Philoptochos, the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, has been in existence since 1931. It was established by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I. Philoptochos functions at the local, diocese, national and international levels, and all Greek Orthodox women, eighteen years of age and older are eligible to belong.

The word philoptochos means friend of the poor-not only poor in financial resources, but also poor in spirit, poor in health, poor in companionship, poor in emotional stability, and poor in whatever is needed to lead a fulfilling life. 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 resources with which He has gifted us.

Philoptochos Mission Statement

“To aid the poor, the destitute, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons, and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the church.”

“The Mission of the Philoptochos Society is to demonstrate God’s love for all people and to practice the inspiring message of the parable of the Good Samaritan. It is to take the words of Christ when He says, ‘…for everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required… (Luke 12:48)’, and to show concern and generosity to the less fortunate, the infirm, the hungry, and the homeless of this world.”

His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Proikonisos,
Presiding Hierarch of the Diocese of Denver

Philoptochos National Ministries

Cancer Fund: This commitment raises funds for individuals who need financial assistance with their Cancer treatment.

Children’s Cardiac Fund: This fund provides donations to hospitals for children suffering from cardiac problems.

Children’s Medical Fund: Established in 1988 to include all life-threatening illnesses, including AIDS, Cancer, kidney and liver ailments juvenile diabetes, etc.

Ecumenical Patriarchate: The philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate such as Balukli Hospital and nursing home, schools, shrine and parishes are supported by this project.

Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology: Offering financial support to Holy Cross for educational and operational purposes.

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC): The official humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians, providing food, shelter, economic self-sufficiency and hope to those in need around the world.

Saint Photios Shrine: Provide financial assistance towards the preservation of this National Shrine in Saint Augustine , Florida - commemorating the arrival of the first Greek settlers to arrive in the New World in 1768.

Social Services: Archbishop Iakovos implemented this program in the late 1950’s to benefit the Greek Orthodox community.  Various committees were formed to address topics such as child abuse prevention, domestic violence, homelessness, pornography, drug and alcohol abuse and aging.

Vasilopeta: Proceeds benefit St. Basil Academy .

Philoptochos Diocesan Ministries

The Diocese of Denver Philoptochos has been in existence since 1970. At the Diocese Biennial Philoptochos Conferences, our members voted on the Diocese Projects and Programs. All contributions to Diocese Projects are stewardship commitments from the local chapters to the diocese treasury. This allows each chapter to give, based upon its personal financial status and income.

Patriarch Athenagoras National Institute (PANI): We are sustaining donors of PANI. The Retreat Center , located in Harriman , Wyoming , has continuously served the youth of our Diocese with Orthodox Retreats, and has provided a training ground with programs in youth work for clergy and lay workers. It is where the Diocesan Philoptochos Retreats are held.

Mission Churches Fund: The purpose of this fund is to assist our mission parishes and to provide financial assistance to our young adults who participate in mission trips.

Bishop Anthimos Scholarship Fund: The fund is available to male and female candidates from the Diocese of Denver, who are either entering or already attending Holy Cross School of Theology for spiritual education. Scholarships are awarded annually.

Diocese Youth and Adult Ministries: This is the fastest growing ministry in our Diocese. Financial contributions to the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries are used to support youth activities.

Nativity of St. John the Baptist Women’s Monastery: The main purpose of the monastery is to provide housing and support to women engaged in the spiritual pursuit of Orthodox Monasticism. The Women’s Monastery of the Diocese of Denver is the first English-speaking monastery to follow the Typicon (order of service) as implemented by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Our Philoptochos Programs

Our four Philoptochos programs were established to inform, enlighten and assist all chapters.

Here for You: This is an outreach to our people. Packets of Orthodox materials from various religious and contemporary writers, dealing with specific subjects for the use of the clergy and Philoptochos, are available to be given to individuals as gifts of love.

PHILOGRAMMA Newsletter: The purpose of the newsletter is to stimulate communications and unity among the chapters. It is mailed to each member’s home. A minimum of three newsletters will be published yearly.

Big Sister-Little Sister: This program was developed to strengthen the communications, unity and understanding of Philoptochos.

Breast Cancer Awareness Program: The purpose of this program is to provide cancer information to all members. At its inception, free material was sent to every member’s home. This program will continually be reinforced in the PHILOGRAMMA, regarding latest reports on breast cancer, and other related articles.

Austin Chapter Philoptochos Ministries:

Altar Fund:  Provides monetary help for those in need.

Transfiguration Icon Fund:  Helps to defray cost of any Icon donated by Philoptochos.

Sunday School:  Philoptochos provides supplemental financial support and assistance to our Sunday School program.

Community Christmas Card: The proceeds from our annual Community Christmas Card support all Philoptochos ministries. 

Lenten Suppers: Philoptochos prepares and serves Lenten Suppers after Pre-sanctified Liturgies.

GOLF: (Greek Orthodox Ladies' Fellowship) is a women's bible study group that meets at the home of Amity Garwood. If you are interested, please contact Kori Yoder 733-5640.

Christmas Project:  This ministry assists Austin area organizations/agencies who support needy families at Christmas.

Transfiguration Food Bank: This ministry bakes and distributes food to our Transfiguration members who are ill, disabled, or in need.

Mobile Loaves and Fishes:  Philoptochos helps make lunches for the homeless (1^st Saturday of the month).

For further information please contact:

Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church
e-mail: tgocoffice at flash.net
phone number: 512-329-6363

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