-
September 2026
09/1 (Tues) Executive Board & Ministry Chair Meeting 6:00 p.m., Board Room
09/13 (Sun) St. Fanourios Collection-2nd Tray, Supporting Metropolis Youth Programs
09/29 (Tues) General Membership Meeting & Parish Trivia 5:30 p.m., Trinity Hall
October 2026
10/6 (Tues) Executive Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Board Room
10/17-18(Sat-Sun) Visit Annunciation of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery, Reddick, FL
10/20 (Tues) Senior League Fall Picnic, 11:30 a.m., Trinity Hall
10/31 (Sat) PH Agape Luncheon, St. Nicholas Community Center, Tarpon Springs, FL
Puff Preparation Schedule:
10/4 (Sun) Noon-3 p.m., Prepare spinach puffs
10/5-8 (M-Tr) 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Prepare spinach puffs
10/9 (Fri) 9:00 a.m.-Noon (if needed), Prepare spinach puffs
10/11(Sun) Noon-3 p.m., Prepare cheese puffs
10/12-14 (M-W) 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Prepare cheese puffs
Puff Pick-Up Dates:
10/24 (Sat) 9:00 a.m.-Noon
10/25 (Sun) Noon-2:00 p.m.
10/31 (Sat) 9:00 a.m.-Noon
11/1 (Sun) Noon-2:00 p.m.
November 2026
11/1 (Sun) Philoptochos Sunday-Host Social Hour Honoring Patron Saints Cosmas and Damianos (The Holy Unmercenaries)
11/1 (Sun) ECCO Collection Bag Distribution after Divine Liturgy, Youth Involvement
11/5 (Thurs) Executive Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Board Room
11/8 (Sun) Veterans Appreciation Sunday
11/15 (Sun) ECCO Collection Bag Return Deadline
11/27 (Fri) Decorate Angel Tree, Time TBD, Narthex
TBD General Membership Meeting 5:30 p.m., Trinity Hall
December 2026
12/1 (Tues) Executive Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Board Room
TBD Angel Tree Gift Return Deadline
TBD Christmas Party & General Membership Meeting
January 2027
1/5 (Tues) Executive Board Meeting 6:00 p.m., Board Room
1/16 (Sat) Vasilopita Luncheon Set-up 9:00 a.m., Trinity Hall
1/17 (Sun) Vasilopita Luncheon, Trinity Hall
TBD General Membership Meeting 5:30 p.m., Trinity Hall
February 2027
2/2 (Tues) Executive Board Meeting 6:00 p.m., Board Room
2/11 (Thurs) Senior League Valentine’s Luncheon 11:30 a.m., Trinity Hall
2/21 (Sun) Membership Campaign-Host Social Hour
March 2027
3/2 (Tues) Executive Board Meeting 6:00 p.m., Board Room
TBD(Fri-Sun) PH Metropolis Lenten Retreat, Diakonia Retreat Center, Salem, SCTBD (Sun) ECCO Food Drive Collection Bag Distribution, Youth Involvement
TBD General Membership Meeting 5:30 p.m., Trinity Hall
April 2027
4/6 (Tues) Executive Board Meeting 6:00 p.m., Board Room
4/25 (Sun) Palm Sunday Luncheon, Trinity HallTBD (Sun) ECCO Food Drive Collection Bag Return Deadline
May 2027
5/2-5/30 ECCO Kat’s Clothing Closet-Sock & Underwear Drive5/4 (Tues) Executive Board Meeting 6:00 p.m., Board Room
TBD Philoptochos Board Elections
TBD General Membership Meeting 5:30 p.m., Trinity Hall
June 2027
6/1 (Tues) Executive Board Meeting 6:00 p.m., Board Room
6/6-6/27 (Sun) Patriot Villas (Veterans) Stock the Pantry Drive
6-16-6/20 (W-Sun) Metropolis Clergy Laity Assembly & Philoptochos Conference, Charlotte, NC
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
-
Chairperson: Christine Ferrell
Welcomes our newest parish members by gifting them a knitted infant blanket and diptyic icon immediately following infant’s 40-day blessing service. -
Chairperson: Andrea Turner
This box operates on the principle of “Take what you need, leave what you can,” offering free and anonymous access to basic necessities — non-perishable food, hygiene products, seasonal resources. Community donations foster a sense of mutual support and generosity. -
Chairperson: Alexandra Pittas
Personalized, hand-written, correspondence to parishioners & parish contacts acknowledging significant life events or milestones, and offering (as appropriate) encouragement, comfort, congratulations, prayers, and love. -
Chairperson: Andrea Turner
An important fundraising source that supports our charitable missions, ‘feeds’ interest in Greek culture and Mediterranean cuisine, and preserves the traditions and culinary history of our parish. -
Chairperson: Billie Ruby
Conducting outreach — gift cards, personalized notes, & seasonal gift packages — that bridges the gap between home and campus, ensuring our young adults feel the constant embrace of their church family -
Chairperson: Margie Petko
Supports teachers and students in underserved and underfunded schools by providing essential resources that may not be available through the local school district.
-
Chairperson: Cleo Stoucker
Delivers programs that reinforce the connection between our seniors and the parish they helped build, and in ways that help them remain engaged and feel valued. -
Chairperson: Mary Lee Lavelle
Charleston-area veteran outreach to support those who have made great sacrifices for our nation. -
Chairperson: Tara Franklin
Workshops, retreats and educational resources that enhance our Orthodox faith, strengthen community bonds, and foster personal spiritual growth. -
Chairperson: Cleo Stoucker
The heart of parish fellowship; transforms sacred traditions into moments of meaningful connection. By expertly coordinating signature events like the Vasilopita and Palm Sunday luncheons, it preserves our ecclesiastical customs through a culture of service. -
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
Assistant Treasurer: Vickie Hoffmann
Recording Secretary: Joanna Catravas
Corresponding Secretary: Tara Franklin
Past President: 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