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Mary Quinn
(Member), Julie Skouteris (President), Very Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis,
Pat MacDougall (Treasurer), Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis (Board Member). Back row: Dina Kearns (Corresponding Secretary), Gail Ericsson (Recording
Secretary) and Becky Butler (1st Vice President).
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3/21/08 (10:22 a.m.) Philoptochos is one of the largest
philanthropic organizations in the country. The Greek word Philoptochos
translates literally to “Friends of the Poor.” Philoptochos is the right
arm of the Greek Orthodox Church: a society of the spiritually faithful,
united in love and service. The late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras
established the Ladies Philoptochos Society in 1931 for the purpose of
helping the Greek Orthodox Church in its ministries. Today there are over
475 chapters and 28,000 members in the United States.
Internationally Philoptochos gives to such organizations
as the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) who helped when
the Tsunamis hit, when Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf coast, and
more recently with the tragic fires in Greece. Nationally Philoptochos
supports the St. Photios Shrine, shrine of the first Greek Orthodox Church
in America, the Children’s Cardiac Fund and Unicef. A total of $1,373,431
was donated in 2007 from the National Philoptochos programs. Philoptochos
has exemplified Christian Stewardship in nearly every area.
The local St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Chapter of
Philoptochos in Peachtree City was formed in September 2004. The St.
Christopher Chapter supports the Fayette Samaritans, Fayette County DFACS,
the Loaves and Fishes program at St. John the Wonderworker in Atlanta
(which serves the hungry twice a day) and the Fayette County Community
Christmas Program.
Each January, the St. Christopher Philoptochos Chapter
holds its annual Vasilopita Dinner to raise funds for St. Basil Academy in
Garrison, New York. Philoptochos purchased the land for the Academy in
1944 and it continues to be one of the main financial supporters of the
Academy through various programs. The mission of the Academy of Saint
Basil is to provide a loving, Orthodox Christian residential home in which
the children who seek the Academy’s protection are transformed through
faith, academics, mutual respect, trust, pride, positive values and
teamwork.
Over the past four years since its inception, St.
Christopher’s Philoptochos has raised over $10,000 in support of St. Basil
Academy. Also, in 2007 alone, they raised $6,465 which was donated to
charities and commitments. For membership information, please contact
Julie Skouteris, Chapter President, at
gsjs401@joimail.com.
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