Message From the President
December 2023
I am honored and humbled to represent the Archdiocesan District Philoptochos as the new President. Our elections took place at the Biennial Conference on May 20th, at the Church of our Saviour in Rye, where we had an excellent attendance with over 100 ladies. There, we reported on Social Services, our endeavors, and initiatives.
On October 3rd, at the Archdiocesan Chapel, the officers were appointed to the newly elected Archdiocesan District Philoptochos Board by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, where the Oath of Office was officiated.
Feed the Hungry
Our Program continues to be very successful. Every last Tuesday of each month, a chapter volunteers, sometimes in conjunction with their parish or another philoptochos chapter, to come and distribute food, clothing, toiletries, hand-knitted hats and sweaters, new undergarments, and socks to the underserved and homeless of New York City. Those served are very grateful for everything we provide, and it is truly a humbling experience for all those who volunteer.
Social Services
This fall, we continue our Domestic Violence initiative with a drive for all chapters to participate in that will run between October 15 and December 15, 2023. Each Chapter will choose a shelter of their choice where they will collect Gift Cards, Diapers, Baby Wipes, Feminine Hygiene Products, Toiletries, Duffle Bags, and Backpacks to help domestic violence survivors. These drives bring the faithful together with a common goal of doing good work and helping the destitute. Aiding those in need is the heart of Philoptochos.
Saint Michael’s Home
Construction is moving forward on the Uniondale site in Long Island, NY. This new magnificent state-of-the-art facility will be able to accommodate more residents and offer additional services and additional spaces for the enjoyment of all. Still, most importantly, it will provide higher levels of care to the ever-increasing needs of our elderly. The Archdiocesan District Philoptochos chapters are devoted to supporting this ministry. On Sunday, November 12, 2023, the Saint Michael’s Home held its Annual Name Day Gala at the Metropolitan Club in NY, celebrating the 65th anniversary of its home.
Beacons of Hope Seminarian Scholarship Fund
We are pleased to continue to support our seminarians in their journey to the priesthood. With the blessings of Archbishop Elpidophoros, this ministry was created to bring financial relief to seminarians attending Holy Cross from the Archdiocesan District. Beacons of Hope is so incredibly important because it will help ensure the future of our Church. We distribute funds twice a year at the beginning of the Fall semester and the beginning of the spring semester. Many individuals and several chapters have donated, held fundraisers, and embraced our Beacons of Hope Scholarship Fund.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Philoptochos Part 2
Since these gatherings were so successful last year, we plan to continue having them this year. These events are free and purely social, for a bit of brainstorming, questions, answers, and just getting to know each other. They are held in various regions and hosted by chapters throughout the district to accommodate our 54 chapters and over 3000 members.
Agape Luncheon
Our Agape Luncheon was held on Saturday, April 29th, at The Surf Club on the Sound in New Rochelle, NY, which was very successful. His Grace Bishop Andonios of Phasiane spoke passionately about the new St. Michael’s Home in Uniondale, NY, and expressed the need for everyone in the country to embrace the home. The proceeds of the event of $70,000 benefited the Expansion Project. Our next Agape Luncheon is Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, and we hope to raise the bar at that event to $100,000 to benefit St. Michael’s Home.
Project Review Grants
In 2023, two grants were approved from National Philoptochos and was presented by the AD Philoptochos. St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Bayside, NY, was granted $25,000, which we presented to them in July. The funding will cover 54 Locomotor Training sessions and one partially funded session. This program offers intense and specialized physical therapy to children who have medical conditions that affect their mobility, such as spinal cord injury. The program has helped these children regain lost mobility and improve their overall quality of life.
US Autism Homes, INC
US Autism Homes, INC was granted $50,000, presented to them in November. The funding will go towards its AutismConnect Project to build a comprehensive digital platform offering support and guidance to individuals and families in the Autism community.
Locomotor training
The Archdiocesan District Philoptochos Board looks forward to continuing to promote the beautiful Philanthropic endeavors by working together harmoniously and diligently with love. We are excited to launch some outreach events and workshops and help guide our chapters to continue the good works and the mission of the Philoptochos.
Our board has invited our chapters to join us at a Chelsea High Line & Hudson Yards Food & History Tour on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
The first Sisterhood of Traveling 2 event will be on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 11:30 PM, Sts. Catherine & George Greek Orthodox Church in Astoria, NY
With the blessing of HE Archbishop Elpidophoros, we have launched a “Vasilopita Coin of St. Basil” for purchase, where the sales proceeds will benefit our Social Services.
We have joined the ranks of Constant Contact for email communication and are updating our new website. Please reach out to us for anything you may need, and we welcome you to share your ideas and suggestions.
www.archdistrictphiloptochos.org * philoptochos@archdistrictphiloptochos.org
“TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH”
In His Service,
Irene Hotzoglou
Archdiocesan District Philoptochos
RSVP to:
Irene Hotzoglou
Archdiocesan District Philoptochos President
EMAIL: Philoptochos@archdistrictphiloptochos.org