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Philoptochos

About Philoptochos

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos society is the official philanthropic women’s organization of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and one of the largest Christian women’s organizations in America. The name means “friend of the poor” being derived from the Greek words philo(friend) + ptohos (poor). Established in 1931, this non-profit organization is comprised of over 25,000 members in more than 480 chapters nationwide. The Holy Apostles chapter is one of the largest chapters nationwide with about 200 members.

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote charitable and philanthropic outreach by aiding the poor, the hungry, the sick, the orphaned and the victims of disasters.

The Holy Apostles Chapter

More than 50 years of Philanthropic Endeavors
This chapter supports a variety of philanthropic and charitable organizations as well as programs that benefit our parish.
Our volunteers assist year-round with projects and fundraising events to benefit the local community and national and international communitites.
The Holy Apostles chapter has donated over 250,000 over the last 5 years to charitable causes.

Holy Apostles Philoptochos Society- 2017 Board

Board of Directors for 2019-2021

Officers

President – Cynthia Stathopoulos

1st Vice President – Anne Theophilos

2nd Vice President – Antella Thiakos

Treasurer – Nia Kouchis

Asst. Treasurer – Eleni Poteres (Programs)

Corresponding Secretary – Emily Rehn

Recording Secretary – Tina Dillon

Advisor - Faye Adams (Philanthropy)

Board Members

Chrisie Alex (Membership)

Aleka Ernst (Programs)

Wanita Loupakos

Cathy Magas (Pillars & Rocks)

Aleka Mandelaris (Pillars & Rocks)

Patty McKay (Philanthropy)

Evelyn Paleothodoros

Terry Parafink

Maria Patt (Publicity & Technology)

Anthoula Pomrening

Bess Shizas (Sunshine)

Margo Tomaras (Philanhropy)

Sundy Urban (Membership)

Message from Our President

Holy Apostles Philoptochos Calendar (2019-2020)

National Philoptochos

Upcoming Events:

Rise and Shine Food Drive

September 1st-September 29th

Philoptochos is collecting non-perishable breakfast food donations for the Peoples Resource Center (PRC) Food Pantry in Wheaton.

The focus is on children's nutrition and health. You are encouraged to donate no-sugar added or low sugar items as well as low sodium, whole grain, and high protein items. Bins will be placed in front of HARC to accept your donations. Flyers will be posted at the candle stands beginning Sunday, August 18th.

Please click here to access the suggestion list that PRC has provided for us.

Membership Night (2019/2020)

Tuesday, September 17th

LaBarra in Oak Brook (3011 Butterfield Road)

7:00pm.

Please join us as we kick off a new year of Philoptochos!

Seasonal appetizers, salads, and a pizza buffet will be served.

There is no fee to attend this event. A cash bar will be available.

Hear about the plans Philoptochos has for the upcoming year. Representatives from our primary Fashion Show Beneficiaries (DuPage PADS and the St. Iakovos Retreat Center) will be our keynote speakers. Please RSVP by September 12th to Aleka Ernst at (630)561-1660 or alekaernst@aol.com.

Fashion Show 2019

"An Afternoon in Provence"

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Abbington Banquets

3 South 002 IL Route 53

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Cocktails and raffle sales begin at 11am followed by the luncheon at 12pm. Fashions will be presented by ZZazz Productions. Models will include children from Holy Apostles. This year's primary beneficiaries are the DuPage PADS medical respite program and the St. Iakovos Retreat Center.

Tickets may be purchased in the multi-purpose room after the Divine Liturgy on Sundays or you may contact Joanne Panopoulos at (630)956-2399.

The National Philoptochos Society presents:

The 17th Children's Medical Fund Luncheon

Hosted by the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos

Saturday, November 16th

Chicago Marriott

525 North Michigan Avenue

Reception: 11am Luncheon: 12 noon

Tickets: $125 per person

The Children's Medical Fund provides assistance to critically ill children whose families are unable to afford appropriate and necessary medical treatment. The fund provides grants for innovative research programs to pediatric hospitals and to organizations with programs that care for children with critical illnesses.

Luncheon reservations must be received by October 21st. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase at $10 per ticket or 3 for $25. To make a reservation with the Holy Apostles group or to purchase raffle tickets (winner need not be present), please contact Faye Adams at (704) 425-2530 or geofaye.adams@gmail.com.

Please click here to see the list of the raffle prizes.

Past Events:

Holy Apostles Vespers & Feast Day

Vespers - Saturday, June 29th and Feast Day - Sunday, June 30th

Thank You to all who donated, baked, or assisted with setup, serving, or cleanup!

(L to R) Evelyn Paleothodoros, Presbytera Michelle Georgiou, Maria Patt, Emily Rehn, Wanita Loupakos, Margo Tomaras, Sundy Urban, Aleka Ernst, Cynthia Stathopoulos, Antella Thiakos, Eleni Poteres and Faye Adams assist with preparations for the Holy Apostles Feast Day reception on Sunday, June 30th, 2019.

Collection Drives

Thank you to all who donated to our collection drives this year. Holy Apostles collected 103 pounds of food for HCS Family services in March. This translates to roughly 86 meals. From September through the HCS Food Drive in March, a grand total of 680 pounds of food, or roughly 567 meals was collected for those in need. Other recipients included the People's Resource Center and Loaves & Fishes.

We also collected 136 blankets and 615 children's books for the Peoples Resource Center in February. PRC gives each of their clients who is expecting as well as clients with infants a layette. The blankets we collected will be included in these layettes. The books we collected are used in multiple ways. Some of the books are part of birthday bags that are given to each child. Other books are available to children whose parents are taking classes offered by PRC throughout DuPage County. PRC was extremely grateful for this very generous donation!!!

Feed My Starving Children

Holy Apostles volunteers packed specially formulated meals for children in need at the Feed My Starving Children facility in Aurora on Saturday April 6th. They packed 24 boxes of food!

Poised for Success Collection Drive

We collected one rack of gently used professional clothing and accessories for Poised for Success in May 2019. This non-profit organization provides professional clothing for women in need to wear

Feed the Hungry

Holy Apostles Philoptochos sponsored the annual Feed the Hungry commitment at the Annunciation Cathedral in Chicago on May 14th. Holy Apostles volunteers provided the food and drinks, served the meal, and provided socks and baseball caps.

General Meeting

Chicago area award-winning author Paula Renee Burzawa discussed her new book, Eternal Stones and Other Memories of Greece on Thursday, May 16th in the multi-purpose room. Philoptochos Board elections were also held that night. Please click here for a detailed book description and author biography.