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.
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 (Philanthropy)
Sundy Urban (Membership)
Message from Our President, Cynthia Stathopoulos
Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos
Upcoming Events:
All in person Philoptochos events are currently suspended in accordance with the Metropolis and State of Illinois guidelines regarding the coronavirus. Philoptochos will resume its in person activities once directed to do so.
Membership/Virtual Fall Raffle
Membership Drive
Membership Night, which was originally scheduled for September 24th, has been canceled. We would still like to encourage ALL women in our parish to join Philoptochos and support our charitable efforts. Philoptochos is the heart of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Through our efforts to help those in need, you will meet amazing women, assist those less fortunate, and have fun!
Virtual Fall Raffle
Our annual Fashion Show and Luncheon is our primary fundraiser every year and this has also been canceled due to COVID. This year, we will hold a virtual fundraising raffle to help us support our philanthropic efforts.
The drawing will take place at 12:00 noon on October 24th, 2020.
All entries must be received by October 22nd.
Winners will be contacted on the day of the drawing.
Raffle tickets are $10 each or 3 tickets for $25.
We are offering several ways to join Philoptochos, renew your membership, or purchase raffle tickets :
- Credit Card - Please click here to accomplish these tasks via credit card.
- Check - Please click here to print a mail-in form. Please submit this form and your check to the Holy Apostles church office.
- In Person after each Sunday Liturgy - please visit our table outside the main entrance of the church (weather permitting). Checks are preferred - credit cards cannot be accepted at the table.
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Metropolis of Chicago Virtual Events/Activities:
The Agape Award Winner and Nominees will be honored at this fundraiser. There will also be a Grand Raffle and other fun prizes!
Beneficiaries of this fundraiser are the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, No Kid Hungry, and the Philoptochos Philanthropic Endeavors.
The Virtal Livestream runs from 12:00-3:00pm from the St. Iakovos Retreat Center
For more information, please contact Marilynn Jemas @marilynnjemas@gmail.com
Masks Matter
The goal of this Metropolis of Chicago initiative is to make 10,000 masks by the end of the year for use by those in under-served communities. Parishioners are welcome to either sew masks or purchase materials to acheive this goal. Please refer to the CDC website to access the recommended mask patterns.
Holy Apostles parishioners have made over 300 masks for this project.
Please contact either Cynthia Stathopoulos at cstath11@comcast.net OR Wanita Loupakos at wloupakos@gmail.com to pick up any completed masks.
Monetary donations are wlso welcome. These should be made payable to the Metropolis of Chicago Metropolis and sent to:
Pat Gerbanas
2524 W. Ainslie
Chicago, IL 60625
Past Events:
Fashion Show 2019 - An Afternoon in Provence
Fashion Show Co-Chair Jen Govostis and Philanthropy Co-Chair Faye Adams present a $10,000 check to Carol Simler, President and CEO of DuPage Pads. The DuPage Pads medical respite program was one of the primary beneficiaries of the Fashion Show.
Fashion Show Co-Chair Anthoula Pomrening with Helen Chrones - Secretary to the St. Iakovos Retreat Center Board of Directors. The Retreat Center was the other primary beneficiary of the Fashion Show. Holy Apostles also donated $10,000 to the Retreat Center from the proceeds of the Fashion Show.
Thank you to all that made our annual fundraising event such a success! We are so grateful to all that worked on a committee, to our many donors, and to all the guests that attended the event. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship, delicious food, beautiful fashions, and fabulous raffle prizes. The majority of the proceeds of this event support the DuPagePads medical respite program and the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. The remainder of the proceeds will fund our various philanthropic endeavors throughout the year.
A special thanks to our Co-Chairs, Anthoula Pomrening and Jen Govostis, for their tireless efforts!
We appreciate your support!
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Saints, Feasts, and Readings for 10/21/2020