St. Helen

Women’s
Philoptochos

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos is an organization unique to the Greek   Orthodox Church. It is the largest women’s organization in the United States & the second-largest women’s religious philanthropic organization in the world.

Philoptochos was established in 1931 by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was then serving as Archbishop of North & South America. The overwhelming majority of Greek Orthodox Churches have a Philoptochos Chapter.

Annual Christmas and Membership Celebration

Join us Tuesday December 3rd at 5pm in Graven Hall, see flier for details.

Become a Philoptochos Member.

Be part of a Great Sisterhood that is dedicated to philanthropy. Membership is open to women of the Greek Orthodox faith who are at least 18 years old. Annual membership is $35.00 minimum.
If you are blessed, please consider giving more.


Our Philoptochos Mission

To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the widowed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the handicapped, those with disabilities, the victims of disasters & domestic violence, & to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church. All this charitable work is done locally, nationally, & worldwide.

Our Legacy of Philanthropy

For nearly a century, members of all ages have teamed up & worked together with a “Can do Spirit” that has enabled us to continue to make a meaningful difference to those in need.

  •  An ability to reimagine & alter our “usual” Fundraisers during Covid & even now to continue to make a greater impact each year.

  • Members who tirelessly give their time, talent & treasure.

  • Develop friendships & network with women of all ages in our chapter & other chapters across Chicago & other states.

  • Support our Church & work with our Priests.

  • Carry on our Greek Orthodox faith & traditions.

We have built strong relationships with a wide range of organizations that assist people in need of basic necessities and services.

In addition to our National and Metropolis obligations, our chapter has donated about $20,000 annually for services, meals, and needed items to various local causes that serve residents of our communities as well.

 Our St. Helen chapter was honored by Zelda’s Kitchen Witches for our long-standing and collaborative relationship.  This South Suburban organization provides new kitchen items to women fleeing domestic violence and women who are homeless.  The women are moving into transitional housing seeking an independent life.

  • Ronald Mc Donald House               

  • Pro Labore Dei (Robbins)                

  • MorningStar Mission (Joliet)

  • Crisis Center of South Suburbia       

  • Pacific Garden Mission (Chicago)    

  • Metropolis Feed the Hungry

  • North Palos #117 Backpacks           

  • Feed Six                                         

  • Pathlights /Meals on Wheels

  • Autism Assistance Fund           

  • Metropolis Philanthropy Fund

  • Cancer Fund                                      

  • Lighthouse for the Blind         

  • Park Lawn           

  • Fisher House                                  

  • Greek American Rehab/Care Centre                     

  • National Philoptochos Emergency Fund

  • IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) 

  • Aid to Greece & Cyprus

  • Zelda’s Kitchen Witches      

We are “Dedicated to Philanthropy” with Love

Our members are the greatest through their..

Generosity

Countless donations, talents, and time!

Perseverance

Who else can make over 4,000 Koulourakia to sell for our Easter sale in a day?

Smiles

Helping to put smiles on the faces of people in need, makes us smile too!

2023-2025
St. Helen Women’s Philoptochos Officers

President

1st Vice President

2nd Vice President

Recording Secretary

Corresponding Secretary

Treasurer

Assistant Treasurer

Advisor

Dianne Kotsogiannis

Joanna Tsoukalas

Antigone Campobasso

Deanne Savide 

Penny Vitogiannis

Alexandra Smirniotis

Kathy Roupas        

Katerina (Renna) Lemberis

Mary Berchos 

Antigone Campobasso

Sandra Chakonas

Voula Dinos           

Bessie Gianakas 

Susan Kamberos      

Dianne Kotsogiannis

Renna Lemberis

Nicki McDonald

Effie Panos

2023-2025
Board Members

Kay Pazoles

Chris Privoznik

Elaine Roupas

Kathy Roupas

Deanne Savide

Alexandra Smirniotis

Joanna Tsoukalas

Maria Visvardis

Penny Vitogiannis

       

The Ladies of Philoptochos

Christianiki Philoxenia

Christianiki Philoxenia began as a vision parishioner and founder Aggeliki (Koula) Pitsis in 2012 who brought it to life! She shared her vision with Father Byron Papanikolaou of Saints Constantine and Helen in Palos Hills, IL.  Together, they built a mission and a plan!


Treasured Recipes and Memories Cookbook

The Saint Helen Women’s Philoptochos is proud to announce the fourth edition of the “Treasured Recipes and Memories” Cookbook is now available for purchase.

Originally published in 2011, the cookbook is an impressive collection of over 500 recipes that include Greek, American, gluten-free, and various ethnic specialties contributed by our Philotochos members. It is a must-have for the next generation of cooks and bakers to enjoy!

The money raised from cookbook sales supports many philanthropic causes. 

Contact Elaine Roupas to order a copy of the book.
eroup@aol.com
708.945.2561