Philoptochos Society

“The one who has mercy on the poor lends to God,

and He will repay him according to his gift.” Proverbs 19:17

The Greek Orthodox Philoptochos Society, the official philanthropic organization of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, was established in November 1931, by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was then serving as Archbishop of North and South America. The members of the National Board of Philoptochos are dedicated church women who offer countless hours to the philanthropic, humanitarian, and Christian mission of the Church. Philoptochos is the largest Christian women’s charitable organization in the country. There are 475 Philoptochos chapters in the United States. The structure of the Philoptochos includes the National Board, Metropolitan Boards, and Chapters in every parish of the Archdiocese.

Our Holy Trinity chapter was founded in 1965, and has been a continuous presence in all aspects of church life, and in the Greater Orlando community. The ladies, and gentlemen, who are also invited to join as associate members, have an ambitious calendar of events, all designed to carry out their mission to serve, and they enjoy wonderful fellowship and spiritual enrichment along the way. This group is truly characterized by hard work, a strong community spirit, and an incredible dedication to those in need, within our parish and beyond. We warmly welcome new members, ages 18 and over. The benevolent works of Philoptochos are a continuation of Christ’s ministry on earth, where we can return to God a portion of the time, talents and treasures with which He has gifted us. It is your right, your privilege, and your obligation to be either an active or a supporting member of Philoptochos. Please contact one of the officers listed below for a membership form, or click on the link to download one. Kindly consider being part of a fun, dynamic, and energetic group devoted to our parish and the good works of Philoptochos.

Holy Trinity Philoptochos Board 2011-2013

Mary Mantzaris – President

Dora Francis – 1st Vice President

Julia Nikitas – Corresponding Secretary

Elena Kirastoulis – Recording Secretary

Stella Sirks – Treasurer

Pat Reardon - Assistant Treasurer

Joyce Yarbrough – Advisor to the President

Susan Bakidis - Board Member

Aris Harrelson – Board Member

Dena Holt - Board Member

Roula Kasparis - Board Member

Stella Sirks - Board Member

Tina Stoumbos – Board Member

Amy Vastardis - Board Member

(Click to download Philoptochos Membership Form) 

(Click to download 2012-2013 Philoptochos Calendar)

The Mission of the Society

• To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of the impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who my need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts; and
• To promote the charitable, benevolent and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources;
• to preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs;
• to promote the participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council.

The Official Philoptochos Prayer

God, who hast made all men in Thy likeness

And lovest all whom Thou hast made,

Reconcile us with one another, and with Thee;

And as Thy Son and our Saviour was born of a Hebrew mother,

But rejoiced in the faith of a Syrian woman and of a Roman soldier;

Welcomed the Greeks who sought Him,

And suffered a man from Africa to carry His cross,

Teach us to look upon the members of all races

As fellow heirs of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.