-
September 2025
09/02 (Tues)- Executive Board (Officers) meeting 6:00 pm Board Room
09/07 (Sun)-St. Fanourious Collection, second tray, supporting Metropolis Youth Programs
09/24 (Wed)- General Membership Meeting, Wine & Cheese, 5:30-7:00. Trinity Hall
October 2025
10/07 (Tues)- Executive Board (Officers) meeting 6:00 pm, Board Room
10/16 (Thurs) -Sr. League Fall Picnic, 11:30 am Trinity Hall
PUFFS SCHEDULE-
Sunday, 10/12-12:00 pm-3:00 pm Roll Spinach Puffs
Monday, 10/13 9:00 am-8:00 pm through Thursday, 10/16. Roll Spinach Puffs
Friday 10/17 9:00 am-12:00 pm (if needed) Roll Spinach Puffs
Sunday, 10/19-12:00 pm-3:00 pm Roll Cheese Puffs
Monday, 10/20 to Wednesday 10/22-9am-8pm Roll Cheese Puffs
November 2025
Puff Pick Up Dates:
Saturday 11/01-9:00 am-12:00 pm; Sunday 11/02 12:00 pm-2:00 pm
Saturday 11/08 9:00 am-12:00 pm; Sunday 11/09 12:00 pm-2:00 pm
11/02 (Sun)-ECCO Bag Distribution date after Divine Liturgy , Youth involvement
11/02 (Sun)-Philoptochos Sunday: Host Social Hour Celebrating Philoptochos Patron Saints Cosmos & Damianos
11/05 (Wed)-Executive Board (Officers) meeting 6 pm
11/11 (Tues)-General Meeting 5:30pm-7:00 pm, Trinity Hall
11/16 (Sun)-ECCO Bag Return date
11/17 (Mon)- ECCO will pick up donation bags from Church
December 2025
12/02 (Tues)-Executive Board (Officers) Meeting 6:00 pm, Board Room
12/11 (Thurs)-General Membership Meeting and Christmas Party, 6:00 pm Location: Home of Joanna Catravas (Recording Secretary)
January 2026
01/06 (Tues)-Executive Board (Officers) Meeting 6:00 pm Board Room
01/24 (Sat)-Vasilopita set-up
01/25 (Sun)-Vasilopita Luncheon
February 2026
02/03 (Tues)-Executive Board (Officers) Meeting 6:00 pm Board Room
02/12 (Thurs)-Sr. League Valentine’s Day Lunch 11:30 am, Trinity Hall
2/17 (Tues)- Pop Up Trivia Social Hour at Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.
2/22 (Sun)-Host Social Hour for Membership Campaign
2/23 (Mon)-Lent Begins
2/28 (Sat) Spiritual Enrichment- Faith Made Visible: A spiritual journey through Iconography, Art & Sacred Storytelling, 10:00 a.m., Trinity Hall
March 2026
3/03 (Tues)-Executive Board (Officers) Meeting 6:00 pm,Trinity Hall
3/20-3/22 (Fri-Sun) Metropolis Lenten Retreat, Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem, SC
April 2026
4/05 (Sun) -Palm Sunday Luncheon
4/12 (Sun)-Pascha
4/14 (Tues) -Executive Board (Officers) Meeting 6:00 pm, Board Room
4/18 (Sat) - Spiritual Enrichment:Cultivating a Prayer Life with Father George Malanos,Trinity Hall
4/28 (Tues)- General Membership Meeting and Trivia 5:30 pm
May 2026
5/05 (Tues)-Executive Board (Officers) Meeting 6:00 pm Board Room
05/08-05/10-Greek Festival
5/19 (Tues)- General Membership Meeting 5:30 pm
June 2026
6/30-7/2 Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Conference, Cleveland, OH
Thank you for all you do to support Philoptochos, Our Army of Agape!
About
Welcome to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Charleston Ladies’ Philoptochos Society. The Greek Orthodox Ladies' Philoptochos Society is the women’s philanthropic organization for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Philoptochos is open to all women of the Orthodox Christian faith over the age of 18. You can become a valued member of a group of committed women who give their time and efforts to support outstanding ministries within the Greek Orthodox Christian Church and in our local Charleston community.
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’." - Acts 20:35
Our mission
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is the duly accredited women’s philanthropic organization of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Our mission is:
To help 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
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
The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness
“Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others.” - Philippians 2:4
Be Part of the Mission
Philoptochos thrives on the unique time and talents of our members. Whether you’re a lifelong parishioner or new to the Holy Trinity family, we invite you to help us carry out our mission of philanthropy and service. We value fresh perspectives and new ideas to better serve those in need.
Even if you cannot attend our monthly meetings, there are countless ways to stay involved through special events, fundraisers, and community outreach that fit your schedule.
Our Ministries
-
The Blanket Ministry welcomes the newest members of our parish family by presenting a handmade infant blanket and Orthodox icon following a child’s 40-day Churching service. Through the loving hands of parish volunteers, this ministry offers a tangible expression of the Church’s care and celebrates the blessing of new life. Each gift serves as a reminder that every child is embraced by the prayers and support of the Holy Trinity community from the very beginning of their spiritual journey.
