WHAT IS PHILOPTOCHOS?

While the Greek word “philoptochos” means “friends of the poor”, it does not begin to describe the many facets of the organization that chose this name. The Greek Orthodox women of Philoptochos are involved in all areas of philanthropy. Whether it be on a global scale, helping earthquake and tsunami victims, or helping a struggling parishioner to pay a bill, Philoptochos seeks to serve those in need. Following the dictates of Christ, we seek to aid those who are in physical or emotional pain, work in homeless shelters, conduct food drives, raise funds for cancer, autism & other medical needs. We help our parishes in countless ways; we extend our hand to as many as we  gain access to a secure site where they can fill out the application and upload supporting documentation. ship and treasured friendships among our members. Philoptochos needs you. Your desire to serve and help others will find a place of welcome in this philanthropic organization.
 

The following you tube video presents the vision and spirit of a new Philoptochos. We acknowledge and appreciate the generations of women, who built our foundation... and now, we go forward all together into the 21st century --  proudly and confidently, committed to improving lives all over the world. It's not only your Yiayia's Philoptochos anymore…    

 
Operation Classroom (click here)

Our Mission: To assist and offer support and resources to teachers and students in underserved or underfunded educational settings. Chapter forms are available at this location 

Veteran Outreach (click here)

Our brave service men and women have made great sacrifices to serve our country and to protect all of us. It is important to show them that we appreciate their sacrifice.

IOCC Partnership (IOCC website)

 Human Trafficking Awareness (click here)

Over the past several years, our National Philoptochos has worked extensively to educate and develop awareness of the multi-faceted problem of human trafficking and to encourage action by assisting and forming partnerships with national and local agencies that assist victims of human trafficking

National Philoptochos Feed the Hungry Initiative
https://www.philoptochos.org/feed-the-hungry-philoptochos-initiative/

Educational Initiatives (click here)

Knowledge is power. The more we know about a certain issue, the more we are empowered to take action. The more informed we are, the better decisions we can make. The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society has adopted a few educational initiatives that we feel reflect our mission. They are also important for the wellbeing of our members, their families, and the greater community.  (Includes information on Alzheimers care and support, technology safety, bullying, women's health, opiod crisis, vaping)

 St. Euphemia was born in Chalcedon, Asia Minor at the time of the Emperor Diocletian. Her parents belonged to the highest aristocracy. She was reared in the grand manner befitting a young lady of her station. She was a true believer in Christ, and devoted herself to the welfare of Christians less fortunate than herself. Her life was in Christ. The Provincial Governor Priscus demanded that she share the governor’s scorn for Christians. St. Euphemia never wavered and held steadfast to her faith. Priscus had her arrested and he ordered the high priest of the pagan temple, Apellanian to bring their apostate back to worship in the Temple of Aris.
 
She was imprisoned and tortured and finally thrown into the arena to be devoured. She met her violent death on September 16, 305 A.D. She was buried in the Chapel of St. Euphemia in Chalcedon.
 
In the year 451 A.D. a priest named Eutyches taught that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, did not have two natures — the human and the divine — because the human had been absorbed by the divine. This teaching was in opposition to the accepted dogma and constituted false teaching. The belief that Christ was both God and Man was thus challenged. Division occurred within the Holy Church, which ultimately directed the Empress Pulcheria to convene an Ecumenical Council in 451 A.D. This Council resolved once and for all the accuracy of the Orthodox teaching on the dual nature of Christ.  During this Council the Holy Relics of St. Euphemia witnessed to the truth that Christ was both God and man.
 
While in Chalcedon, the members of the Council also witnessed miracles of healing attributed to the relics of St. Euphemia. To verify that Christ was God and Man someone proposed that the writings of Eutyches concerning the nature of Christ be placed in the casket of St. Euphemia alongside those of the Fathers of the Holy Church. They closed the casket and after a short meditation period they reopened the casket to see a miracle performed!
 
The heretical works of Eutyches were found at the feet of St. Euphemia and the Orthodox writings of the Father were clutched in her arms. Thus, the fate of Eutyches was confirmed. These teachings were condemned and the Orthodox doctrine of the dual nature of Christ was firmly established.  Shortly thereafter, the remains of St. Euphemia were transferred to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople and laid to rest in the Chapel of St. George.