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

National Philoptochos

 

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.

 

CURRENT EVENTS:

 

Pites in the Trunk

Tiropites & Spanakopites Sale

To Benefit St. Basil Academy

 

EATING - A GREEK TRADITION

One of the pleasures to still enjoy this unique holiday season.

Philoptochos to the Rescue!

 

CURBSIDE PICKUP ONLY!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12TH (10:30am-12:30pm)

 

Made by Zorba's Pastry Shop in Chicago

1 dozen per tray

Frozen and ready to bake

$8.00 per tray

 

ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6TH

 

Please click here to order and pay via credit card.

Please click here to print a mail-in order form to accompany your cash or check payment.

Please click here to print a Pickup Sign sign to post in your window.

 

CURBSIDE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Please wear a mask when picking up
• Place a sign with your FULL NAME in the passenger window
• Enter via the South Parking Lot
• Pull up to the Pickup Sign by the front door of the church
• Call the phone number posted (630) 336-2012
• Give your name and open your trunk
• A masked and gloved volunteer will place your order in your trunk
• Exit via the North Parking Lot

 

Please contact Eleni Poteres at epoteres@hotmail.com or

(630) 204-8902 if you have any questions.

 

 

 

Membership Drive - Ongoing

 

 

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!  We have had 102 women either renew their Philoptochos membership or join as new members to date this year.  We are so grateful for your support!

 

It is not too late to join Philoptochos!  Please click here to join Philoptochos or to renew your membership via credit card.

 

 

PAST EVENTS:

 

Christmas Drive for Needy Children

 

Philoptochos hosted a very successful drive to benefit Family Shelter Service (FSS), which supports victims of domestic abuse.  We collected $6,782!!!   Gift cards, winter coats, winter hats, and blankets were purchased with your donations and delivered to FSS the first week of December.  FSS is EXTREMELY grateful to the Holy Aposltes community.  Many of their usual donors had to cancel their fundraisers due to COVID.   FSS typically sponsors a Holiday Shoppe where clients can select age appropriate Christmas presents, free of charge, for their children.  These may be the only gifts these children will receive for Christmas.  

Philoptochos and the Family Shelter Service

Thank the Holy Apostles Community

for your generous support!

 

 

Veteran's Day Artoclasia

Sunday, November 8th

 

 Thank you to Eleni Poteres for making the Artos

 in honor of our Veteran's.

 

Fall Raffle

The annual Fashion Show and Luncheon, our primary fundraiser, was also canceled this year due to COVID.  We held a Virtual Fall Raffle instead to raise funds for Philoptochos. The generosity of the Holy Apostles community and the surprise participation of those outside of our parish combined for a very successful raffle. The raffle raised $6,910 and, together with the proceeds from our Membership Drive, will help us to fund our many philanthropic endeavors.

All prize winners were contacted immediately after the raffle drawing on October 24th and most prizes were delivered that day.

 

Thank you so much for your support - we look forward to putting these funds to good use during this difficult time!

 

Below is a list of the Raffle Prize winners.  Only the first name and city of residence is listed in an attempt to protect the winner's privacy.

 

Congratulations to all of the winners!!!

 

Prize # 1 - Diamond & Ruby Tennis Bracelet - Patricia, Chicago

Prize #2 - $600 Cash Prize - Joanne, Glen Ellyn

Prize #3 - Tory Burch Leather Hobo - Anastasia, Burr Ridge

Prize #4 - John Hardy Sterling Silver Earrings - Andrew, Glen Ellyn

Prize #5 - Michael Kors Shoulder Bag - Mary Beth, Elmhurst

Prize #6 - Coach Leather Tote - Faith, Madison,WI

Prize #7 - Le Creuset Dutch Oven - Dimitrios, Oak Brook

Prize #8 - Coach Bag with Floral Appliques - Maria, Hinsdale

Prize #9 - Bric's Luggage - Elaine, Oak Brook

Prize #10 - Calvin Klein Croc Satchel - Angela, Elmhurst

Prize #11 - Apple Air Pods with Charging Case - Stacy, Burr Ridge

Prize #12 - Ruby Leaf Pendant - Angie, Lemont

Prize #13 - Dooney & Bourke Leather Tote - Elena, Glenview

Prize #14 - Giorgio Armani "Code" Eau de Parfum - Barbara, Hinsdale

Prize #15 - $100 in Greek Islands Gift Certificates - Cathy, Elmhurst

Prize #16 - Melange Throw - Zoe Ann, Glen Ellyn

Prize #17 - Geode Bookends & Lizzadro Museum passes - Freida, Glen Ellyn

 

 

Metropolis of Chicago Virtual Events/Activities:

 

 

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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