About St. Helen Philoptochos Society of Sts. Constantine & Helen

 

The Philoptochos Society of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church consists of women in the Parish whose main objectives are of a charitable and philanthropic nature. Our Philoptochos was established in 1979, at which time the concept of Circles was introduced by Father Theodore Phillips. The Circles described below meet every month. They report to the Philoptochos Board, which meets every two months, or as needed, and to the General Assembly of the Churh, which meets generally every three months. Each member is requested to join one of the three Circles.

As the major philanthropic organization of our church, Philoptochos members help support many worthwhile activities and charities.

 
 
   
  Just what are those activities and charities?
  Through our three circles, Agape, Elpis, and Pistis we provide a wide range of services. The Agape Circle provides a personal touch of comfort, support, and fellowship to others. The Pistis Circle takes care of special religious items such as holy water, palm crosses, the Epitaphio, weekly prosphoron, flowers, and kolyva, and performs ongoing cleaning of the church. The Elpis Circle co ordinates major events and fundraising activities such as the religious retreat in January, the membership tea, the Palm Sunday luncheon, and a major fundraising event in the fall, among others. In addition, we participate in community activities such as the Avon Breast Cancer Walk, Meals on Wheels, and the Dress for Success program.
   
  What happens to the money we raise?
  During the last two years, we have spent $10,000 on the Sunday School and other youth activities within our own parish. We have given close to $5,000 to support our church-based institutions such as International Orthodox Charities, St. Basil's Academy, our Mission priests, and out seminary school students. We have donated $12,000 to outside charities such as Elizabeth Hospice, Meals on Wheels, the Emilio Nares Foundation, Project Mexico, the September 11 Relief Fund, Kids N' Cancer, the Cancer Fund, the Children's Cardiac Program, and UNICEF, among others. Finally, we address ongoing requests for assistance which we receive every month, donating to many individual needs.
   
  I'm so busy already, I don't think I can do much for Philoptochos.
  Just by joining and giving us your membership dues, you help us to continue the financial support of the many charities we sponsor. Hopefully, many of you also will be able to participate in some of the activities of our various circles, and provide the participation which makes our growing organization strong and valuable to our community.
   
  How do I join?
 

Please take a moment to fill out our Membership Profile. Simply mail the completed form to the address below.

Laure Bemis
1237 Bellflower Road
Carlsbad, CA

The amount you give is up to you. The National Diocese Philoptochos treasuries receive $14.50 of every member's fees. Whatever you give above and beyond that amount stays in our chapter. Please make checks payable to St. Helen Philoptochos. Thank you for your love and support.

OFFICERS 
President:Carolyn Grage
Vice President:Carolyn Koumaras
Recording Secretary:Gail Slemon
Corresponding Secretary:Diane Truesdell
Treasurer:Eleni Tignor
Agape Chairs:Barbara Anaya
 Joan Pritten
 Linda Santogeanis-Crow
Pistis Chairs:Pam Pierce
 Chris Kailas
 Nanette List
 Jennifer Stacy
Elpis Chairs:Nuha Balmuth
 Joyce Jacobs
 Dana Triantis
 Ellen Wynn
Fellowship Chairs:Sevasti Hatzimichael
 Catherine Caldes
Membership Chairs:Laure Bemis
 Toni Kanakaris
On-going Fundraiser Chair:Christina Vassiliades
 Maria Leslie Georgiou
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