Wednesday of the 13th Week
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Fast Day (Wine and Oil Allowed)
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Annunciation Cathedral Philoptochos

A Legacy of Philanthropy — One Woman Asking Another to Care

2025 Officers

Polyxeni Kapsalis - President
Lena Milissis - Vice President
Eve Christie - Corresponding Secretary
Cathryn Lee-Alexander - Recording Secretary
Evi Hatzopoulos - Treasurer
Milteva Khurna - Assistant Treasurer
Athena Lakerdas - Advisor
Joanne Stavrakas - Advisor

A Brief History Of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Women's Philoptochos Society

The idea of a Philoptochos as a necessary organization of the Greek Orthodox Church structure was initiated by Archbishop Athenagoras in 1931. The Annunciation Cathedral Women's Philoptochos Society of Chicago was founded in 1939 when Archbishop Athenagoras requested the existing "Mothers Benevolent Society" became a "Philoptochos." The women accepted the suggestion and elected Mrs. Phyllis Batsakis Deliannis, President of the Mothers' group, to be President of the newly organized Philoptochos.

Over the years our Philoptochos has played a significant role in the welfare of our beloved Annunciation Cathedral, and has made many contributions to the community and across the world. During the early 1940's our Philoptochos — through various fund raising events — helped our Cathedral pay off the mortgage, preventing foreclosure and ensuring our future (as well as leading the redecoration of the Cathedral).

Projects abroad and home

  • During World War II our ladies raised funds for the American Red Cross.
  • Volunteered at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen.
  • Provided aid to the Battered and Homeless Women of Chicago.
  • Served Greek meals to hospitalized veterans.
  • Participated in the Feed the Hungry Program.
  • Committed to the building of the Greek American Nursing Home.
  • Established several annual events such as the Champagne Lunch and Makaronada Luncheon.
  • Baked desserts and other items for the Cathedral Food Festival and hosted various other Cathedral religious events.
  • Purchased kitchen equipment for the Cathedral and settings for 200 consisting of dishes, glasses, flatware and cabinetry.

Currently

  • We continue to support National and International programs through our National House of Philanthropy as well as many of the programs listed above (and many others).
  • We have sent Funds for Disaster Relief to Greece and the areas of the US affected by natural disasters.
  • We have established our own Children's Fund benefiting children in the Chicago area who are in crisis.
  • And our work goes on! So much to do!

We thank you for your generous support!

Funeral - Friedman
Wed, Dec 17 – 10:00 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Begins immediately after Holy Communion
Sun, Dec 21 – 8:15 am

Royal Hours & Vesperal D. Liturgy
Eve of the Nativity of Christ
Wed, Dec 24 – 8:00 am

Christmas Eve Vigil
His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael Presiding
10:30pm Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy
Wed, Dec 24 – 10:30 pm

Divine Liturgy
+Holy Nativity
Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostomos
Thu, Dec 25 – 10:00 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
+Feast of St. Stephanos 
(veneration of the Holy Relic)
Sat, Dec 27 – 8:30 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Begins immediately after Holy Communion
Sun, Dec 28 – 8:15 am

Great Vespers
St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 733 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Wed, Dec 31 – 7:00 pm

Orthros & Divine Liturgy
Greek Orthodox Church of St Basil 733 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
+ Feast of St. Basil the Great
Thu, Jan 1 – 8:30 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Begins immediately after Holy Communion
Sun, Jan 4 – 8:15 am

Royal Hours of Theophany
Mon, Jan 5 – 9:00 am

Vesperal Divine Liturgy
Great Blessing of the Waters
Mon, Jan 5 – 5:30 pm

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
+Holy Theophany
Great Blessing of the Waters
Tue, Jan 6 – 8:30 am

Great Vespers
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2350 E Dempster St, Des Plaines, IL 60016, USA
Tue, Jan 6 – 7:00 pm

Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Feast of St. John the Baptist
Wed, Jan 7 – 8:30 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Begins immediately after Holy Communion
Sun, Jan 11 – 8:15 am

Adult Greek - advanced
Thu, Dec 18 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - intermediate II
Thu, Dec 18 – 6:45 pm

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Dec 23 – 11:30 am

Adult Greek - beginner
Tue, Dec 23 – 6:45 pm

The Cathedral office is Closed
Thu, Dec 25 – 12:00 am

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Dec 30 – 11:30 am

The Cathedral office is Closed
Thu, Jan 1 – 12:00 am

Children Greek
Mon, Jan 5 – 5:30 pm

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Jan 6 – 11:30 am

Adult Greek - intermediate I
Tue, Jan 6 – 5:30 pm

Tween/Teen Greek
Tue, Jan 6 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - beginner
Tue, Jan 6 – 6:45 pm

Adult Greek - advanced
Thu, Jan 8 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - intermediate II
Thu, Jan 8 – 6:45 pm

Annual Parish Vasilopita Cutting
Sun, Jan 11 – 11:30 am

Children Greek
Mon, Jan 12 – 5:30 pm

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Jan 13 – 11:30 am

Adult Greek - intermediate I
Tue, Jan 13 – 5:30 pm

Tween/Teen Greek
Tue, Jan 13 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - beginner
Tue, Jan 13 – 6:45 pm

Philoptochos meeting
Tue, Jan 13 – 7:00 pm

Adult Greek - advanced
Thu, Jan 15 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - intermediate II
Thu, Jan 15 – 6:45 pm