Skip to content

Philoptochos

Menu

The word Philoptochos is the compound Greek word, “philos” and “ptochos” which means “friend of the poor.”

Since the late 1950s, upon the recommendation of Archbishop Iakovos, Philoptochos has placed an increased emphasis on the implementation of important programs to benefit the Greek Orthodox community, including, but not limited to, institutions of the Church, the philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and assistance to Greek and Greek Orthodox families. Involvement in social and moral issues encouraged the establishment of several committees to address topics such as child abuse prevention, domestic violence, homelessness, pornography, drug and alcohol abuse, and aging.
Since 1987, the National Philoptochos office has employed a professional Social Worker, engaged in assisting the Greek Orthodox community in the United States as well as Greek and Cypriot nationals. The Department of Social Services is a very important, vital element of our organization. The mission of the Department is to improve the quality of life of those in need, in a way that maintains the dignity and self-respect of the individuals. Through confidential and professional services, the office provides outreach, education, information, support, intervention, motivation, advocacy, financial assistance and referral to local and broader resources. The website of the department of Social Services can be accessed here.
What Is Philoptochos?
Philoptochos is the philanthropic heart of Assumption, whose mission is to undertake a multitude of philanthropic programs to aid the poor, the sick, children and the elderly. We encourage both Men (as Associate Members) and Women to become involved. Any Orthodox Christian in good standing within the Orthodox Church is encouraged to become a member.
Our Board Meetings are held the 2nd Sunday of each month, and our general membership meetings are held twice a year, usually in October and March.
Genesis of Philoptochos
The Society was established at the diocese level in November 1931, by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was then serving as Archbishop of North and South America. The structure of Philoptochos includes the National Board, Metropolis Boards and Chapters in the parishes of the Archdiocese. There are approximately 480 Philoptochos Chapters throughout the United States.
Social Services
Since the late 1950s, upon the recommendation of Archbishop Iakovos, Philoptochos has placed an increased emphasis on the implementation of important programs to benefit the Greek Orthodox community, including, but not limited to, institutions of the Church, the philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and assistance to Greek and Greek Orthodox families. Involvement in social and moral issues encouraged the establishment of several committees to address topics such as child abuse prevention, domestic violence, homelessness, pornography, drug and alcohol abuse, and aging.
Since 1987, the National Philoptochos office has employed a professional Social Worker, engaged in assisting the Greek Orthodox community in the United States as well as Greek and Cypriot nationals. The Department of Social Services is a very important, vital element of our organization. The mission of the Department is to improve the quality of life of those in need, in a way that maintains the dignity and self-respect of the individuals. Through confidential and professional services, the office provides outreach, education, information, support, intervention, motivation, advocacy, financial assistance and referral to local and broader resources. The website of the department of Social Services can be accessed here.

Assumption Philoptochos Supports the Following Ministries

philoptochos-giving-circle
On the National Level
  1. Holy Cross Seminary/Hellenic College
  2. International Orthodox Christian Charities
  3. St. Basil’s Academy
  4. UNICEF Children’s Emergency Fund
  5. Global disasters and humanitarian efforts
  6. Autism Fund
  7. Children’s Medical Fund
  8. Ecumenical Patriarchate
  9. Emergency Fund
  10. General Medical Fund
  11. Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology
  12. IOCC
  13. National Sisterhood of Presbyteras Benevolent Fund
  14. OCF; OCMC; SAMP
  15. Retired Clergy and Widowed Presbyteras Benevolent Fund
  16. Saint Photios Shrine
  17. 75th Anniversary Founders Fund; Social Services
  18. Cancer Fund
  19. UNICEF Children’s Emergency Fund;
  20. General Medical Fund
  21. Nicholas Shrine
philoptochos-giving-circle
On the Metropolis Level
  1. Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape
  2. Bishop Anthony Student Aid Endowment Fund
  3. Women’s Health & Wellness
  4. Emergency Relief Fund
Locally, Our Chapter Supports:
  1. For the Child
  2. The Children’s Clinic
  3. Trinity Home
  4. Long Beach Women’s Shelter
  5. Forgotten Children, Inc for Human Trafficking
  6. We collect food for the Food Bank of Southern California
  7. Conduct a Food Drive for Thanksgiving and Christmas
  8. Conduct a yearly drive for Backpack and School Supplies
  9. Camp Scholarships for children
  10. Emergency needs within our community
  11. We welcome new mothers and babies into our community by attending 40 day blessings with information about Orthodoxy and baptisms.
  12. We visit parishioners confined to their homes and members of our community in the hospital as appropriate.
  13. Baking pastries and staffing the pasty booth at Assumption’s annual Greek Festival.