About Philoptochos

The Metropolis of Boston Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. was established in November 1931 by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I as the philanthropic arm of the Church. The successful establishment of the Society in New England took place at a Conference convened at the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston in July of 1955 with officers and members of the five greater Boston Philoptochos chapters. Today, the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Society is comprised of 42 chapters in the parishes served by the Metropolis of Boston.

The word "Philoptochos", meaning "friend of the poor", aptly describes this multi-faceted organization whose philanthropy extends not only to families in need, the sick and the elderly, but to programs and institutions in our communities, our Holy Archdiocese and Ecumenical Patriarchate. The philanthropic endeavors of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is a genuine expression of love and Christian Charity.  This expression of love is evident in the multitude of meaningful programs and services that reach those in need on a local, national and global level.

Mission Statement

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is the duly accredited women's philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. 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; and
• 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.