"She opens her hands to the poor and reaches out with her fruit to the needy," Proverbs 31:19
Philoptochos (Panagia Chapter # 5038) at St. Elizabeth Greek Orthodox Church is the local branch of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The mission of the society is to provide assistance to those in need in our community as well as through national and international outreach programs.
“Philoptochos” literally means “friend to the poor,” and it is in that spirit of philanthropy that we hold numerous fundraising and philanthropic events throughout the year, including Fanouropita (September), Bread of the Mighty food drive (November), Pick an Angel gifts for local families (December), and the Christmas bake sale (December). We also support our parish chapter of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (UF and Santa Fe College students), and our GOYA (youth group) and Sunday School programs.
In addition to local giving, our Philoptochos makes charitable donations to many organizations and ministries worldwide, coordinated through our National and Metropolis Philoptochos Boards. We also have access to social services programs through our Metropolis and National offices, for those requiring broader resources and financial assistance.
Philoptochos supports liturgical services and fellowship at St. Elizabeth through our weekly coffee hour, decorating icons with flowers, baking prosphora (liturgical bread), making and serving koliva (for memorials), Palm Sunday fish luncheon, and many other group efforts. We are truly the right hand of St. Elizabeth Greek Orthodox Church.
Membership in Philoptochos is open to any Greek Orthodox woman, 18 years of age or older. Men can be associate members as well. If you are not yet a member of St. Elizabeth Philoptochos, please consider joining us.
Philoptochos meets every third Sunday of the month after Divine Liturgy.
Philoptochos Chapter Board, 2021-2023
Lucia Curta – President
Joanna Peris – Secretary
Carol Tsekouras – Treasurer
Joan Mayernick – Member
Laura Mckee – Member