Philoptochos Long Beach
Serving with Compassion, Faith, and Love
Philoptochos Long Beach is the philanthropic heart of our Assumption community at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. Rooted in the Gospel call to care for others, this ministry serves those in need with compassion, dignity, and faith. The word Philoptochos means “friend of the poor,” and that spirit continues to guide everything we do.
What Is Philoptochos Long Beach?
Philoptochos Long Beach is more than an organization. It is a ministry of care in action.
At Assumption Long Beach, Philoptochos helps turn faith into service. Through outreach, fundraising, charitable giving, and hands-on support, we respond to real needs in our parish and beyond. Whether we are helping a local family, supporting a church institution, or bringing comfort to someone who feels forgotten, our purpose is the same: to serve with love.
We invite Orthodox Christians in good standing to become members, and we welcome both women and men, with men serving as Associate Members.
Our Mission
Philoptochos Long Beach works to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others by offering support where it is needed most.
Our chapter contributes to local outreach, Metropolis ministries, and national philanthropic efforts, while also caring directly for members of our own Assumption family.
How Philoptochos Long Beach Serves the Community
In Our Local Community
Our Assumption Philoptochos chapter supports a wide range of local ministries and charitable efforts, including:
- For The Child
- The Children’s Clinic
- Trinity Home
- Long Beach Women’s Shelter
- Forgotten Children, Inc., in support of anti-human trafficking efforts
- Food collection for the Food Bank of Southern California
- Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives
- Annual backpack and school supply drives
- Camp scholarships for children
- Emergency support for needs within our community
- Welcoming new mothers and babies at 40-day blessings with information about Orthodoxy and baptisms
- Visits to parishioners who are homebound or hospitalized, as appropriate
- Baking pastries and supporting the pastry booth during Assumption’s annual Greek Festival
Through the Metropolis
We also support ministries and programs across the Metropolis, including Camp Agape, the Student Aid Endowment Fund, and Women’s Health & Wellness initiatives.
On the National Level
Our chapter also supports Holy Cross, Hellenic College, IOCC, St. Basil’s Academy, social services, emergency and medical assistance, and other humanitarian causes.
A Legacy of Service
Philoptochos has served the Greek Orthodox Church through parish, Metropolis, and national chapters since 1931.
Our Assumption chapter has been active since the late 1950s, continuing a tradition of generosity and care within our parish and the surrounding community.
Follow Philoptochos Long Beach on Instagram
See our latest updates, photos, and community highlights on Instagram.
Join Philoptochos Long Beach
Philoptochos is you.
With your participation, Philoptochos Long Beach can provide food to the poor, support seminarians, bring holiday cheer to elderly parishioners, and help local mothers, children, and families in need. Together, we are making a difference.
Your continued support helps keep the mission of our Assumption Long Beach Chapter strong. We invite you to become a new member or renew your membership and be part of this ministry of compassion, service, and care.
We also encourage you to reach out to others in our community and invite them to share their talents, ideas, and compassion through Philoptochos. Sometimes it begins simply by asking someone to care.
Annual Membership Pledge: $40
- $15 supports National ministries
- $15 supports Metropolis ministries
- $10 stays with our Assumption Long Beach chapter to support local needs
Philoptochos Store
You can also support Philoptochos Long Beach by visiting our online store for merchandise and special items.
Meetings
Board meetings are held on the second Sunday of each month. General meetings are held twice a year, in October and March.
Contact Philoptochos Long Beach
Lia Kakaris, Chapter President
liakakarisphiloptochoslb@yahoo.com
Have questions or want to get involved?
Call us directly: (562) 494-8929
Learn More
To learn more about our parish community, visit the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church homepage.
