ABOUT PHILOPTOCHOS
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:
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To aid 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;
and
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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;
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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;
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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.
Serving with Love: What Philoptochos Does
The Philoptochos Society is the charitable arm of the Greek Orthodox Church, dedicated to offering compassion and practical help to those in need. Its mission is to aid the poor, the hungry, the sick, the elderly, and those facing hardship, while promoting the values of faith, family, and philanthropy. Through its national, diocese, and local chapters, Philoptochos supports numerous causes—ranging from St. Basil’s Academy, IOCC, and UNICEF, to local organizations such as Loaves & Fishes, Wellspring Women’s Center, and Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home. Members of the Annunciation Philoptochos chapter in Sacramento carry out this mission through year-round fundraising and hands-on outreach programs, including providing meals, coats, and school supplies to children in need, hosting community events, and offering care baskets to homebound parishioners. Guided by kindness, discretion, and dedication, Philoptochos truly embodies its name—“friends of the poor”—by transforming generosity into meaningful action within the Church and the wider community
Philoptochos Prayers
0 Lord Jesus Christ, we bow our heads before You, and with humble hearts we give thanks to You
for the abundant blessings, which You have poured forth upon us.
We praise You for gathering us together as members of the Ladies Philoptochos Society
in the service to Your Holy Church. We bless You for the selfless sacrifice of countless generations of women
who have faithfully fulfilled the philanthropic mission entrusted to them.
Through Your ineffable wisdom and Your Divine power, You have enabled us to minister to those
who are in need of Your love, Your comfort, and Your care. Make us instruments of Your peace
and of Your hope, 0 Lord. Where there is pain and suffering, may we bring Your healing and comfort.
Where there is loneliness and isolation, may we bring the fellowship of Your Holy Church.
Where there is despair and discouragement, may we inspire hope and faith in You.
Where there is hatred and strife, may we be peacemakers producing the fruits of love and reconciliation.
We also ask You, 0 Lord, to guide our deliberations, our decisions, our fellowship,
and all our labors, so that in all we do, or say, we may bring glory to
Your Holy Name, of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.