Philoptocos

A History of Philoptochos

The history of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society itself can be traced all the way back to 1894, during the time Greek immigrants were bravely leaving their homeland to embark on the long and often dangerous voyage to America. They arrived at Ellis Island by the hundreds, boldly leaving behind their family and friends, for the greatest adventure of their lives, for the land of opportunity.

Meanwhile, at the Holy Trinity Church in New York City, Father Paisios and several female parishioners reached out to these new arrivals, to welcome them and to assist them in adjusting to their new lives. This ongoing effort to embrace the Greek immigrants, to aid the poor and to offer assistance, ultimately lead to the formation of the first Ladies Philoptochos Society in 1902.

Under the spiritual direction and guidance of Father Methodios Kourkoulis, the society applied for a charter from the State of New York. On July 23, 1928, they were finally granted a charter from the State of New York and were officially recognized as a women’s philanthropic organization.

The enthronement of Archbishop Athenagoras as the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America, on February 28, 1931, forever changed the face of Philoptochos and as God would have it, ushered in a new era of major philanthropic accomplishments. His Eminence immediately recognized the need for the unification of the more then 300 Greek Orthodox philanthropic chapters that had formed all across the United States, into one philanthropic society. It did not take him long to achieve his dream.

On November 1931, during the Archdiocese Fourth General Assembly in New York City, it was decided that Philoptochos would be the official philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Church of America.

Our chapter was first established in 1950 at our first church, Repose of St. Mary, on Oak Court under the guidance of Father Macropoulos. In 2000, our chapter name was changed to honor St. Philothea.

Ministries and Charities We Support

Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos St. Philothea Chapter supports the following (and more) ministries and organizations with treasure, time and talent.

Local / Chapter Support
Adult Center for Enrichment (Wellspring)
Authora Care (Hospice)
Cone Health Heart and Vascular Fund
Cone Health mammography Scholarship Fund
Foster Family Alliance (NC)
Habitat for Humanity (GSO)
OCMC – Support a Mission Priest
Meals on Wheels – Senior Resources of Guilford
Senior Wheels and Medical Transport – Senior Resources of Guilford
Tunnel to Towers Foundation (national organization supporting First Responders and Veterans)
Greensboro Urban Ministry
Zoe for Life Pregnancy Ministry

Metropolis of Atlanta
St. Stephen’s Camp
Christ the Good Shepherd Special Needs Camp
Clergy Education Fund

Circles of Service

St. Philothea Philoptochos Chapter puts Faith into Action by doing work through small Circles. Our members are humble community minded women (and men!) who use their gifts within their Circle of choice to engage with others, encourage strength, develop talent and most importantly help others. You will Belong, you will be Inspired and you will Grow in Faith by committing to the Orthodox mindset through the following Circles:

• Circle of Faith – This circle programs faith activities during Lent in addition to year round family outreach.
• Circle of Love – This circle promotes membership and auxiliary membership for men, in addition to coordination of Christmas Drives for families in need.
• Circle of Hope – This circle spearheads and fully coordinates the Chapters Fundraisers. With a strong Circle of Hope, we will be able to increase financial support to ministry programs.
• Circle of Charity – This Circle helps coordinate multiple programs that support Food Banks and School Supply Collections, and Youth Programs.
• Circle of Honor – This circle honors and celebrates students on Graduation Sunday. This circle is also responsible for managing scholarship applications and selecting recipients according to predetermined criteria.
• Circle of Fellowship and Friendship – This circle is responsible for leading and coordinating Receptions such as the Feast Day Vespers and Diving Liturgy receptions, Vasilopita Auction and Luncheon (as well as some collaborative receptions).
• Circle in Times of Bereavement – this circle helps grieving families navigate protocol for Trisagion Services and Sunday Memorials. In addition, this circle is responsible for the St. Philothea Memorial Service and Reception.
• Circle of Kindness – this circle predominantly is responsible for sending cards, visiting and outreach with homebound parishioners.
• Circle of Good News – this circle is responsible for keeping memories alive by updating bulletin boards, content creation for any social media platforms, and working as “editor – in – chief” for Philoptochos News for the Oracle.

Our Leadership

Board Members

Maria Colozzi
Lula Culler
Niveen Hanna
Barbara Sabanis
Catherine Stuman
Kiki Tarasidis
Gwen Varsamis