Philoptochos

 Philoptochos Board Members 2025-27

President: Connie Kouzes
1st Vice President: Cathy Forchas
2nd Vice President: Andrea Tiggas
Correspondence Secretary: Dena Tortorelis
Secretary: Shannon Baustian
Treasurer: Kathleen Wendland
Assistant Treasurer: Mary Ellis
Advisor: Annette Legeros

Directors: Maria Boosalis, Elena Gabor, Victoria Hanson, Erline Holman, Kathy Pinger, Maria Smith, Eleni George

Upcoming Events

  Undecorate the Trees

Friday, January 9, 10:00 a.m.

  Cut Vasilopita for Parish Distribution

Saturday, January 10, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

  Undecorate the Nave – Return trees to storage

Sunday, January 11, 11:30 a.m.

  Prosoforo Workshop

Friday, January 23, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

  Sitari (Memorial Wheat) Workshop

Friday, February 13, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

* Signup at the Philoptochos table for any of these events.

Standing Committees

 Standing Committee Chairs (2025-27)

Marketing/Communications: Shannon Baustian
Social Committee: Erline Hoffman
Fund Raising: Dena Tortorelis
Membership: Annette Legeros
Social Services: Mary Ellis
History: Dena Tortorelis
Parish Needs: Andrea Tiggas
Budget Committee: Kathi Wendland

What is Philoptochos?

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Founded in 1931, Philoptochos now has more than 400 local chapters the mission to promote charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach, to preserve the sanctity of life and family, and to perpetuate and promote our Orthodox faith and traditions.

St. Mary’s established the official Philoptochos Chapter 2049 in 1945, but women of the church have been serving others since 1910 when seven women founded the first known service group Elpis, which means Hope in Greek. Today, nearly 200 women are members of our chapter. We hold fundraising events and receive monies from the parish to support many charitable groups, including:

• Seven food shelves and four non-profits that lift up women and children in the Twin Cities
• Orthodox organizations including Prison Ministry, 4 monasteries, 6 orphanages, Hellenic College Holy Cross Seminary, IOCC, OCMC, and Orthodox Christian Network
• Organizations supported by the Chicago Metropolis and National Philoptochos Boards

We also provide support to the parish by planning decorations and special needs during the Easter and Christmas seasons, running a Women’s Book Club, hosting receptions for special occasions and guests, organizing hands-on service projects, and responding to clergy requests.

All women are welcome to participate in Philoptochos activities and invited to join as a member. The annual membership drive runs from January through April each year.

To contact St. Mary’s Philoptochos, please email philoptochos@stmarysgoc.org.