Philoptochos Society

“I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed Me; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me...” Matthew 25: 35-36

Surely, these words must have been the inspiration to a small group of remarkable, dedicated women who united to become what is now known as the “Philanthropic arm of the Church.” They were wives, and they were mothers - and in many cases worked side by side with their husbands to establish their new business ventures in a strange city in a new country with another language. The church was not only a place of worship - but also a social, emotional, spiritual and cultural anchor.

But during the 1930’s many people were experiencing financial hardships, unemployment, illness; and some of the immigrants in the area sought comfort and assistance from the church. So now these ladies were faced with the task of raising funds to help their church - and their fellow man. They did what they knew best: they baked, they cooked, they sewed and they served.

They not only met the challenge; they surpassed their own expectations. To this day, although the original group has been replaced by their daughters and another generation of newcomers, the St. George Philoptochos “Penelope” chapter responds to the needs of the community generously and graciously, without regard for the personal effort and sacrifice that may be involved.

Through the years that followed, the St. George chapter became a part of the National Philoptochos, and their philanthropy extended beyond the borders of this community. They have been involved in war efforts and peace efforts, Blood Banks, and Blanket Drives - and the American Red Cross. They have responded immediately to disasters - hurricanes, and floods, and earthquakes, and fires - within our shores and beyond our shores....

They have fed and clothed families; they have buried the indigent; they have provided bandages and medicines. They support and provide a home and schooling for children who are in need - at St. Basil Academy. They support the education for a future generation of priests. They also do their part for the elderly at St. Michael’s Home for the Aged. The list of recipients - those who seek help and receive assistance - is too lengthy to be included on this page. But be assured that the members of Philioptochos - past, present and future - are dedicated to their mission: to be a “friend of the poor” and to serve the community of St. George in their ecclesiastical needs and in whatever philanthropic endeavors exist within the parish.

They decorate the church with flowers and wreaths and with their aura; they host receptions for visiting clergy, hierarchs, and dignitaries - in addition to ordinary and extraordinary religious events. They contribute generously to ramps and repairs; roof leaks and carpets; classrooms and kitchens and dining rooms; the Agape Fund, the Altar Guild, the Acolyte robes, the Father John Psillas Library; and with a loving spirit recently donated the magnificent hand-carved “Kouvouklion.” The list is endless. They put aside personal pride and with a spirit of love and commitment accomplish the Impossible!

At the National level, their fund-raising efforts benefit St. Basil Academy, Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, Missions of the Archdiocese, Philanthropies of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, St. Photios Shrine, UNICEF, the Children’s Cardiac Program - a Cancer Fund and a Children's Medical Fund, and more....

Closer to home they include Deborah Hospital, the Salvation Army, Epiphany House, Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth County Library, Ronald McDonald House and the St. George soup kitchen. Again the list goes on and on...

All of these eleemosynary deeds have required countless fund-raisers - resulting in their disbursing in excess of a half million dollars - in the last twenty-five years alone.

Indeed, they have been a “friend of the poor” - and with the Lord’s blessing will continue their efforts for many years to come. And a new generation of women will emerge to minister to those in need with generosity, love and compassion - in the true spirit of Philoptochos.