-
The Blessing Box Ministry serves our local community by providing free food, hygiene products, and other essential items to individuals and families in need. Operating on the simple principle of “Take what you need, leave what you can,” the ministry offers assistance with dignity, compassion, and without barriers. Through donations and volunteer support, the Blessing Box reflects Christ’s call to care for our neighbors and extend hospitality to all.
-
The Sunshine Ministry reaches out to parishioners and friends of the parish during significant moments in their lives through handwritten notes, cards, and personal correspondence. Whether offering prayers during illness, comfort during loss, congratulations for milestones, or encouragement during difficult times, this ministry helps strengthen the bonds of our parish family and ensures that no one feels forgotten or alone.
-
The Membership Committee fosters a welcoming and vibrant Philoptochos community by encouraging participation, fellowship, and spiritual growth among the women of our parish. The committee helps connect members to opportunities for service, leadership, and charitable outreach while promoting the mission of Philoptochos. Through its efforts, members build lasting friendships rooted in faith and a shared commitment to serving others.
-
The College Connection Ministry supports young adults as they transition into college, graduate studies, and other educational pursuits. Through care packages, notes of encouragement, and other initiatives, the ministry reminds students that they remain an important part of our parish family. By fostering spiritual connection and support during this important stage of life, the ministry helps young adults remain grounded in their faith and community.
-
Operation Classroom partners with local schools to provide resources, supplies, and support to students and educators facing financial challenges. Through donations, seasonal giving programs, and community partnerships, the ministry seeks to remove barriers to learning and promote educational success. This outreach reflects the Philoptochos commitment to serving children and families while building meaningful relationships within our broader community.
-
The Senior League Ministry honors and supports the senior members of our parish through fellowship, special events, and opportunities for continued engagement in parish life. By celebrating the wisdom, faith, and contributions of our elders, the ministry helps strengthen intergenerational connections and ensures that senior parishioners remain active, valued, and connected members of our church family.
-
-
The Spiritual Enrichment Ministry offers programs and events designed to deepen faith, encourage spiritual growth, and strengthen participants’ relationship with Christ. Through retreats, guest speakers, educational presentations, and other faith-centered opportunities, the ministry provides meaningful experiences that inspire reflection, learning, and Christian discipleship. Many events are open to the broader parish community, fostering spiritual renewal for all.
-
The Charity Affairs Ministry coordinates parish meals and fellowship gatherings that bring our community together while supporting Philoptochos ministries and outreach. Through events such as luncheons, celebrations, and special parish gatherings, volunteers share the gift of hospitality and strengthen the bonds of fellowship among parishioners. These events provide opportunities for service, community building, and Christian stewardship.
-
The Homebound Visitation Ministry seeks to ensure that parishioners who are unable to regularly attend church services remain connected to the life of the Church and the love of our parish family. Through phone calls, handwritten notes, cards, and visits, volunteers offer encouragement, companionship, and a caring Christian presence to those who may be isolated due to illness, age, mobility challenges, or other circumstances.
Inspired by Christ’s call to care for one another, this ministry helps remind our homebound parishioners that they remain a cherished and valued part of our faith community. Whether through a simple conversation, a thoughtful note, or a friendly visit, volunteers help strengthen the bonds that unite us as members of the Body of Christ while offering comfort, support, and fellowship to those in need.
-
Our chapter continues the important work of preserving its rich history through the newly established Historic Committee, chaired by Alexis Glover and Georgia Darby. This effort focuses on collecting and safeguarding photographs, documents, memorabilia, and personal stories that reflect the faith, service, and dedication of the women who helpedbuild our ministry.
If you have materials from past events or would liket o assist, please contact Georgia Darby at gdarby@thebeachcompany.com or Alexis Glover at alexishglover@gmail.com.
Preserving our past helps ensure the strength and continuity of our future.
Thank you very much for your time and support!
Why Join Us?
Share Your Talents: Your specific skills and enthusiasm have a home here. Get Connected: Build meaningful relationships and deepen your roots within our vibrant church community. Make an Impact: Help us provide vital aid to the poor, hungry, and sick through our local and national Philoptochos initiatives.
Orthodox women 18+ and men (as associate members) are eligible for membership. We welcome you with open arms.
Come help us turn faith into action!
Join us
Wondering how you could benefit from joining our group?
Help those in need
Connect with other community women
Befriend like-minded women united in a common purpose
Grow spiritually
Learn more about the Orthodox Christian faith
Click here to request more information or a membership form.
Officers
President: Tia Kontenakos
Vice President: Isabelle Dymond
Treasurer: Farah Aghaei-Ardekani
Recording Secretary: Joanna Catravas
Corresponding Secretary: Tara Franklin
Advisor: Mary Ann Miche
“Give to others and God will give to you and you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands – all that you can hold.” - Luke 4:3
Contact Us
St. Irene Ladies Philoptochos Society
Chapter #5030
34 Race Street, Charleston, SC 29403
E-mail: philoptochos@gocharleston.org