Philoptochos Society

What is Philoptochos?

Literally, Philoptochos means friend of the poor — not only poor in financial resources but also poor in spirit, poor in health, poor in companionship, poor in emotional stability and poor in whatever is needed to lead a fulfilling life.

Mission Statement

• 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 fundraising efforts; and
• 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.

A Legacy of Love

Helping hands and the volunteering of one’s time enables St. Sophia’s Philoptochos to be able to contribute to Local, National and Global Charities.  We have fundraisers throughout the year to support these worthy causes and also to be available when need arises in our own community.

There are a myriad of reasons to be a member. Join the generations of Philoptochos women who have given of their time and wisdom to truly make a difference. You will be contributing not only to Philoptochos but to the Church and our community as well. And you will have the enjoyment of working and making friends with fellow parishioners. 

History at St. Sophia

The Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. Sophia had its’ inception in 1928 under the direction of the late Father Panos. It was given the name “Omonoia”, meaning harmony and/or good understanding.

The primary duty was to look after the needs of the Church, the community, and especially the Parish Greek School.

Omonoia Philoptochos functioned independently until 1944, when it joined the National Ladies Philoptochos.

For more information to help in this worthy cause by volunteering your time, please call the call the church office at 210-735-5051 and leave a message.

Christmas Luncheon 2024

  

Diaconate Retreat Luncheon provided by Philoptochos

Leadership

Executive Board - 2023 - 2025

President - Pam Layden; 1st Vice President - Tamara Reeves; 2nd Vice President - Georgia Carson; Recording Secretary - Cindy Hughes; Corresponding Secretary - Vicky Dolan; Treasurer - Marlene Graham; Assistant Treasurer - Annette Cash; Advisor - Kathy Nelson; Board Members at Large: Cynthia Asvestas, Penny Danos, Suzie Zampas.

For more information see the monthly newsletter - Philanthropy Witness, the Official Newsletter of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society.