ANNUAL SPRING FESTIVAL MAY 18, 19, 20, 2012
Orthodox Christian Network (OCN), an agency of SCOBA, has been established to create a national, sustainable and effective media witness for the Orthodox Christian Church in North America. OCN produces high-quality programs and media tools for local parishes that reach people for Christ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
Philoptochos
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 the Academy of Saint Basil, Social Services, Autism Assistance Fund, Saint Photios Shrine, Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), Hellenic College/Holy Cross, International Orthodox Christians Charities (IOCC), 75th Anniversary Fund, Support a Mission Priest (SAMP), Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), Retired Clergy Benevolent Fund (RCA), Cancer fund, National Philoptochos Emergency Fund, Ecumenical Patriarchate, National Sisterhood of the Presvyteres Benevolent Fund (NSP), UNICEF and General Medical Fund. Our Archdiocesan Direct 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 our annual holiday gift drives for a local charity. In February 2009, we launched a monthly food drive with GOYA for the benefit of local food banks. Our mission is philanthropic and educational. 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. Good Company/Kali Parea was inaugurated in October 2009, this program is offered for both men and woman of our Cathedral community. It is an opportunity to come together for fellowship. On the first Tuesday of the month there is a lunch and a planned activity. At many of our monthly general membership meetings, we invite speakers on topics of interest to our members. 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 ActivitiesThe first Sunday of each month, we collect canned food and non perishable items for the benefit of a local food bank. Each January, the Philoptochos sponsors an Artoclasia for the Feast Day of Saint Basil. A tray is passed after liturgy to collect monies to benefit the Academy of Saint Basil. On Clean Monday (Kathari Deftera), the first day of Lent, we organize a Lenten retreat led by Father John Tavlarides and Father Steven Zorzos. It is followed by a Lenten luncheon. We organize the palm making for Palm Sunday and the preparation of the flowers for the Epitaphio, During the Easter and Christmas season, a committee visits parishioners who are in a nursing home or housebound. Father Steve offers communion to them. In the spring, we host a Membership Tea or Brunch. The Sunday in November closes to the Feast Day of Saints Cosmas and Damianos, the Philoptochos patron saints, who assisted the poor and afflicted without compensation, we sponsor an Artoclasia in their honor. During November, Philoptochos normally coordinates a Thanksgiving food drive for the Cathedral community. During the Christmas season normally a gift drive is organized and/or monies collected for charities. An Annual Christmas Luncheon is sponsored for men and women over 62 years old. General Membership Meeting ScheduleWhere: Atrium of the Frosene Center When: Generally, the third Monday of the month at 7:30 pm, unless otherwise noted. Upcoming General Membership Meetings:
Philoptochos Board Meetings:
Philoptochos BoardOfficers
General Board 2009-2011
Calendar
Philoptochos Upcoming Events/Luncheons/Receptions:
Social ServicesIf you know of someone in need, please leave a message for our Social Services Chair, Presvytera Andrea Lee, in the Cathedral Office or contact Father Steve. All inquiries and the details of any assistance provided remain confidential. Nursing Home VisitsIf you have a family member who resides in a nursing home or is homebound and would like Father Steve and some ladies from Philoptochos to visit during Lent and the Christmas season, please leave a message for Mary Bochanis, our Nursing Home Visits Chair, in the Cathedral Office. Joining the PhiloptochosMembership 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 e-mail Pat Gogos, at pagogos@aol.com. * Scheduling is subject to Cathedral's approval. |