters throughout the United States.
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 is:
- 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, and to offer assistance
to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts; - 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 cooperation of the Parish priest and the Parish Council.
The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness.
Our St. Agape Philoptochos Chapter, Philoptochos meaning “friend of the poor”, maintains the mission as stated above. Our Chapter through working together in a spirit of philanthropic support meets the needs of our Parish, our members, our Metropolis, our Archdiocese and the world.
All Orthodox women over the age of 18 are encouraged and asked to become members of our St. Agape Philoptochos Chapter. All women who are married to an Orthodox man and are over 18 are encouraged and asked to become Associate members of our St. Agape Philoptochos Chapter. Our St. Agape Philoptochos Chapter is truly the right arm and the charitable arm of our Parish. If you would like more information about our St. Agape Philoptochos Chapter, please speak with our President.
Constantina Verikakis, President
Officers:
President, Constantina Verikakis
1st Vice President, Georgia Halakos
2nd Vice President, Maria Grigorakakis
Recording Secretary, Evaggelia Karakasidis
Corresponding Secretary, Mary George
Treasurer, Popi Papachrysanthou
Past President & Advisor, Maroula Haralambidis
Board members:
Kristie Asimos, Eleni Aslaouridis, Labrini Hantzandreou, Vickie Karakasidis, Jessica Marvel, Joanne Tarabcios and Joanna Tsaganos
Spiritual Advisor:
V. Rev. Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Fr. Christoforos Oikonomidis, Proistamenos