Philoptochos
Philoptochos is a Greek word which means “friends of the poor” – not only poor in financial resources, but also the poor in spirit, the poor in health, the poor in companionship, and the poor in emotional stability. Saint Spyridon’s local chapter is part of a national organization of Orthodox Christian women whose sole commitment is to serve the poor and needy, locally and worldwide,
in the Name of Jesus Christ. Philoptochos hosts monthly service projects at Saint Spyridon Church and is also active in serving the poor on a need specific basis. National Philoptochos Society Mission Statement
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is the duly accredited women’s philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The mission of the Society shall be:
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; and
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. The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness. home page to learn more about this national organization. Service Projects and Events
Our emphasis is to help our fellow parishioners, our local Northern Colorado community, and support national and international projects as encouraged by the National Philoptochos Society. We strive to do this through regular parish-wide community service projects and other events. These activities have included the following: Loveland Crop Walk participation to support the House of Neighborly Service (HNS) in Loveland and other charities such as IOCC, Coat/Hat/Gloves/Mittens Drive for the HNS, Thanksgiving baskets to support the HNS, Adopt-a-Family Christmas Project through Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, Vasilopita auction to support St. Basil Academy (a home for orphaned Orthodox children in New York), Lenten food drive for the HNS, gift cards for our parishioners in need, fundraiser for the St. Nektarios Fund, Basil Sakas Memorial Golf Tournament fundraiser participation in support of our Adopt-a-Family Christmas Project and RamStrength in Northern Colorado, Emergency Response for the Colorado Flood Relief & Fire Devastation in Northern Colorado, and donations to national and international Philoptochos charities. Monthly Poor Box Donations
Please consider supporting the philanthropic outreach of our church through the Philoptochos Poor Box located on the candle stand in the narthex. Each month (unless otherwise noted) donations are designated for a local charity. Gift cards are also a welcome addition! Please make checks payable to St. Spyridon Philoptochos and indicate the charity in the memo line. Myrrhbearers
These women of Saint Spyridon are committed to bearing one another’s burdens through the ministry of intercessory prayer. If you have a prayer request or praise that you would like our Myrrhbearers to pray for, please fill out a prayer request card which can be found on the candle stand in the narthex; cards are picked up on a regular basis. Or, you can contact Barb, for more information. Support Angels
The Support Angels of Saint Spyridon are parishioners who extend support to those in need by providing meals, transportation, visitation, and other forms of care. If you are in need of assistance or know someone in the parish who is, please contact Nicole. Additionally, Support Angels has established a fund to assist families within our parish who are struggling due to a lack of employment. If you would like to contribute financially to this fund you may do so by placing your gifts in the Poor Box in the narthex. Spyridon Philoptochos with “Support Angels” in the memo line. Many thanks for your love and care. Becoming a Member
Thanks to all the women who have already joined our local Philoptochos chapter! If you would like to learn more about becoming a member, please contact Maria or Diana for more information.
