The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. Is Pleased to Announce a New Social Services Program

An Orthodox Christian Telephone Cancer Support Group

A telephone cancer support group for Orthodox Christians, 21+, 

who are undergoing cancer treatment is being initiated by the National Philoptochos Department of Social Services.

The discussion group will “meet” on the telephone via conference call and at no cost to participants. This service will be accessible nationwide to members of our community. The first of a series of calls will take place on: 

Thursday evening January 11 7:00pm – 8:00pm, EST.

The group will be facilitated by Theodora Ziongas, M.A., who has a strong background in cancer patient services through positions she has held at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the American Cancer Society and CancerCare.

Evidence-based studies have demonstrated that support groups improve patients’ survival outcomes, help them feel better and more hopeful, and give people facing similar experiences the opportunity to connect and share their innermost thoughts and feelings in a confidential, safe, supportive and non-judgmental setting. Discussions will include when and how to reveal diagnosis and treatment information to family, friends, employers and others; effectively communicating with medical personnel; mechanisms for coping; adjusting to a new image of self and body, and more.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Persons interested in joining the discussion group can preregister by emailing supportgroup@philoptochos.org. 

To maintain confidentiality - a foundation for all of our social services - this email address is designated specifically and solely for this program. For more information, contact Paulette Geanacopoulos, LMSW, Director, National Philoptochos’ Department of Social Services at:

PauletteG@philoptochos.org, or by telephone at (212) 977-7782.

Please circulate the flyer below throughout your community.