Greek Orthodox women in the United States have been dedicated to the service of humanity for over 100 years. The Philoptochos, literally, “friend of the poor,” is one of the oldest and most effective philanthropic agencies of the Church. It continued the social ministries among the early immigrants begun in 1894, during the Depression and into the Second World War.

The first Ladies Philoptochos Society was established at Holy Trinity Church in 1902. In 1931, the newly arrived Archbishop Athenagoras established a National Philoptochos Organization that was the beginning of Philoptochos, as we know it today: the official philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

During the Great Depression of The Thirties, the Philoptochos devoted its main efforts to assisting the poor and needy and during World War II on war relief efforts. Since then, the activities of the Cathedral Philoptochos have greatly expanded to include support of St. Basil Academy, St. Michael’s Home, Childrens Medical Fund and social welfare and assistance for disaster victims worldwide. Since 1983, the Philoptochos has been a founding member of the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter Program to feed the homeless of New York City. An important effort of the Philoptochos has been the Golden Circle Program providing activities for senior citizens on a regular basis.