PHILOPTOCHOS
Φιλόπτωχος
Philoptochos
Why Become an Active Member of Philoptochos?
The benevolent works of Philoptochos are a continuation of Christ’s ministry on earth. Each member has an opportunity, through her participation in the ministries and programs of Philoptochos, to return to God a portion of the time, talents and resource with which He has gifted her. Most importantly, a member reaps the rewards that fellowship and sisterhood can offer to enrich her life.
Meeting and Schedule
Regular Meetings of the General Membership take place every fourth Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise noted) at 7:00pm in the East Room of the Hellenic Community Centre. Below is a link to the annual schedule of events.
2024-2025 Board Members:
Position | Name |
|---|---|
President | Penelope Kerhoulas |
1st Vice-President | Gina Spanogiannis |
2nd Vice-President | Effie Alexis |
English Secretary | Kathy Laskaris |
Greek Secretary | Dr. Vasiliki Papukna |
Corresponding Secretary | Kona Sakellis |
Treasurer | Bessie Theocharis |
Assistant Treasurer – Membership | Christina Michalopoulos |
Advisor to the Board | Antonia Albin |
General Member | Adrianna Mantarazzo |
General Member | Reni Georgallidis |
General Member | Sophia Kalogeros |
General Member | Anna Karamoutzos |
General Member | Olga Koskinas |
General Member | Alexandra Kylindris |
General Member | Voula Vasiliou |
Philoptochos’s Obligations National & Local Projects
• National Philoptochos Society • Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) • Fire Victims of Greece • Metamorphosis Greek • Orthodox Summer Camp • Hellenic Home for the Aged • Hospital funded and built by Philoptochos in Albania • The London Chapter is a donor of The William Singeris National Centre for Myotonic Dystrophy • Koats for Kids, Memorial Boys’ and Girls’ Club • Canadian Cancer Society, Daffodil Days in support of Breast Cancer\Heart and Stroke Foundation • Autism Society of Canada • Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner – Open Invitation to youth of this community and Greek Orthodox you • Attending school who do not have family and friends. • Metropolis Mission Services (raises funds to assist Orthodox youth around the world) • Hellenic Dancers of London • Completed Projects within the Church: Icon of Theotokos, Iconostatis, Church Hall Christian Children’s Fund International • Battered Women and Children / Women’s Community House / My Sister’s Place • Food Bank / Emergency Services
History
On December 8th, 1943 the Greek Ladies Society of London was formed with 14 members who elected Mrs. Aspasia (Peter) Liabotis as their first President. On January 6th, 1955, in conjunction with the opening of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and under the leadership of Mrs. Vasiliki (Philip) Kapelos the Greek Ladies Society became the Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society of London and Vicinity. On June 6th, of that same year, at the dedication ‘eggainia” of our church, Philoptochos donated $2386. to name our church “Holy Trinity”.
Our Philoptochos chapter has grown from 14 to 153 (in 2001) proud members. Philoptochos means “friends of the poor” but not only in the sense of financial and material resources. Philoptochos also aids people who are poor in spirit, poor in health, poor in emotional stability, poor in companionship, and those poor in whatever is needed to lead a fulfilling life. Philoptochos is the right arm of the Orthodox Community and is always prepared to assist whatever and whenever needed.
Contact Information:
Philoptochos Ladies Society of London
Penelope Kerhoulas, President
Email: penelopekerhoulas@gmail.com or Phone: 519-439-0032