Philoptochos
Welcome to the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church of Winchester, VA. Philoptochos
The Mission of Philoptochos
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is the duly accredited women’s philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
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.
To promote the charitable, benevolent and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and through them to promote the Greek Orthodox faith and traditions.
To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox Community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council.
The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness.
The History of Philoptochos
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that has offered 89 years of philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and throughout the world. 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.
Our Chapter Board Members
- Spiritual Guide: Rev. Protopresbyter Milan Sturgis, Ph.D.
- Advisor: Angela Tsiatsos
- President: Chris Georgarakis
- Treasurers: Georgia Yeatras
- Assistant Treasurer: Kathy Ann Lutz
- Recording Secretary: Ashley Donadieu
- Corresponding Secretary: Katie Hovarter
How Dormition of Virgin Mary Philoptochos Can Help Church Members in Need
Dormition of Virgin Mary Philoptochos can assist Orthodox Christian individuals and families who are in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, to address and resolve their human service and/or financial challenges as effectively as possible. Please contact Chris Georgarakis at Charity.Dormition@gmail.com or Father Milan Sturgis Father@dormitionatwinchesterva.com for assistance on how to apply for Social Services.
Reasons People May Need Help
- Economic hardship or poverty
- Hunger and food insecurity
- Domestic violence
- Elder abuse
- Health and mental health issues
- Substance abuse disorder
- Housing insecurity and homelessness
- Effects of disasters and tragedies
How Philoptochos Responds Locally
- Bright Futures, Frederick County/City of Winchester Public Schools (https://sites.google.com/fcpsk12.net/brightfuturesfrederickcounty/home)
- Froggy’s Closet, a project of the Families Reaching Out Group (https://frogwinc.squarespace.com/)
- Martinsburg Veteran Affairs Medical Center (https://www.va.gov/martinsburg-health-care/)
- Winchester Area Temporary Thermal Shelter (https://watts-homelessshelter.org/)
- Winchester Congregational Community Action Project (https://ccapwinc.org/)
- Winchester Rescue Mission (https://www.winrescue.org/)
How National Philoptochos Responds (Impact Report 2024)
Money raised from National Philoptochos is allocated to the following charities:
- Saint Basil Academy
- Hellenic College of Holy Cross
- Social Service
- Ecumenical Patriarchate
- Hurricane Ian Relief
- Baluki Hospital - Constantinople
- Children’s Medical Fund
- International Orthodox Charities
Please print, fill out the following form and return to join the Dormition of Virgin Mary Philoptochos Society of Winchester, VA. or fill out the following Google Form. Please return checks to Georgia Yeatras or Kathy Lutz.
For the most up to date information on our current initiatives and fundraisers, please follow us on our Facebook page, “Dormition of Virgin Mary Philoptochos – Winchester, VA” at https://www.facebook.com/dormitionvirginmaryphiloptochos.
Contact Us
Dormition of Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Philoptochos
1700 Amherst St.
Winchester, VA. 22601
charity.dormition@gmail.com