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Philoptochos
Overview
Derived from the Greek "friends of the poor," the Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral is a vibrant source of fellowship and philanthropic service in our community. Established in 1931 by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, the National Ladies Philoptochos Society is one of the largest Christian women's philanthropic organizations in the United States . The National Society established Chapter No. 12 at Saint Sophia in 1932. The Philoptochos' efforts support both local and national charities. Our National Commitments include IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities), OCMC (Orthodox Christian Mission Center), Cardiac Fund, Cancer Fund, Saint Basil's Academy, Support a Mission Priest, and Saint Photios Shrine. Our Archdiocesan District Commitments include Saint Michael's Home and the Hellenic Cultural Center . On a personal level, the Philoptochos promotes fellowship and Christian virtues among its members and in the community it serves. The Philoptochos also assists those individuals in the community who may need the help of the Church through special funds. We have organized volunteer opportunities in the community, including for Meals on Wheels and at the National Center for Children and Families. We participate in the Race for the Cure 5K annually through a Metropolitan Philoptochos Team, United Greek Orthodox (Team UGO), to raise awareness of and money for breast cancer research. Our mission is philanthropic and educational and we strive to create a greater community spirit at Saint Sophia by giving back to our community, both within the Cathedral and in the broader sense of the metropolitan Washington area and the nation.
We sincerely thank everyone who has contributed time or money so that we may improve the lives of those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
Annual Activities
Each January, the Philoptochos sponsors an artoclasia for Saint Basil's Day and passes a tray during Liturgy for Saint Basil's Academy. We host a Membership Tea in February or March. At the advent of Lent, we organize a Lenten luncheon following a retreat led by Father John Tavlarides and Father Steven Zorzos. We organize the palm making for Palm Sunday and the preparation of the flowers for the Epitaphio. During Easter and at Christmas, we visit parishioners who are in a nursing home or housebound with Father Steve. In early November, we sponsor an artoclasia in honor of Saints Cosmas and Damianos, the patron saints of Philoptochos, who assisted the poor and afflicted without compensation. During November, Philoptochos coordinates a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Sunday school and the Cathedral community. In December, we organize a Christmas Gift Drive to benefit a local charity. In addition to several other events planned for the Golden Circle (men and women who are 62 years or older) during the year, the Philoptochos hosts an annual Christmas Luncheon for the Golden Circle through the generosity of an anonymous donor.
General Membership Meeting Schedule
Where: Saint Sophia Cathedral Auditorium
When: Generally, the third Monday of the month at 7:30 pm
Philoptochos Board
Officers
| Mary Gianoplus | Co-President |
| Mary Ann Paturis | Co-President |
| Helen Fliakas | 1st Vice President |
| Maria Farmakides | 2nd Vice President |
| Katherine G. Deoudes | Co-Treasurer |
| Katharine Papadopoulos | Co-Treasurer |
| Mary Hatziyannis | Recording Secretary |
| Janice Labovites | Corresponding Secretary & Welfare Chair |
| Catherine Mary Rafferty | Adviser |
| Rev. Steven P. Zorzos | Spiritual Adviser |
General Board
| Margaret Argyropoulos | |
| Mary Bochanis | |
| Mary Georghiou | Aud. & Parlia. |
| Pat Gogos | |
| Caroline Jarboe | |
| Christine Kalavritinos | |
| Catherine L. Kambanis | |
| Angela Kolaras | Membership |
| Fran Lakas |
Calendar
| Board Meetings | 1st Monday of month in Library (7:30PM) unless otherwise notified |
* Scheduling is subject to Cathedral's approval.
Registering for the Philoptochos
Membership in the Philoptochos is open to all women of the Cathedral over the age of 18. We have an annual stewardship with a $35.00 minimum. All donations are tax deductible. For more information on membership, please contact our Membership Chair, Angela Kolaras, at 703-847-9493.
