12th Thursday after Pentecost
Thursday, August 28, 2025
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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!

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

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Begins immediately after Holy Communion
Sun, Sep 7 – 8:15 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
The Feast of the Birth of the Panagia
Mon, Sep 8 – 8:30 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Begins immediately after Holy Communion
Sun, Sep 14 – 8:15 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Feast of St. Nikitas the Great Martyr (Anniversary of the Ordination of Fr. Stamati)
Mon, Sep 15 – 8:30 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Feast of St. Sophia and her 3 daughters
Wed, Sep 17 – 8:30 am

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

OFFICE CLOSED - LABOR DAY
Mon, Sep 1 – 12:00 am

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

Back to School Blessing
Sun, Sep 7 – 12:00 am

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Sep 9 – 11:30 am

Philoptochos meeting
Tue, Sep 9 – 7:00 pm

1st Day of Sunday School
Sun, Sep 14 – 12:00 am

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Sep 16 – 11:30 am

Annual September Luncheon-Metropolis Philoptochos
Sat, Sep 20 – 12:00 am

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY Fellowship Hour - Ellen Best
Sun, Sep 21 – 10:30 am

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