Philoptochos, “Friends of the Poor� is an organization of Orthodox Christian women dedicated to providing service and assistance to both individuals and groups in need. Much of the philanthropic and benevolent work associated with the Greek Orthodox
The Officers of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation Philoptochos are:
- President: Patti Arkuszeski
- First Vice President: Kerry Agathoklis
- Second Vice President: Fifi Nichols
- Recording Secretary: Susan Prevas
- Corresponding Secretary: Marlene Apesos
- Treasurer: Koula Savvakis
Members include:
- Maria Anagnostou
- Anastasia August
- Tasia Cavas
- Penny Frankos
- Presbytera Mary Monios
- Jean Prevas
- Melody Simmons
- Bess Stamas
- Diane Tseckares
Philoptochos Activities
- Campus Ministries: Philoptochos members prepare meals for the Orthodox students at Johns Hopkins University on the second Thursday of the month. Penny Frankos, Chairperson (410.366.6362).
- September 13th
- October 11th
- November 8th
- February 14th
- Loaves and Fishes: Philoptochos funded meal preparation donated to the Franciscan Center. Food preparations take place on Saturdays in the kitchen. Due to the activities for the AGORA preparations, we will purchase food for the Franciscan Center for October, November & December. Contact Kerry Agathoklis (410.561.1492) & Despina Horst (410.686.8618), Chairpersons.
- Student/Military Easter Boxes: At our General Meeting on April 12, 2008 members will prepare Easter remembrance boxes for our parish’s college students and military personnel who are away from home. To ensure receipt of these boxes, please call Bess Stamas (410.321.6707) or Kerry Agathoklis (410.561.1492) or email: agathoklis@comcast.net with current addresses.
- George Washington Elementary School Project: Three years ago at the National Philoptochos Biennial Convention, one chapter from each Metropolis was given $100 and charged to create a project that could possibly become a National Commitment. Our chapter was chosen to represent the Metropolis of New Jersey in this new challenge. Past and present board members, and interested members-at-large, met to create a “new” project within our local area. Since we are an inner-city church, why not explore the possibility to offering assistance to an inner-city school? A meeting was arranged with the City of Baltimore Partnership Program to discuss various possibilities and thus began our partnership with the George Washington Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Pigtown. Our project was to “build” a library for the students. The school had a room with shelves, unopened boxes of current books, computers that did or did not work and no librarian to direct children as to how to use a library to enrich their lives. To us, there was nothing sadder than children not having this resource to help prepare them for their future. We are very excited to let you, our constant supporters, know that this room is becoming a reality. Through your generous donations of money, materials, time and talent, the room is being transformed into a wonderful and innovative library! We will give a final listing of donations when the project has been completed. Future donations of time, talent, supplies and funds would be appreciated. Please contact Fifi Nichols (410) 792-7332 for information.
- Quilt Club: The Quilt Club will meet each month to prepare materials for our annual Quilt-a-thon. We will teach and expand sewing and quilting skills of any interested member. No experience is necessary and you may find a new lifetime interest. Please join us as we continue to spread our love to others. Contact Susan Prevas (410.252.4337) & Kathy Apesos-Poulos (410.526.4992).
