9th Friday after Pentecost
Friday, August 08, 2025
Strict Fast
Visit the Online Chapel for more daily readings, hymns, a monthly calendar of saints and feasts, and more.

Our Faith • The Church

The life of the Orthodox Church perpetuates and fulfills the ministry of Jesus Christ. The close association between Christ and His Church is reflected in the images from the Scriptures which declare that Christ is the Head and the Church is His Body, and that Christ is the Bridegroom and the Church is His bride. 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!

Paraklesis to the Panagia
Fri, Aug 8 – 6:00 pm

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Begins immediately after Holy Communion
Sun, Aug 10 – 8:15 am

Paraklesis to the Panagia
Mon, Aug 11 – 6:00 pm

Paraklesis to the Panagia
Wed, Aug 13 – 6:00 pm

Great Vespers
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 601 S Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60644, United States
Feast of the Dormition of the Panagia
Thu, Aug 14 – 7:00 pm

Orthros & Divine Liturgy
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago, 1017 N Lasalle St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
Feast of the Dormition of the Panagia (Fish Allowed)
Fri, Aug 15 – 8:30 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Feast of St. Stamatios
Sat, Aug 16 – 8:15 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Begins immediately after Holy Communion
Sun, Aug 17 – 8:15 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Begins immediately after Holy Communion
Sun, Aug 24 – 8:15 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Feast of St. Phanourios & Blessing of the Phanourioita
Wed, Aug 27 – 9:00 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist
Strict Fasting Day
Fri, Aug 29 – 8:30 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Begins immediately after Holy Communion
Sun, Aug 31 – 8:15 am

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Aug 12 – 11:30 am

Beginner Greek - intermediate Verb Review
Tue, Aug 12 – 5:30 pm

Beginner Greek - crash course
Tue, Aug 12 – 6:45 pm

Meeting of the Parish Council
Wed, Aug 13 – 7:00 pm

Intermediate Greek - advanced conversation & dialogue practice
Thu, Aug 14 – 5:30 pm

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Aug 19 – 11:30 am

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Aug 26 – 11:30 am

Ministry Sunday/Backpack Blessing
Sun, Aug 31 – 12:00 am

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Sep 2 – 11:30 am