A History of Our Philoptochos

Derived from the greek words philo (friend) and ptochos (poor), the word signifies love and service to the disadvantaged. The ministry’s mission is to aid the poor, destitute, hungry, aged, sick, unemployed, orphaned, imprisoned, and victims of disaster. It is the largest organization of Greek Orthodox women and the second largest women’s philanthropic organization in the US with over 400 chapters.

Our Elkins Park Chapter has been serving the community for 100 years with over 375 women serving since 1963.

Our current Philoptochos board members have 335 years of collective service as members.Two of our amazing women, Magda Hatzis and Helen Papanicolaou, were documented as members in 1964!

Membership records date back to 1963. Membership dues in 1963 were $3.50 which equates to roughly $32 in today’s dollar.As far back as 1973 and up through the early 2000’s, Philoptochos held an annual Christmas bazaar which was a big deal in the community and featured in the local newspaper. 

In the last 10 years over $325,000 has been given to support over 100 local, national and international causes and missions through fundraisers such as the annual Bid-N-Buy which has been a major event for at least 35 years. We applaud our amazing women of Annunciation Philoptochos as they celebrate 100 years of serving our community!