Cheesefare Monday
Monday, February 16, 2026
Fast Day (Dairy, Eggs, and Fish Allowed)
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Our Faith • The Sacraments

One of the best-known prayers of the Orthodox Church speaks of the spirit of God being "present in all places and filling all things." This profound affirmation is basic to Orthodoxy's understanding of God and His relationship to the world. Learn more»

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!

Small Supplication Service to the Theotokos
Wed, Feb 18 – 6:30 pm

Saturday of Souls
Sat, Feb 21 – 8:30 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sun, Feb 22 – 8:15 am

Saturday of Souls
Sat, Feb 28 – 8:30 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sun, Mar 1 – 8:15 am

Divine Liturgy in English
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Followed by fellowship and coffee 
Sat, Mar 7 – 10:00 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sun, Mar 8 – 8:15 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sun, Mar 15 – 8:15 am

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Feb 17 – 11:30 am

Adult Greek - intermediate I
Tue, Feb 17 – 5:30 pm

Tween/Teen Greek
Tue, Feb 17 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - beginner
Tue, Feb 17 – 6:45 pm

Adult Greek - advanced
Thu, Feb 19 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - intermediate II
Thu, Feb 19 – 6:45 pm

Vespers of Forgiveness
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 10050 Ivanhoe Ave, Schiller Park, IL 60176, USA
Sun, Feb 22 – 6:00 pm

Children Greek
Mon, Feb 23 – 5:30 pm

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Feb 24 – 11:30 am

Adult Greek - intermediate I
Tue, Feb 24 – 5:30 pm

Tween/Teen Greek
Tue, Feb 24 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - beginner
Tue, Feb 24 – 6:45 pm

Adult Greek - advanced
Thu, Feb 26 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - intermediate II
Thu, Feb 26 – 6:45 pm

Children Greek
Mon, Mar 2 – 5:30 pm

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Mar 3 – 11:30 am

Adult Greek - intermediate I
Tue, Mar 3 – 5:30 pm

Tween/Teen Greek
Tue, Mar 3 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - beginner
Tue, Mar 3 – 6:45 pm

Adult Greek - advanced
Thu, Mar 5 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - intermediate II
Thu, Mar 5 – 6:45 pm

Children Greek
Mon, Mar 9 – 5:30 pm

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Mar 10 – 11:30 am

Adult Greek - intermediate I
Tue, Mar 10 – 5:30 pm

Tween/Teen Greek
Tue, Mar 10 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - beginner
Tue, Mar 10 – 6:45 pm

Philoptochos meeting
Tue, Mar 10 – 7:00 pm

Adult Greek - advanced
Thu, Mar 12 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - intermediate II
Thu, Mar 12 – 6:45 pm

Makaronada Luncheon - Prep Day
Sat, Mar 14 – 12:00 am

Makaronada Luncheon
Sun, Mar 15 – 12:00 am

Children Greek
Mon, Mar 16 – 5:30 pm

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Mar 17 – 11:30 am