Ministries & Initiatives

Established in 1985, this fund has distributed more than $800,000 and has helped hundreds of individuals and families through difficult circumstances.  The Philanthropy Fund was created to care and assist those in need in a way that maintains their dignity, self-determination and independence. We strive to give hope and help rebuild the lives of Orthodox individuals and families in the Metropolis of Chicago whose lives are impacted by human suffering, including but not limited to poverty and income inadequacies, health, mental health, substance use disorders, hunger and food insecurity, inadequate housing and homelessness, domestic violence, family and older adult services.  Our work is conducted confidentially and within a faith-based and culturally sensitive context.  For further information or assistance, please call our Philanthropy Hotline number: 847-708-7100.

This fund is allocated by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael to help people in emergency need or for special types of difficulties faced by people who approach His Eminence directly for assistance.

The Feeding America network is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States including in disasters and national emergencies. Learn more here >

We endeavor to increase awareness of the opioid crisis affecting our families, and to provide valuable information, resources, and tools so we can make a difference in our church communities. Learn more here >

The Philoptochos members have worked extensively to educate and develop an awareness of the multi-faceted problem of human trafficking and to encourage action by assisting and forming partnerships with national and local agencies that assist victims of human trafficking. Learn more here >

Human Trafficking – Resources  Human Trafficking – Did You Know?

Orthodox Christian Fellowship is the official campus ministry program under the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States. It keeps Orthodox students connected to Christ and His Church during their college years.

The mission of the Operation Classroom Initiative is to assist and offer support to teachers and students in underserved or underfunded schools and provide resources that would not have been available through the local school district. Learn more here >

Operation Classroom Letter        Operation Classroom Form

The Annunciation Cathedral was selected as the place to have our own program to help feed the hungry in our community.  Currently, 23 Philoptochos chapters participate weekly, making and serving hot meals to the homeless and less fortunate.  Since its inception, over 100,000 meals have been served.

2026 Schedule Outside Guidelines

This annual event is a highlight for the Philoptochos members to gather in fellowship and focusing on spiritual themes.

The Quilt-A-Thon began in 1992 as a humanitarian outreach with the Metropolis Bishop’s Task Force on AIDS. Metropolis Sisters, led by the Philoptochos of SS. Peter & Paul Church, created handmade blankets for infants in need.

The project later expanded into Northside and Southside Quilt-A-Thons and continues today as Blankets for Babies, hosted by SS. Peter & Paul Philoptochos. Hundreds of blankets are lovingly made and now distributed exclusively to children at UI Health, continuing a legacy of compassion and service.

Our annual September Luncheon is the main fundraiser for the Metropolis Board and is the kick-off event of our Philoptochos year.

This initiative began by St. Basil’s Philoptochos in 2012.  It became a Metropolis wide initiative in 2015. To date, they have distributed 2000 Girls Dresses and 700 Boys and Girls pants to the following National and International areas.:  Haiti, Greece, Philippines, India, Zambia, Oklahoma and Corpus Christi, TX. Learn more here >

 The patron Saints of the national Philoptochos Society are Saints Cosmas and Damianos. During the 4th century, Cosmas and Damianos were physician brothers who became known as the Holy “Unmercenaries.” Their fame spread throughout the Empire as they invariably assisted the poor and the afflicted without the desire for any compensation. Because of the similar Christian dedication to the poor and the destitute, the Philoptochos Society chose to celebrate the founding of their organization with the feast day of these saints, which is November 1.

The St. Iakovos Retreat Center is a 137-acre facility located in the western corner of Kenosha county in beautiful Kansasville, WI. The Center serves as a setting for events like retreats, camps, weddings, and family reunions. Learn more here >

An annual occasion held on August 24 on the Feast Day of the Holy Apostle Bartholomew, Patron Saint of Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago. 

An annual event that welcomes the faithful across the Metropolis of Chicago to meet with the Metropolitan. 

“Go Red” for Women is the American Heart Association’s national call to increase awareness and help prevent heart disease, the number one killer of American women.  This is a call for women, to take charge of their well-being and live stronger, healthier lives.  

The National Philoptochos Society promotes the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign. Improve awareness by sharing information with your Philoptochos sisters, your parish community and all the women you know and love.