About Philoptochos

About Us

What is PHILOPTOCHOS?

Philoptochos is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and has offered over 85 years of philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and throughout the world. The Society was established in November 1931, has more than 400 active chapters and over 26,000 members.

Swearing in of 2024 Philoptochos Board Members Swearing in of 2024 Philoptochos Board Members Philoptochos President Olympia Gouvis Charity work at Ronald McDonald House Breast Cancer Walk Philoptochos donates for Renovations at St. John's Charity Work at Ronald McDonald House Cooking for Veterans Baking for the Fesitval Philoptochos volunteering at St. John's Greek Festival Decorating the Kouvouklion Philoptochos congratulates our Chanter Andreas Pappas of 50 years!

Philoptochos responds immediately to needs and crises and its philanthropic outreach extends to each area of the country and throughout the world. In 2016, National Philoptochos distributed $2.06 million in philanthropic aid.

Mission Statement

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 shall be:

  • To help 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 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 the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council.

The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy, and kindness.

Philoptochos fulfills its Mission

Our local chapter fulfills this Mission through our National Philoptochos Annual Commitments, our District Commitments and by supporting our Parish and Community. Our chapter contributes over $2,000 towards our National Commitments. More information on these commitments can be found at http://www.philoptochos.org/outreach/commitments.

District Commitments include supporting St. Michael’s Home, Holy Cross Scholarship Fund, Hellenic Cultural Center and donations/monetary support for infirm and needy as requested by our District Philoptochos. District contributions are between $500 to $1,000 annually.

St. John’s Ladies Philoptochos

Philoptochos Executive Board

Meet our dedicated Philoptochos Executive Board Members:

  • President: Olympia Gouvis
  • Vice President: Mary Luciano, Stavroula Mokkas
  • Treasurer: Christine Pappas
  • Assistant Treasurer: Elizabeth Gouvis
  • Corresponding Secretary: Catherine Monaco-Vezeris
  • Recording Secretary: Eleni Mokkas

Our members work hard each year with our fundraising efforts to support our church and our community. For Christmas and for Easter, financial assistance is provided for the needy in our community. Our members also provide assistance when needed to the infirm when called upon. We also collect items to assist the needy in our local community through the Angel Tree donations for the holidays.

We have collected items/given monetary support to our Veterans, Stony Brook Hospital Children, Mercy House, Community Housing Innovations, Hope House, Dress for Success, St. Michael’s Home, Mather Hospital Foundation, Long Island Community Hospital, Long Island Cares, Lighthouse Mission, Special Olympics and more. We have collected food for the needy, cooked for parents at Ronald McDonald House, distributed meals and toiletries for the National Philoptochos Feed the Hungry Program and helped the needy in our community.

For this Christmas Season, our Angel Tree will benefit the victims of abuse and human trafficking through Suffolk Children’s Advocacy and Empowerment Collaborative of Long Island.

The community of St. John’s is most generous and assists Philoptochos in its many endeavors.

Projects Undertaken by Philoptochos to Beautify our Church

Philoptochos has undertaken several projects to beautify our church, including:

  • Iconostasios
  • Iconography: Pantokratora, Platytera, Kimisis tis Panagias
  • Completion of Stained Glass Windows
  • Emergency Roof Repairs
  • Kitchen and Cabinetry
  • Many Smaller Projects

Fundraising

Our fundraising activities include:

  • Easter and Christmas Bake Sales
  • Annual Major Fundraiser (Chinese Auction)
  • Spring Plant Sale
  • Sunday Coffee Service
  • Donation from Members and community
  • Festival Baking
  • Running the pastry and loukomades stands for the Festival. All of the expenses for these two stands (or almost all) come out of fundraising and donations so that all the proceeds from these two stands is all profit for the church. For 2018, our goal was to reach $20,000 and we surpassed it with $21,816 raised.

Our dues are minimal at $30 per year and of that amount, $16 goes to National Philoptochos and $8 to District Philoptochos.

Membership is what you make of it. Our members contribute their time, assist with our fundraising efforts and support our organization.