Ladies Philoptochos Society
Philoptochos News St. Eugenia Chapter
Frederick, Maryland
"I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST." Philippians 4:13
We are very grateful for....
The on-going generosity & support of our church members enabling us to collect funds for the children of St. Basil's Academy, IOCC, Hellenic College, the ministry of the St. Photios National Shrine, Holy Cross Academy, the Children's Agape Foundation and many other Philoptochos charities.
Philoptochos News for Summer 2011 and upcoming events and local outreach for Fall 2011
May News
June News
The Ladies Philoptochos had our year end annual dinner meeting on June 15th at J&P’s restaurant in Spring Ridge, we enjoyed dinner and fellowship with our Philoptochos Sisters and said goodbye to Father Anastasios.
Name Day Celebration
With the festival & business for the 2010/2011 year behind us the Philoptochos focused its attention to the yearly Sts. Peter & Paul name day celebration on June 28th & 29th. His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon, along with many other priests from the surrounding area came to Frederick to celebrate our special feast day. We were proud to host a formal reception after the Monday evening Vesper Service for the community. The delicious buffet included lenten foods such as shrimp, veggies, fruits and mezethakia as well as tasty lenten desserts. On Tuesday morning after the Divine Liturgy, a fabulous coffee hour was presented for all to enjoy the celebration!!!! Thank you to the planning, set-up, serving and clean-up committees…without you this could not have been
possible.
Local Outreach
Dress for Success
Erica Kavadias has coordinated this on-going National Philoptochos project since last fall. Thanks to everyone who has donated clothing so far!
Handbags for Homeless
This year the Philoptochos will be collecting gently used handbags and wallets to donate to the women’s shelters in Frederick. Having a stylish looking purse will help women in need get their lives on track. We will also take brief cases. There is a collection box under the coat rack in the Social Hall. Make sure they are clean & in good condition.
Recycling Fund Raiser “Go Green and Get Green” Sts. Peter & Paul Ladies Philoptochos continue a fund raiser to help support our National Philoptochos Charities. We are collecting old cell phones, ink jet cartridges, cameras & other electronics for recycling, as well as gold & silver. There will be a collection box near the Philoptochos table at church. Check out www.recyclingfundraiser.com for more information.
Salvation Army: St. Eugenia Chapter, with the help of the Parish, filled 30 Christmas Stockings for less fortunate children. The Salvation Army provided the stockings and they were generously filled with age appropriate toys, toothbrushes, gloves, etc.
Literacy Outreach Program: St Eugenia Chapter adopted a 1st grade class from a Title 1, low income school that was in need. We made gift bags that contained coloring books, pencils, crayons, a hard back book & a stuffed animal and distributed them before the Christmas break. In addition several members
"It is a qualitative element of our faith that we believe in and accept a Creator, who fashioned the world out of love, making and calling it "very good". Tending to and caring for this creation is not a political whim or a social fashion. It is a divine commandment; it is a religious obligation. It is no less than the will of God that we leave as light a footprint on our environment" Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew
Upcoming Events
| Philoptochos Board Meeting August 24th, starting at 7 pm |
| October 8 | Time: 2 pm
AGAPE Tea |
2011 Membership - Everyone Welcome
Don't Forget to Join Or Renew Your Membership for 2011!
This time of year marks the beginning of our annual Philoptochos Membership Drive. The mission of the Philoptochos is "to promote charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach, to preserve the sanctity of life and family, and to promote our Orthodox faith and traditions." Simply put, the Philoptochos is dedicated to serving the needs our church family, our local community and the world around us with love and compassion. Not only is it a wonderful opportunity to share your gifts and talents while serving others but also a great way to make new and lasting friendships while doing God's good work. All women (& men) are invited to join this worthy ministry of our church. 2010 membership forms can be found on the Philoptochos table at the bottom of the stairs in the church social hall or you can send in the application found in this newsletter. Current and past members are encouraged to renew their membership. New members are always welcome. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month from September-June at 7:15pm in the church board room. Annual dues are only $25.00.
Why Join Philoptochos?
"As the philanthropic heart of the Greek Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Philoptochos symbolizes the basic characteristic and teaching of Christianity, which is charity in all of its forms. Philanthropy is a tradition of the Greek Orthodox Church that dates back to the Byzantine Empire. It is identified with love and active feelings of benevolence toward any person, independent of the person's identity. We, the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, have held fast to this tradition of philanthropy, and we have fervently strengthened the sen se of love and compassion for all individuals that are in need. Thus, joining Philoptochos really means actively living and practicing our Orthodox faith. It also means being an important part of a truly dynamic force of humanitarian outreach, whose impact is, simply stated, tremendous in scope and widespread in breadth. There can be no better response to the question of why join Philoptochos than to say your membership is the manifestation and witness of your faith as an Orthodox Christian. As our Society evolves, our members experience the satisfaction of participating, giving and sharing in our most worthy philanthropic endeavors, as friendships are made and a connectedness between individuals is nurtured. Let us encourage all of our friends to become a part of this enriching and fulfilling experience." - Georgia Skeadas, National Philoptochos President, National Philoptochos Convention July 2004
Contact Us
Marie Carras (President) 301-293-3409 | mmcarras@aol.com
Visit the National Philoptochos Website
