Christianiki Philoxenia

Christianiki Philoxenia is a ministry that began in 2012 by parishioner and founder Aggeliki (Koula) Pitsis. She shared her vision with Father Byron Papanikolaou and together, they built a long-lasting and loving plan that continues today…

 The Mission

“We will honor our community of seniors with church service and hospitality filled with lunch, education, and entertainment to gather and meet with old and new friends for conversation, fellowship, and comfort.”

Founding Church

Sts. Constantine & Helen
Palos Hills, IL

 The Name

“Christianiki Philoxenia” was created by: Father Byron & Koula Pitsis

Logo Designed by:  Demetrios (Jim) Pitsis

Featured in the Greek Star in 2012.

After kicking it off at Saints Constantine & Helen, 5 neighboring churches joined and the mission of Christianiki Philoxenia grew and continues strongly today.

And, together, they accomplished ….

On July 4, 2012, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America & the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., awarded Sts. Constantine & Helen Chapter the “Award of Excellence” in recognition of the new and innovative concept and most outstanding outreach program for  Senior Citizens “Christian Hospitality” (Christianiki Philoxenia)

Partnering Parishes and recipients of the “Award of Excellence” were the following 5 Churches and Philoptochos Chapters of South Suburbia:

  • SS. Constantine and Helen Church, Palos Hills, IL

  • St. Spyridon, Palos Heights, IL 

  • St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn, IL 

  • Holy Cross, Justice, IL 

  • Assumption, Homer Glen, IL 

 Christianiki Philoxenia has been an annual event since 2012. An event is hosted once a year by each of the five parishes and is attended by more and more every year between April and November. The event includes:

  • Divine Liturgy and Memorial Services

  • Luncheon hosted and sponsored by each parish Philoptochos.

  • Speakers with helpful and interesting information

  • Time to socialize and enjoy friendship and fellowship.

  • AND generous donors who LOVE supporting us!

AND, they also prepare “care packages” for the ones that are unable to attend.

Members of the Christianiki Philoxenia committee celebrating their 10th year in 2022. Pictured left to right: Tasia Pappas, Elaine Roupas, Chris Pitsis Privoznik, Koula Pitsis, Dianne Kotsogiannis, Alexandra Smirniotis, Renna Lemberis, Vicky Hioti

Members of the Christianiki Philoxenia committee celebrating their 10th year in 2022.

Pictured left  to right: Tasia Pappas, Elaine Roupas, Chris Pitsis Privoznik, Koula Pitsis, Dianne Kotsogiannis, Alexandra  Smirniotis, Renna Lemberis, Vicky Hiotis, Bessie Gianakas. Missing: Janet Koliopoulos, Effie Panos and Joanna Tsoukalas)

A special icon was created representing the 5 parishes of “Christianiki Philoxenia” and given to Koula in honor of her devotion.

Left: Koula Pitsis and her daughter Chris Pitsis Privoznik preparing for the event in 2023