Agia Anna Philoptochos Society
SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church
2747 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is the official philanthropic organization of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Rooted in the spirit of Christian love and service, Philoptochos—meaning “friend of the poor”—is dedicated to helping those in need through acts of charity, compassion, and community support.
At our parish, the Philoptochos Society plays a vital role in supporting local families, organizing charitable drives, assisting the elderly, and contributing to national and international relief efforts. Through its ministries, the Society fosters fellowship among women and promotes the values of faith, hope, and love in action.
We welcome all women of the parish to join us in this meaningful work and become part of a legacy of service that spans generations.
2023-2025 Executive Board
President: Evangeline Kokkinos (Email, Phone: 443-994-9856)
Vice President: Morfoula Mostakis
Treasurer: Connie Karides
Corresponding Secretary: Tina Grivas
Recording Secretary: Stephanie Kambouris
Board Members
Becky Galanakis
Vickie Glod
Susan Hagopian
Kyriacoula Kacoyianni
Mimi Kalliongis
Helen Sfondouris
About the Philoptochos Society
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. was established in November 1931 by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I as the philanthropic arm of the Church.
Mission Statement
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is the duly accredited women's philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The mission of the Society shall be:
- To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts; and
- To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources;
- To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs;
- To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council.
History of Agia Anna Philoptochos
85 Years of Philanthropy
On July 25, 1938, under the guidance of Father Ioachim Papachristou from the the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Baltimore, Maryland, a small group of women residing in Annapolis, met to discuss the formation of a local Philoptochos chapter. Since the meeting took place on the Feast Day of the Dormition of Agia Anna, the chapter was officially named “Agia Anna Philoptochos”. The first board of directors took the oath on October 1938 at the Annunciation Church in Baltimore by Father Papachristou.
The Philoptochos members immediately assumed the responsibility of planning activities, promoting fellowship, and helping those in need in the small Greek Orthodox community in Annapolis. They assisted in the establishment of the Greek Language school and helped raise funds for the future church. During WWII these dedicated women served at the local chapter of the Red Cross and sent clothing and other items to worn torn Greece, specifically to the war orphans.
The Agia Anna chapter continues the Philoptochos mission: “To help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fundraising efforts.”
For over 85 years the Agia Anna Philoptochos Sisters have and will continue their dedication to the Church and to those in need.
