A Brief History of Philoptochos
PHILOPTOCHOS
CELEBRATES - SIXTY-SEVEN YEARS OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE
The philanthropic
endeavors of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society during more
than six decades is a genuine expression of love and Christian Charity.
This expression of love is evident in the multitude of meaningful programs
and services undertaken during the past sixty five years.
With the arrival of Archbishop Athenagoras in February, 1931 to assume the
leadership of the Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America, a new
era began in the life and mission of the Greek Orthodox community.
The Thirties were turbulent times for the Greeks in America and Archbishop
Athenagoras soon realized that there was an urgent need to provide
philanthropic and relief services to the poor and suffering omogenia.
With the convening of the Fourth Archdiocesan General Assembly in New York
City, in November, 193 1, Archbishop Athenagoras urged the establishment
of a national women's organization as the official philanthropic arm of
the Church, to function under the Archdiocese with specific BYLAWS issued
for Philoptochos. Many parishes had women's organizations and they became
the nucleus of a national federation of Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos
Societies (Adelphotis), of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and
South America. In order to immediately develop the proper legal structure,
the Archbishop utilized the incorporation or charter issued to the Holy
Trinity Philoptochos by the State of New York in 1928. In October, 1932,
Archbishop Athenagoras sent his first encyclical to the Philoptochos
chapters, enclosing the BYLAWS and guidelines under which the organization
would function.
The first general assembly of Philoptochos convened in Boston in October,
1935 with Archbishop Athenagoras presiding. Over the years the Archbishop
addressed many encyclicals to the Philoptochos offering suggestions,
counseling their efforts and praising their accomplishments, as he did in
June, 1936 in an encyclical to the Priests, Parish Councils and all Greek
Orthodox Christians in the Archdiocese, stating: "the mission
promoted by the Philoptochos in many parishes has accomplished
miracles." The Archbishop also asked that the Feastday of Saints
Cosmas and Damianos, which is observed on November 1st, be designated as
the Patron Saints of Philoptochos.
Archbishop Athenagoras, in 1937, established the Holy Cross Theological
School in Pomfret, CT and challenged the Philoptochos Chapters to offer
financial and moral support to the Seminary. To this day, Hellenic
College/Holy Cross Theological School continues to receive considerable
financial support.
World War II brought many new challenges. Philoptochos played an important
role in helping the Greek War Relief effort, sending food, clothing,
medicine, blankets, hospital equipment and an ambulance to Greece.
Philoptochos ladies also worked with the American Red Cross and sold
United States War Bonds.
At the request of Archbishop Athenagoras Philoptochos purchased a 250 acre
estate in Garrison, NY. in March, 1944. This became St. Basil Academy,
where children from broken homes reside and receive an education through
the 8th Grade. St. Basil Academy is a major National Philoptochos program.
Under the leadership of His Eminence Archbishop lakovos, Philoptochos has
developed many new programs during the past thirty seven years. These
include a Social Service Office to assist the thousands of new Immigrants
from Greece and the establishment of the Sisterhood of St. Basil Academy.
In 1968, a major project was undertaken to bring cardiologists from Greece
for special training in the techniques of heart surgery.
The invasion of Cyprus in 1974 resulted in the mobilization of the Greek
Orthodox community to offer financial and moral assistance to 260,000
refugees. In addition, a Foster Parent Program was established to help
Cypriot refugee children. This program raised an estimated 2.5 million
dollars. Another 2.5 million was sent to the late Archbishop Makarios for
refugee aid.
The Philoptochos Children's Cardiac Program began in 1974. Its purpose
continues to be to bring Greek children to the United States for cardiac
surgery, and/or medical treatment for heart disorders. The program extends
the same care to Greek-American children throughout the United States.
The Social Services Office was expanded in October, 1988 to include new
committees on AIDS, Aging, the Homeless, child abuse, drug abuse, alcohol
abuse, battered women, etc. The general welfare assistance and Children's
Cardiac programs continue and a NEW Children's Medical Fund has been
established to assist children with life-threatening illnesses, including
AIDS, kidney and liver ailments, Juvenile Diabetes, as well as Cancer.
Social and moral issues are of primary concern and include information
about fighting child pornography and teenage pregnancy.
Other current National Philoptochos programs include Archdiocesan
Missions, St. Photios Shrine, and the Philanthropies of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate. Philoptochos, is represented at the United Nations on the
Economic and Social Council and the NGO-Non Governmental Organization.
Also, UNICEF which conducts impressive programs to help children
throughout the world. An Emergency Fund offers assistance to victims of
disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, refugees, hunger, etc.
National Philoptochos is a member of the National Council on Aging, the
National Religious Coalition Against Pornography and the General
Federation of Women's Clubs. National Philoptochos is a major benefactor
of the Restoration of Ellis Island.
During the past two years hundreds of new members have joined Philoptochos
and President Mimi C. Skandalakis hopes to double the membership during
her tenure. The Thirtieth Biennial Convention convened in Washington, D.C.
in July 1990 and was blessed by His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch
Dimitrios during his historic visit to the United States. The convention
was an unprecedented success with an historic registration of delegates
from throughout the United States, Canada and South America. An open forum
discussed "The Future of the Church in the 21st Century."
His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos in an encyclical to the Priests and Parish
Councils of the Archdiocese, stated: "During more than six decades
the expectations of Patriarch Athenagoras regarding National Philoptochos
have been fully realized. Philoptochos has aided the poor and suffering,
and has assisted the Church in many different ways. The greatest of all
accomplishments thus far is the fact that Philoptochos has increased its
charitable work beyond the confines of the local parish and the
Archdiocese.
"The life of our parishes would really be in a sorry state if it were
not for the Philoptochos Society. 1, personally, feel a deep sense of
gratitude toward the gracious ladies who have committed themselves with a
spirit of self sacrifice in this ministry of love."
Currently under the leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, The
Philoptochos heads to the next millennium with many years ahead to provide
love, community, service and unity for all.
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