Purpose/Mission Statement:

Our purpose is to offer service to the Church: to aid those who may be in need of help due to physical, mental or financial challenges and to promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox Community.

Time Commitment:

Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month. Dependent upon one’s interests and availability, there is always opportunity to offer one’s service.

Membership:

Greek Orthodox women at least 18 years of age. These are the women who are dedicated to being a friend of the poor, or as expressed in the Greek language, “Φίλος των Πτωχών.” These are the people who work towards raising funds for scholarships, enabling many young people without the means to continue in their education; who are active in influencing new legislation for the betterment of mankind; who represent with devotion our beloved Orthodoxy, and to be sure, Christianity, to the whole world.

The Philoptochos member, who is a true member, serves without reservation. The member listens to others without hasty judgment or criticisms, and in short, fosters good will through one’s actions, words and deeds.

All these then, are woven into our personalities and then, as individuals, we in turn, are woven into a perfect formula for the guiding principles of our own personal lives. As we live, we set the guidelines for future generations of Greek Orthodox Christians.

The ladies of the Holy Cross Philoptochos Society assist in the ministries and philanthropy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Archdiocese of America and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. They assist the Clergy in all Parish ministries.

Activities:

Hosting coffee socials throughout the year.

Annual Vasilopeta celebration to raise money for St. Basil’s Academy – a residential school for school-age children.

Hospital and home visitations.

Baking the pastries for: bake sales, feast days and the festival.