Renewal Saturday
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Fast Free
Epistle Reading
Acts of the Apostles 3:11-16

Gospel Reading
John 3:22-33

Visit the Online Chapel for more daily readings, hymns, a monthly calendar of saints and feasts, and more.

Our Faith • Teachings

The Orthodox Church throughout the ages has maintained a continuity of faith and love with the apostolic community which was founded by Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Learn more»

Christ is Risen!

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
Sun, Apr 19 – 8:15 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sun, Apr 26 – 8:15 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sun, May 3 – 8:15 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sun, May 10 – 8:15 am

Orthros and Divine Liturgy
Sun, May 17 – 8:15 am

Children Greek
Mon, Apr 20 – 5:30 pm

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Apr 21 – 11:30 am

Adult Greek - intermediate I
Tue, Apr 21 – 5:30 pm

Tween/Teen Greek
Tue, Apr 21 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - beginner
Tue, Apr 21 – 6:45 pm

Adult Greek - advanced
Thu, Apr 23 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - intermediate II
Thu, Apr 23 – 6:45 pm

A Night of Sisterhood and Salsa
Fri, Apr 24 – 6:30 pm

Children Greek
Mon, Apr 27 – 5:30 pm

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, Apr 28 – 11:30 am

Adult Greek - intermediate I
Tue, Apr 28 – 5:30 pm

Tween/Teen Greek
Tue, Apr 28 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - beginner
Tue, Apr 28 – 6:45 pm

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

Adult Greek - intermediate II
Thu, Apr 30 – 6:45 pm

Children Greek
Mon, May 4 – 5:30 pm

Feed the Hungry
Annunciation
Tue, May 5 – 11:30 am

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

Tween/Teen Greek
Tue, May 5 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - beginner
Tue, May 5 – 6:45 pm

Adult Greek - advanced
Thu, May 7 – 5:30 pm

IOCC Banquet
The Empress, 200 E Lake St, Addison, IL 60101, USA
Thu, May 7 – 6:00 pm

Adult Greek - intermediate II
Thu, May 7 – 6:45 pm

Philoptochos Coffee Hour - Mother's Day
Sun, May 10 – 12:00 am

Children Greek
Mon, May 11 – 5:30 pm

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

Adult Greek - intermediate I
Tue, May 12 – 5:30 pm

Tween/Teen Greek
Tue, May 12 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - beginner
Tue, May 12 – 6:45 pm

Philoptochos meeting
Tue, May 12 – 7:00 pm

Adult Greek - advanced
Thu, May 14 – 5:30 pm

Adult Greek - intermediate II
Thu, May 14 – 6:45 pm

Children Greek
Mon, May 18 – 5:30 pm