About the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society

345 East 74th Street, New York, NY 10021-3701
Tel. (212) 744-4390 -- Fax (212) 861-1956
Email: philosny@aol.com -- web: www.philoptochos.org

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Chairman
Georgia Skeadas, President
Helen Lavorata, Director

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., as the philanthropic heart of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, has for over seventy- five years undertaken a multitude of philanthropic programs to aid the poor, the sick, and the elderly. The Society was established in November 1931, by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was then serving as Archbishop of North and South America. The structure of Philoptochos includes the National Board, Metropolis Boards and Chapters in the parishes of the Archdiocese. There are approximately 480 Philoptochos Chapters throughout the United States.

Since the late 1950's, upon the recommendation of Archbishop Iakovos, Philoptochos has placed an increased emphasis on the implementation of important programs to benefit the Greek Orthodox community, including, but not limited to, institutions of the Church, the philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and assistance to Greek and Greek Orthodox families. Involvement in social and moral issues encouraged the establishment of several committees to address topics such as child abuse prevention, domestic violence, homelessness, pornography, drug and alcohol abuse, and aging.

Since 1987, the National Philoptochos office has employed a professional Social Worker, engaged in assisting the Greek Orthodox community in the United States as well as Greek and Cypriot nationals. The Department of Social Services is a very important, vital element of our organization. The mission of the Department is to improve the quality of life of those in need, in a way that maintains the dignity and self-respect of the individuals. Through confidential and professional services, the office provides outreach, education, information, support, intervention, motivation, advocacy, financial assistance and referral to local and broader resources. The website of the department of Social Services can be accessed here: http://philoptochos.org/programs/socialservices/.

Upon assuming the office of president in 2002, Mrs. Skeadas' goal has been to globalize and modernize the Philoptochos Society, to expand its scope and outreach, to streamline operations in order to become more effective and efficient, and to expand the membership to embrace the multi-generational and multi-demographic span of women who comprise the Greek Orthodox parishes in the United States. In keeping with these initiatives, the Philoptochos Society:

1. Provided funding to build a children's medical clinic in Waliso, Ethiopia
2. Provided assistance to families in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina
3. Provided first response assistance in Greece following the devastating fires of 2007
4. Established programs such as Go Red
5. correspond to National Health Observance days across the United States
6. Expanded membership programs in order to serve the needs of all generations (click here for list of available resources)

For further information contact:

Helen Lavorata
Director
National Philoptochos Office
(212) 744-4390 
hlavorata@philoptochos.org

Stella Xikis
Accountant/Bookkeeper
National Philoptochos Office
(212) 744-4390
sxikis@philoptochos.org

Diamondo Prassakos
Social Worker
Social Work Office
(212) 744-4774
dprassakos@philoptochos.org