Philoptochos

“Friends of the Poor”

Philoptochos is the primary philanthropy group of our parish.  Historically a women’s group, it is also open to our men, and raises money and provides hands-on services for local and national charitable work.

Sts. Constantine & Helen Philoptochos has a strong and outstanding history supporting not only those from our own community but in the greater Cleveland Community as well.  This year more than ever our community needs us. Cleveland is still among the poorest cities in America, and the need here is still great.

Our Mission Statement is, “To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts;

  • To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources;
  • To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs;
  • To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council.

Our many gifts in the past year have included:

•     Laura’s Home: A space for women and children, that serves as a bridge from crisis to stability and self-sufficiency. With 166 beds and 55 rooms, Laura’s Home offers specialized, wraparound services designed to empower families and individuals to live healthy lives. Every room in Laura’s Home has been full with a waiting list for more than 5 years.

•     Hitchcock Center for Women:  HCFW is a leader in substance abuse treatment for women, carrying out the mission to ‘wholistically’ empower women to achieve and maintain productive, chemically-free lives at home, at work, and in the community. HCFW also has a waiting list for admission.

•    Renee Jones Empowerment Center: The Center works with vulnerable individuals, including the focus of meeting the ever increasing number of human trafficking victims. In response to the urgent and unique needs of these women, RJEC started Project Red Cord in 2008. Today, the Center focuses much of its efforts on advocacy and support for the survivors of human trafficking. The RJEC also works directly with members of law enforcement, who connect adult victims to the Center. (Please Note Ohio is ranked in the top 5 states for suffering human trafficking and Cleveland is ranked in the top 20 cities)

Other recipients include:

  • Fairfax Elementary School: partnered with Fairfax to provide students with school supplies, summer reading books, camp scholarships and holiday meals,
  • Zelma George Women’s Shelter: holiday parties with gifts for mothers and children at Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day
  • St. Herman’s House of Hospitality: provide meals and clothing
  • Mission Projects: sponsored multiple mission trips to help with building projects in New Orleans, Canada, Athens, Ohio and recently to the Entrance to the Theotokos Skete, Hayesville, Ohio to build a chapel for the monastery
  • Provide assistance for mercy meals
  • Visit our shut-ins on a regular basis to prove them with fellowship and treats
  • Support International Orthodox Christian Charities, Kivotos Orphanage in Athens, Zoe for Life, Orthodox Christian Fellowship and many more organizations and individuals

Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society flyer

To become a member or renew your old membership, click here.  

For More Information

Contact Susan Trumbull through our Church office.
Phone: 216-932-3300