Ladies Philoptochos Society 'Nausica'

 

CURRENT AND UPCOMING PHILOPTOCHOS EVENTS AND PROJECTS

Philoptochos Sunday, November 9, 2025

Archiepiscopal Encyclical for National Philoptochos Sunday >

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

Today, on the Sunday of the Good Samaritan, we also remember the parable of the “Good Samaritan,” where mercy and unconditional compassion are shown as the greatest Christian virtues. A stranger was robbed and wounded, left for dead. And another stranger, a Samaritan, changes 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 the army of agape!

Philoptochos Supported the Following in 2025
  • American Heart Association
  • Autism Cares Foundation
  • Bensalem Fire Department
  • Caring for Friends
  • Cole Manor Elementary School (Operation Classroom)
  • Crossroads at Hellenic College
  • Ecumenical Patriarchate Fund
  • Face to Face Germantown
  • FOCUS N.A.
  • Grands Stepping UP
  • Hellenic College/Holy Cross Scholarship Fund
  • Holy Protection Monastery
  • International Orthodox Christian Charities
  • Mud Girls Studios
  • National Forum of Church Musicians
  • Orthodox Christian Fellowship Campus Ministry
  • Orthodox Christian Mission Center
  • Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry
  • Orthodox Volunteer Corp
  • PA Special Olympics
  • Rise Against Hunger
  • Ronald McDonald House (including Greek Division)
  • Saint Basil’s Academy
  • Saint Mary of Egypt
  • Saint Michael’s Home
  • Saint Photios Shrine
  • Schools of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
  • Shoes That Fit
  • Sisterhood of Saint Basil
  • Support a Mission Priest
  • Support of Victims of Natural Disasters
  • The Breathing Room Foundation
  • The SuperHero Project
  • The Wardrobe
  • UNICEF
  • Wounded Warriors
  • Zoe for Life
Φιλότιμο

Philotimo is a beautiful Greek word that cannot be directly translated. It combines two words: philo—meaning friend or love—and timo/timi, which means honor. It describes everything that reflects the best of Greek ways, character, and values that Philoptochos upholds. These include dignity, generosity, and the freedom to give and share.

Philotimo also characterizes the Samaritan in today’s Gospel parable, and is a principle that our Philoptochos chapter strives to embody every day.

The Samaritan acted spontaneously, free from prejudices. He took the wounded man to the nearest inn, checked him in, paid for his stay in advance, and promised to return. This gesture may be far from what most people would do today.

If there is one quality we need more of in the world today, it’s more philotimo. With more of it, we would be more caring, more accepting of others unlike us, more giving, more joyful… and more Christian.

So, when people in our community ask, “What does Philoptochos do?” we answer, “We give with love—our hands, our hearts—freely, without expecting anything in return, other than the knowledge that we are doing good for our fellow mankind.”

Our Philoptochos chapter strives to live by the parable of the Good Samaritan every day. We are an army of agape, inspiring women and making a difference in the world. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us to serve with love and act with philotimo.

We serve those in need in our community in many ways. While some members prepared home-cooked meals for delivery to Ronald McDonald House, others teamed up with our GOYANs and fellow Philoptochos sisters at Saint Sophia to prepare meals for FOCUS N.A. Whether it’s a Greek meal of roast chicken with potatoes, string beans, salad, and baklava, or pans of baked ziti—we leave with the satisfaction of knowing we filled empty bellies and comforted families caring for sick children.

 
Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos Board

The Metropolis Philoptochos Board installation took place on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at St. Demetrios Church in Upper Darby, PA. The event included Diane Saphos and Stella Fisfis, although Stella was absent due to a family baptism commitment.

 

 

Philoptochos Society 'Nausica' Board for 2025 - 2027
 
 
On Sunday, May 18, our chapter held elections for the upcoming term.  Please welcome our new board members pictured here from left to right:  Vaso Trifonidis, Eugenia (Gina) Giannoumis, Maria Grigorakakis, Demetra Pithis, Dora Mikroulis, Stella Fisfis, Cathy Avgiris, Diane Saphos, Stella Nikolopoulos, Maria Mountis, Patra Karidas, Ginny Markos, Maria Skoutelas, and Maria McNally.  Not pictured: Christine Ferello, Joyce Gutchigian, Maria Kolokithias, Gigi Pogas, and Kathy Verros.  Congratulations to all and καλή δύναμη!
 
Our new executive officers for the 2025 - 2027 term:
  • President:  Cathy Avgiris
  • 1st Vice President:  Patra Karidas
  • 2nd Vice President:  Maria McNally
  • Recording Secretary:  Stella Nikolopoulos
  • Corresponding Secretary:  Ginny Markos
  • Treasurer:  Kathy Verros
  • Assistant Treasurer/Advisor:  Stella Fisfis
We also want to thank Marianne Marmarou and Angela Vlahos, who are stepping back from Philoptochos board duty this term.  Thank you for your years of service to Philoptochos! We look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.

 

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Philoptochos Cookbook & Apparel 

 

 

 
 

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

Please check our Weekly Bulletin and Community Calendar for current and upcoming Philoptochos events.