About Us
Our Mission
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that has offered 90 years of philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and throughout the world. The Society was established in November 1931, by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was then serving as Archbishop of North and South America.
Philoptochos fulfills its mission to “help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities and the victims of disasters” through its National and Metropolis Boards and its 26,000 members and more than 400 active chapters, nationwide.
Philoptochos responds immediately to needs and crises and its philanthropic outreach extends to each area of the country and throughout the world. In 2016, National Philoptochos distributed $2.06 million in philanthropic aid. Since the late 1950’s, upon the recommendation of Archbishop Iakovos, Philoptochos has placed an increased emphasis on the implementation of important programs to benefit the Greek Orthodox community, including, but not limited to, institutions of the Church, the philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and assistance to Greek and Greek Orthodox families. Involvement in social and moral issues encouraged the establishment of several committees to address topics such as child abuse prevention, domestic violence, homelessness, human trafficking, drug and alcohol abuse, and aging.
Since 1987, the National Philoptochos office has employed a professional Social Worker who is engaged in assisting the Greek Orthodox community in the United States as well as Greek and Cypriot nationals. The Department of Social Services is a very important, vital element of our organization. The mission of the Department is to improve the quality of life of those in need, in a way that maintains the dignity and self-respect of the individuals. Through confidential and professional services, the office provides outreach, education, information, support, intervention, motivation, advocacy, financial assistance and referral to local and broader resources.
Our History
The Ladies Philoptochos Society is the official philanthropic organization of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America. The name means “friends of the poor”, being derived from the Greek words philo (friend) and phtohos (poor). The national organization was established in 1931 and is comprised of more than 25,000 members in more than 400 chapters nationwide. It is the largest Christian women’s organization in America, recognized in the Uniform Parish Regulations, and a non-governmental organization registered with the United Nations.
The beginning of the Philoptochos Society can be traced back to the late nineteenth century when hundreds of immigrants were arriving daily into the US from Greece, Asia Minor and Constantinople. In 1894, the focus of the ladies was to welcome newcomers and help them adjust to their new environment. Read more >>
Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos
555 Butterfield Rd, Suite 201
Lombard, IL 60148