The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Incorporated, is the duly accredited women’s philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The mission of the Society shall be:
What is Philoptochos?
Philoptochos is one of the largest women’s philanthropic organizations in the United States. It is the accredited international women’s organization of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America. It is designed for Orthodox women to promote humanitarian efforts in their communities and beyond. Philoptochos functions on three levels: 1) National Board, 2) Metropolis Board, San Francisco, 3) Local Chapter, Pasadena. Today there are over 400 chapters in the United States. Members make a difference in the world by their compassionate philanthropic efforts.
Mission Statement
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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 fundraising 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; and
- to promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community with the cooperation of the parish priest and the parish council.
This charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness.
Click here for > Saint Anthony Philoptochos Chapter
History
In the 1930s, the late Athenogoras I, then Archbishop of North and South America established a women’s organization to be named Philoptochos, “friends of the poor.” Throughout the years the Philoptochos Society has tirelessly worked for the Church and community at large. The dynamic and compassionate force for those in need is a tribute to the early women who pioneered Philoptochos and those who continue to be a “friend of the poor.”
The Panagia chapter of the Philoptochos Society of Saint Anthony’s in Pasadena was founded in 1953, two years before the Parish was organized. The first group of women was instrumental in raising money and starting the building fund for the new parish in Pasadena. Today our chapter continues to help support the many needs of our church and community. The funds raised throughout the year benefit charities nationally, in the Metropolis of San Francisco, at Saint Anthony Parish and the greater community.
