Philoptochos
“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” - Matthew 25:35-36
ABOUT
Welcome to the Ascension Greek Orthodox Church of Oakland Ladies’ Philoptochos Society, a dynamic women’s philanthropic organization that supports the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Philoptochos is a community of dedicated women who give their time and resources to help those in need.
OUR MISSION
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 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; 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.
The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness.
Video: Father Thomas J Paris About Friends Of the Poor
Ascension Philoptochos Supports the Following Ministries
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United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of the Golden Gate: Supports inclusion, independence, and empowerment of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.
Center Clause House: Provides residential and employment services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
IOCC, Int'l Orthodox Christian Charities: Offers emergency relief and development programs worldwide.
PAOI - Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute: A unique opportunity to study Eastern Orthodox theology in an academic and ecumenical environment.
Project Mexico: Builds safe homes for impoverished families in Northern Mexico.
Raphael House: Helps at-risk families achieve stable housing and financial independence.
We are Ascension Philoptochos; Chapter: 4013 of Oakland, CA
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Kids 'n' Cancer Ministry: Supports children afflicted with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The Kids 'n' Cancer Camp Agape Ministry offers a life-changing, all-expense paid experience for children and their families.
St. Nicholas Ranch: Promoting orthodoxy and spirituality through summer camps, family retreats and hosted events.
Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund (BAPSAEF): Provides financial assistance for seminarians and students.
The Emergency Relief Fund: Embodies the spirit of Philoptochos by assisting those in need of caring, kindness and compassion.
Adopt-a-Student program: Supports seminarians and students by providing a supportive network.
Visit the Philoptochos Metropolis of San Francisco website to learn more.
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Vasilopita for Saint Basil Academy
Social Services: Outreach and financial assistance to those in need.
Autism Assistance Fund: Raises awareness and provides assistance.
Saint Photios Shrine: Preservation of the shrine.
Orthodox Christian Missions (OCM)r: Supports missionaries.
Hellenic College/Holy Cross for operational expenses
Sisterhood of Saint Basil Academy: Provides for the physical needs of children.
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC): Food and shelter for those in need.
75th Anniversary Founders Fund: Supports continuing care facilities.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF): Supports college students.
Hellenic College/Holy Cross Scholarship Fund
Retired Clergy and Widowed Presvyteres Benevolent Fund
National Philoptochos Emergency Fund
National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Benevolent Fund
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
Visit the National Philoptochos website to learn about our National Commitments.
Connecting and Serving with Ascension Philoptochos
Memorials
Coffee Hours
Visit shut-ins
Philoptochos Kitchen (seasonal)
See’s Candies (seasonal)
Speaker presentations
Monthly meetings
Philoptochos Kitchen
Enjoy the authentic flavors of Greece with every bite as we bake and bring you fresh, delicious Greek pastries straight from our kitchen to yours. Let us do the baking, simply savor the flavor!
See’s Candies
Support Ascension Philoptochos with See's Candies. Visit the candy shop for more options with shipping fees.
Available seasonally: Christmas and Easter.
Memorial Coffee Hours
The Philoptochos Society invites you to honor loved ones through monthly Memorial Coffee Hours held on the first of every month. Enjoy fellowship with fellow parishioners. Click below to sponsor or learn more.
ASCENSION PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD (2023–2025)
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
President- Maria Paris Delvizis
1st VP- Marie Banis
2nd VP- Eleni Frediani
Treasurer: Ingrid Meniktas
Corresponding Secretary: Alexandra Manolis
Recording Secretary: Kristina Pappas
Advisor: Zoe Vlahiotis
Board Members: Adrienne Holland, Thalia Angelides, Jane Silva, Mariela Kadow, Christina Yiannakopoulos, Connie Paris
JOIN Us - MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Join a community of compassionate and dedicated women. Take a step towards making a positive impact in your community by joining the Philoptochos Society today!
Why JOIN?
