March 22, 2024 

Hail, O full of Grace, the Lord is with you. 

-Apolytikion Annunciation of the Theotokos                  

To the Members of the National Philoptochos Board, the Metropolis Philoptochos Boards, the Chapter Boards, and Stewards of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, 

In recognition of the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day, we offer thanksgiving for God’s Grace. 

In this blessed Paschal season, we enter our Lenten journey, engaging with and reflecting upon our relationship with our Lord and Savior.  Philoptochos gives thanks for your compassion and agape to those less fortunate by being the noble and faithful Stewards of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, selflessly serving the sick, the hungry, the homeless, and those most in need, not only in your local communities, but also nationally and globally. 

Through your love, our beloved Sisterhood always demonstrates her deep faith and concern by offering hope and optimism while providing the most basic life necessities.  By God’s Grace, your compassion has no boundaries.  We thank our beloved Stewards in the Philoptochos Chapters throughout America for your ongoing assistance to our distressed sisters and brothers in Greece and Cyprus where the most vulnerable are the young and the elderly. 

The people of Greece and Cyprus remain in our prayers.  Many of our brethren continue to suffer under harsh economic and social conditions.  Devastating wildfires, floods, and natural disasters ravage our brethren.  Months after the catastrophic floods in Greece last autumn, farmers and residents struggle to salvage their lands, resume production, and survive.

The Heart-To-Heart Program, where Philoptochos spearheads Pop-Up Kafes, has proven remarkably successful in both raising funds and increasing awareness for the needs of our brethren in Greece and Cyprus. These events are effortlessly organized and straightforward: gather with friends anywhere over a cup of coffee and a koulouri in a warm environment while making a modest donation. These fundraisers are designed to be low-cost, require minimal preparation, and can be hosted in intimate settings such as gatherings after athletic practice, book clubs, or Greek School events. Consider sponsoring a fellowship following Sunday Liturgy or in conjunction with your Philoptochos meetings. Let's schedule these casual, person-to-person Pop-Up Kafe gatherings to support the People of Greece and Cyprus.

Thank you, dear Philoptochos Sisters, for your great efforts, previous support, and prayers for the people of Greece and Cyprus. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication, support, and prayers for the people of Greece and Cyprus. Your efforts have made a significant difference in their lives. It will be a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, sharing joy and solidarity as our hearts unite with theirs.

We kindly request that you share pictures and comments from your Pop-Up Kafes with us via email at communications@philoptochos.org.

Donations can be made conveniently online via the following link: https://pushpay.com/g/philoptochos, where you can select "Aid to People - Greece & Cyprus" from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, checks can be mailed to the National Philoptochos Society at 126 East 37th Street, New York, NY 10016. Please indicate "Aid to People - Greece & Cyprus" in the memo section of your check.

May the Lord shower His blessings on our Philoptochos family as we serve “ … the least of My brethren.” 

Me agape,