Philoptochos
“Friends of the Poor”
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is the Philanthropic Arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Society was established in 1931 and since then has served those in need in the United States and around the world.
The mission of the Society shall be:
To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons, and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts
To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars, and other educational resources
To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages, and customs
To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council
The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy, and kindness.
Locally, we contribute to Lea’s Foundation for Leukemia Research, Loaves and Fishes, Interval House, Mercy Shelter/St. Elizabeth House, and the Hartford Soup Kitchen among others. Nationally, we support UNICEF, International Orthodox Christian Charities, St Basil Academy, The Children’s Medical Fund, and more.
New members are welcome to join us in our mission to help the underserved in our St. George Cathedral and Hartford communities, and to support our church.
We have fun working together to fulfill our mission and enjoy a variety of events during the year.
For more information, please contact Angie Augustinos angie.augustinos@gmail.com, or any board member.
Philoptochos Calendar of Events and Meetings 2024-2025
Sunday, September 22, 2024 – 12:30pm – Casa Mia on the Hill (111 Golf Street, Newington, CT)
Welcome Back Membership Luncheon – You are cordially invited to join us as we celebrate the start of our new year. Bring a friend or relative to learn about our mission to help the poor and support philanthropic efforts locally and globally. New members are welcome! $40/per person – cash bar (no credit cards) – raffle prizes – RSVP no later than September 16th, 2024 to Angie Augustinos via text (860-680-8070) or email angie.augustinos@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – 6:30pm – Matthews Social Hall
Philoptochos Meeting – We will have a brief 2024-2025 planning meeting followed by fall refreshments and a pumpkin craft project! New members are welcome to join us! If you are interested in bringing a fall appetizer, dessert, or beverage, text Angie at 860-680-8070
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 – 6:30pm – Matthews Social Hall
Philoptochos General Assembly Meeting – We hope you can join us for a brief meeting followed by a Christmas craft project! Bring your creativity and a friend! Light fare will be served!
Saturday, December 7, 2024 – 7-11pm – Matthews Social Hall
Community Christmas Dance – featuring Athenian Entertainment: The Sound of Greece. Tickets are $40 for adults (includes one free raffle ticket) and $20 for those 18 and under – proceeds benefit Philoptochos Charities. RSVP by December 1st to Angie Augustinos at angie.augustinos@gmail.com (860-680-8070) or Georgia Feigel at gfeigel4@gmail.com (860-490-3308).
Sunday, February 2, 2025 – following Divine Liturgy – Matthews Social Hall
Philoptochos Meeting – All welcome – Join us to learn about The Interval House Women’s Shelter with guest speaker, Amanda Delaura, Director. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday, March 22, 2025 – 9:30am – Matthews Social Hall
March General Assembly Meeting/Cut Loose and Tie One On Event – Enjoy bagels and Bloody Marys as we make no-sew blankets for The Village for Children and Families. Please bring a sharp pair of scissors.
Sunday, April 13, 2025 – following Divine Liturgy – Matthews Social Hall
Palm Sunday Luncheon – Come and enjoy appetizers, baked fish, rice, Greek-style green beans, wine, soda, dessert, and coffee prepared by The Ladies of Philoptochos. Tickets are $25 for Baked Fish Dinner and $10 for Macaroni and Cheese (Children under 5 free). Tickets are by advance sale only (no tickets sold at the door) and will be on sale every Sunday or you may contact Marie Klementon: (860-667-2301) or MKlementon@aol.com
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 – 6:30pm – Matthews Social Hall
Philoptochos Meeting – Join us for our annual Strawberry Shortcake meeting, which will be our last until Fall! New members are welcome!
Board Members 2023-2024:
Angie Augustinos
Connie Fas
Georgia Feigel
Zoje Hoda
Joanne Karabetsos
Angie Varlas Karageorge
Marie Klementon
Joanne Lemnios
Staci Lynch
Anita Varunes Papadimitrakopoulos
Maria Tougas
Anthia Vardoulakis
Elaina Varunes