Help those in need
Get involved in your community
Meet new people
Share skills & gain knowledge
Network & be part of a philanthropic movement
Supporting Our Community
Aid those in our local community and parish
Assist with visiting shut-ins, social services and feeding the hungry
Participate in various missions and ministries, including Kids n Cancer, St. Basil Academy Hellenic College Holy Cross Seminarian Fund, IOCC and OCMC.
Become A Member
Become a member or associate member (open to all parishioners over 18)
Make an impact in the lives of those in need
Upcoming Fundraisers, Events, and Programs!
Mark Your Calendars and Join Us for Ascension Philoptochos Events!
- Sunday, Nov 19th - Sunday, Dec 10th: Operation Classroom Fall 2023.
- Sunday, Dec 3rd (Last Day): Last Day for See’s Candy Fundraiser Christmas 2023.
- Friday, Dec 1st (Last Day): Last Day to Place Philoptochos Kitchen Orders!
- Sunday, Jan 7th: Vasilopita Brunch & Vasilopita Silent Auction 2024.
- Sunday, Jan 21st: Ascension Philoptochos Membership Tea 2024. Membership Form - Join or Renew Today!
Program Details:
Philoptochos Kitchen Now Open! Place your December order online by Sunday December 3, 2023. Pickup on December 17th. Click Here to Place Order
See’s Candies Fundraiser: Great for gifts. Order online by Friday Dec 1, 2023. Click Here to Place Order *A limited selection of items will be available for purchase during coffee hour.
Philoptochos Flower Fund: Remember your loved ones and help the Philoptochos bring the spirit of all holidays and feast days to our Cathedral with beautiful flowers. Download Flyer
Operation Classroom Fall 2023: Operation Classroom will be a collaborative effort, led by Philoptochos, Dance Ministry, and with opportunities for the parish at-large to participate and donate. Our donations will support the Homeless and Foster Youth program in Oakland Unified School District. There will be marked bins at church to leave items. Download Flyer
Philoptochos Kitchen - CLOSED
Enjoy the flavors of Greece with every bite as we bake and bring you fresh, delicious Greek pastries straight from our kitchen to yours!
Online Deadline: Sunday, November 5th 2023 *Pick up Sunday, November 19th After Liturgy
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Online Deadline: Sunday, December 3rd 2023 *Pick up Sunday, December 17th After Liturgy
Philoptochos Flower Fund
Remember your loved ones and help the Philoptochos bring the Spirit of all holidays and feast days to our Cathedral with beautiful flowers. Download Flyer
Donate by check or Venmo @Ascension-Philoptochos using “Flower Fund" as the reference. Check payable to "Ascension Philoptochos".
Vasilopita Brunch & Vasilopita Silent Auction 2024
Event Date: Sunday, January 7th 2024
Join us for our annual Vasilopita Brunch & Vasilopita Silent Auction following Divine Liturgy.
In 1944, Archbishop Athenagoras advised Philoptochos to buy 250 acres of Rupert Estate in Garrison, New York, along the Hudson River, opposite West Point. With the Academy of St. Basil's birth, Philoptochos embraced a lasting commitment to resident children. Today, through Vasilopita held nationwide in January, Philoptochos significantly funds the Academy’s operations.
The Sisterhood of Philoptochos also continues to provide for essential needs like clothing, furnishings, equipment, dorms, kitchen, Graduation ceremonies, and student awards.
Donate by check or Venmo @Ascension-Philoptochos using “St. Basil Academy" as the reference. Check payable to "Ascension Philoptochos".
Membership Tea 2024
Event Date: Sunday, January 21st 2024
Join us for tea, sweet and savory snacks while discovering the mission and impact of Philoptochos in our community.
We're actively seeking new members to join us in our charitable efforts and fundraising initiatives. Become a part of something greater that leaves a meaningful imprint.
Past Fundraisers, Events, and Programs!
Making a Donation Today!
Your generosity can make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. Support our mission to bring hope and make a difference. Donation today through Venmo (@Ascension-Philoptochos), Vanco, or by check.
Get Involved
Together, we can bring positive change to the world. Thank you for your kindness and support!