The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. Becomes a Founding Member of
the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation
For Immediate Release: June 28, 2021
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is proud to become an Institutional Founding Member of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. The decision was made by a unanimous vote of the Executive Board at its meeting on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.
For decades, Philoptochos has continually supported the Ecumenical Patriarchate through its annual commitment program supported by its Chapters across the U.S. As a result, Philoptochos has contributed in excess of $2.6 million to the philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, such as Baloukli Hospital and nursing home, schools, shrines, and parishes.
National Philoptochos President Arlene Siavelis Kehl commented: “For ninety years, the National Philoptochos Society has supplied resources, support and agape to all those who are suffering and in need, for the benefit of the Greek Orthodox community and others in the United States and throughout the world. It is our immense honor and great joy to further extend our financial support to the Mother Church in Constantinople and to help ensure its financial independence through the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation.”
Philoptochos was founded in November 1931 by then Archbishop Athenagoras. Its mission is to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the sick [and] to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church; to promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; [and] to preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian Concepts. The entire mission statement can be found here.
As the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the National Philoptochos supports the Ecumenical Patriarchate as one of its many church institutions and programs supported financially through the National Philoptochos ministry commitment program. In addition, the biennial Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon raises funds for hospitals and research programs that assist fragile and critically ill children and supports families struggling with medical costs.
Philoptochos also conducts ongoing educational and philanthropic programs and projects, which are not only embraced throughout the U.S., but are ever evolving based on the critical issues confronting society today. Complete information about the programs and initiatives of the National Philoptochos can be found on its website www.philoptochos.org under “Ministry Commitments.”
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For more information contact:
Amy Kalogeropoulos, Director
Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc.
212-977-7770
