What is it? How do I get involved? Why would I want to?
Philoptochos (pronounced: phil-OP-toe-kose) means “friends of the poor.” We are the philanthropic arm of the parish. The mission of our Saints Mary and Martha chapter is “To offer comfort where we see pain, sustenance where we find hunger, and hope where we encounter despair.” Our inspiration comes from the grace of God and is founded on our unwavering faith.
The members of Sts. Mary and Martha Philoptochos fulfill our mission by helping those within our parish and through outreach to the greater community.
Become a Member Today!
Your once-a-year stewardship donation not only helps support our local Philoptochos’ ministries, but also the broader ministries of Philoptochos. The suggested donation is $50. Of this amount, $15 goes to the National Philoptochos Society, and $15 to our own Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos. The remainder stays in our own Sts. Mary and Martha chapter to help support our ministries and ultimately our commitment and obligation to Christ. Humbly serving one another is a sign of greatness in the eyes of God.
Membership dues can be paid either by sending a check to the church office or by clicking on the Donate button above and choose Yearly Stewardship Donation.
What We Do
While not limited to the following, our outreach focus is:
- Serve local families facing homelessness through Family Promise of Greater Washington County.
- Work with Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s Philoptochos to support children with cancer and their families attending Camp Agape (KidsNCancer).
- Support the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, which provides financial assistance for seminarians and students from our Metropolis attending Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and Hellenic College; we also reach out to our own parish’s college students.
- Participate in the Nationwide Orthodox Baby Shower to support a local pregnancy resource center in Beaverton.
- Fundraise for the Benevolence Fund through Tasso the Turkey.
- Coordinate Parish Visitation/Meals/“Grab and Give Bags”/Oregon Food Bank Drive
A wonderful advantage of belonging to Philoptochos is that membership allows us all to connect as sisters in Christ. By working along-side one another in outreach, we strengthen our parish community while fulfilling God’s calling to love and serve those in need.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the Sts. Mary and Martha Philoptochos executive board members, listed in each monthly bulletin.
“Let us visit Christ whenever we may, let us care for him, feed him, clothe him, welcome him, honor him.” ~ St. Gregory the Theologian
