National Philoptochos Approved $50,000 in Emergency Funding in Response to the
Devastating Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
New York, NY – On February 8, 2023, the Executive Board of the National Philoptochos Society unanimously approved an emergency disbursement of $50,000 to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Earthquake Relief Fund. These funds come from the National Philoptochos Emergency Fund, which enables the Philoptochos Society to immediately respond to those in need in times of national or international crisis. Fund disbursement will be directed to those impacted by the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Turkey and Syria with over 20,000 lives lost and hundreds of thousands left homeless.
National Philoptochos president Arlene Siavelis Kehl has been in meetings and consultation with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), and other affiliated organizations, to represent all Philoptochos stewards, chapters, and metropolises.
This donation would not have been possible without the support of the 437 Philoptochos chapters across the nation who contribute annually to the National Philoptochos Emergency Fund. In addition, the Philoptochos Society is launching a fundraising campaign through its chapters to further benefit the earthquake victims, the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief Fund.
National President Arlene Siavelis Kehl, stated, "The ladies of Philoptochos are deeply saddened by the tragic effects of the earthquake on Monday, February 6th. We mourn the loss of life, and we pray for those who have been injured and displaced. The generosity of Philoptochos is well known and much appreciated throughout the world. The people of Turkey and Syria need our love and our support at this time and once again, Philoptochos will answer the plea.”
Please keep the victims, their families and loved ones in your prayers and please be as generous as possible. Donations can be made online: https://ppay.co/-N5VYeUg5JI. Checks may also be sent to the National Philoptochos Society, 126 East 37th Street, New York, NY 10016 in the memo stating, “Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief Fund.”
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. For more info, check out www.philoptochos.org.
