Ladies Philoptochos Society 'Nausica'

 

PHILOPTOCHOS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2024

Each year, our Philoptochos Chapter celebrates the patron saints of Philoptochos, Cosmas, and Damianos, with an Artoklasia for the health and salvation of its members and a memorial for the blessed memory of those Philoptochos sisters who have fallen asleep in the Lord.

In 2019, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America addressed the guests of the 2019 Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon, stating, “My beloved Ladies of Philoptochos, nothing you do is insignificant, each member of Philoptochos has great value…you are an army of agape (love).”  As such, His Eminence declared the Sunday of the Good Samaritan as Philoptochos Sunday.

Today, on National Philoptochos Sunday, we remember the parable of the “Good Samaritan”, when mercy and unconditional compassion are manifest as the highest Christian virtues.  A stranger was robbed and wounded, left for dead.  And another stranger, a Samaritan, changes the course of the man’s life.  He refuses to pass by and answers the question, “Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there.” (Jeremiah 8:22)

This is what Philoptochos does.  We apply the balm of love and compassion to all who come our way.  We serve to bring healing to individuals and communities who have experienced trauma in our Greek Orthodox Community of Elkins Park and in society at large, locally, nationally, and internationally.

We are especially proud to recognize 10 long-standing Philoptochos board members and supporters this year, who collectively, have contributed more than 400 years of service to help the poor, those in need, and to serve our beloved Annunciation/Evangelismos, our Metropolis and our National Philoptochos.      

The women we are honoring this year are:

  • Beverly Economopoulos – 25 years of continuing service and former Board member
  • Panagoula Ekonomou – 50 years of continuing service
  • Polly Georgiou – Retired Board member
  • Mary Jaxheimer – 50 year former Board member and officer
  • Argyro Kanellopoulos - 50 years of continuing service
  • Marina Konstantinidis – 25 year former Board member and officer
  • Pagona Lambrou – 50 years of continuing service and former Board member
  • Sophia Pappas – 50 years of continuing service
  • Donna Sfiridis – 50 years of continuing service and former Board member
  • Zoi Zervoudis – Past President (2001 – 2005)

We plan to honor these women with a commemorative pin and a certificate of merit and invite you to join us on Sunday, November 10, to congratulate them on their διακονία and φιλότιμο.

Your Sister in Christ,

Cathy Avgiris

Philoptochos President

 

Φιλότιμο

Philotimo is a wonderful Greek word that cannot be translated.  It consists of two words: philo – which means friend, or love – and timo/timi, which means honor.

It’s a word that describes all that’s best about Greek ways, Greek character, and the things which Philoptochos stands for.  It includes the notion of dignity, generosity, freedom to give and share.

And philotimo is a word that can be used to describe the Samaritan in today’s Gospel parable, and a word that our Philoptochos chapter strives to live by every day.

The Samaritan acted spontaneously, free from prejudices.  He took the wounded man, carried him to the nearest inn, checked him into a room, paid in advance what his stay would cost, and promised to come back.  This may be a far cry from what most people would do today…

If there is one thing we need in the world today it’s more philotimo.  If there was more of it, we would be more caring toward each other, more accepting of people who are not like us, more giving, more joyful…more Christian.

Our Philoptochos chapter strives to take the parable of the Good Samaritan to heart every day. We are the army of agape, inspiring women and impacting the World. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us to serve with agape and act with philotimo.

Our Philoptochos Board welcomed Archbishop Elpidophoros to our community on Holy Monday, 2023

MISSION

Philoptochos is the philanthropic and charitable organization of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. It is one of America's largest women’s philanthropic and religious organizations. Philoptochos's mission is to help the poor, destitute, hungry, elderly, sick, unemployed, orphaned, widowed, disabled, and disaster victims in the United States and elsewhere in the world. The Philoptochos Society's charitable work is performed with discretion, kindness, and respect and is funded through donations and fundraisers.

PARTICIPATION

There are 19 board members and approximately 107 active members. Philoptochos assists in every ministry of Annunciation Church and is the umbrella organization for several ministries, some of which are included in the following pages.

Board meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM, and general meetings are held throughout the year.

All parish women are invited and welcomed to become active members of Philoptochos. We work in harmony towards the common purpose of serving the Church and the Greek Orthodox Community.

You are invited to visit the National Philoptochos Society website for information concerning the Society's national news, programs, history, leadership, membership, and bylaws.

Learn about the Patron Saints of the Philoptochos, Cosmas, and Damianos.

CONTACT

President - Cathy Avgiris
1st Vice President - Patra Karidas
2nd Vice President - Angela Vlahos
Treasurer - Toula Pithis
Assistant Treasurer - Maria Grigorakakis
Recording Secretary - Kathy Verros
Corresponding Secretary - Maria McNally

Advisor - Stella Fisfis

Board Members: Joyce Gutchigian, Maria Kolokithias, Ginny Markos, Marianne Marmarou, Dora Mikroulis, Maria Mountis, Stella Nikolopoulos, Georgianne Pogas, Diane Saphos, Maria Skoutelas, Vaso Trifonidis.

 

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Philoptochos Cookbook & Apparel