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 Church.
2011-2013 Board Members of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation Philoptochos are:
Fr. Constantine Moralis, Spiritual Leader and Advisor
Kathe Apesos Poulos, President
Susan Prevas, First Vice President
Jo Gafos, Second Vice President
Alice Ioannou, Recording Secretary
Melody Simmons & Tasia Cavas, Corresponding Secretary
Connie Rogers, Treasurer
OPEN, Assistant Treasurer
Fifi Nichols, Advisor
Philoptochos Activities
Campus Ministries: Philoptochos members prepare meals for the Orthodox students at Johns Hopkins University on the second Thursday of the month.
Loaves and Fishes: Philoptochos funded meal preparation donated to the Franciscan Center. Food preparations take place on Saturdays in the kitchen.
Student/Military Easter Boxes: Members prepare Easter remembrance boxes for our parish’s college students and military personnel who are away from home.
George Washington Elementary School Project: Four 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 more sad 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.
Quilt Club: The Quilt Club meets each month to prepare materials for our annual Quilt-a-thon. We will teach and expand the 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.
Events Calendar
March 2013
| 2 | Annual Penny Frankos Quilt-A-Thon |
| 9 | Loaves & Fishes cooking in the Cathedral kitchen, 10 a.m. |
| 24 | Vespers on the eve of the Feast Day of the Annunciation and a coffee hour, 6 p.m. |
| 25 | Liturgy for the Feast Day of the Annunciation (Philoptochos sponsored reception following services) |
April 2013
| 13 | Loaves & Fishes cooking in the Cathedral kitchen, 10 a.m. |
| 17, 20 | Easter Fundraiser Baking, 10 a.m. Cathedral Kitchen |
| 25 | Easter Fundraising baking, Cathedral Kitchen, 4 p.m. |
| 28 | Easter Bake Sale, following Palm Sunday services |
May 2013
| 3 | Lunchtime reception on Good Friday |
June 2013
| 1 | Spring General Meeting and Elections of Board Members |
| 8 | Loaves & Fishes cooking in the Cathedral kitchen, 10 a.m. |
Mark your calendar!! On Friday Aug. 23 through Sunday Aug. 25, the Philoptochos will hold a late summer flea market in the Fr. Monios Hall. The “Second Chance Treasures” event will feature childrens clothing, housewares, books, tapes and CDs, toys, accessories and other sweet finds! Tables are available for a $40 rental fee, or you may donate items to the Philoptochos for sale at this event (we will accept no adult clothing donations, except for coats). Donuts, coffee, hot dogs and sodas will also be sold.
