2026 Philoptochos Membership Information

FEBRUARY IS PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERSHIP MONTH!

Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society

Ypapanti Chapter

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Atlanta, Georgia

February 1, 2026

“If there is among you a poor man…you shall open your hand wide to him

and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs…for this

thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which

you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land.

Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow men who

are poor and needy in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:7-11

Dear Annunciation Cathedral Ladies,

Welcome to our new Membership Year! If you are a current member, it is time to renew your membership for 2026. If you are not a member, we would love for you to join us. The National Philoptochos is the largest women’s Christian charitable organization in the U.S. A. We are 27,000 strong army of AGAPE nationwide.

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos is an organization of women whose collective drive, dedication and heart help all those who need it most. Philoptochos is Compassion. Philoptochos is Love. Philoptochos is Strength. Established in 1931, the Philoptochos has been the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and has undertaken a multitude of philanthropic initiatives.

We pray and encourage you to choose to be part of our Annunciation Cathedral Philoptochos – Ypapanti Chapter. We appreciate your time, talent and monetary support. It is only through your generous stewardship that we are able to pursue our philanthropic mission.

Here are a few of the highlights from this past year:

National Philoptochos

$ 6,100 Worked in partnership with the National to support National initiatives & charities such as, IOCC, Children’s Medical Fund, Hellenic College/Hoy Cross, Orthodox Christian Missions, OCF, The Ecumenical Patriarchate, St. Photios Shrine, membership
$ 2,000 St. Basil’s Academy in Garrison, NY.
$ 1,248 Supported Greece/Cyprus Fire Relief
$ 1,000 Giving Tuesday
$ 1,000 IOCC Giving Tuesday
$ 5,000 Children’s Medical Luncheon

Archdiocese

· $ 3,000 Archdiocese National Hurricane Relief Fund

Metropolis Philoptochos

· $ 2,075 Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos – Commitments

· $ 1,000 Fanouropita

· $ 1,000 Alexios Retreat Center

Local

· $ 10,315.52 in assistance for rent ($5,560.40), utilities ($1,755.12) including $3,000 in Walmart, Kroger and Quik-Trip for 10 needy families in our parish and greater Metro Atlanta area.

· $ 2,000 in College Scholarship Awards to a Cathedral college student in need. The Philoptochos Scholarship manages the Anna Mae Livaditis Scholarship, the Olga Biehler Scholarship and the Chaknis Family Scholarship.

· $ 568.67 Huntley Hills Elementary School – Providing snacks throughout the school year.

· $ 421 Sponsored the Annunciation Golden Group’s annual Lenten luncheon.

· $ 500 Paradise 4 kids.

· $ 465 Sandwich Project

· $ 573.85 Supplies for Mercy Care Nutrition Bags.

· $ 1,248 Mercy Care Hygiene Bags

· $ 1,000 Atlanta Greek Festival Sponsorship

· $ 250 Breast Cancer Walk

· $ 500 Emily Thomas Foundation

· $ 500 Toys For Tots, plus toys from the drive

· $ 1,780 Mercy Care (funds were raised from our Christmas Coffee

· $ 424.30 Nicholas House

· $ 4,500 End of the Year financial donations to the following non-profit local organizations: Mercy Care, Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, Loaves and Fishes, Helping Mamas, Trinity Women’s House, Intown Cares, Atlanta Food Bank, Toco Hills Alliance and Eleos Foundation.

Donations in 2025 were $ 48,469.34

Your Annual Stewardship donation will be distributed as follows:

National Philoptochos: $15.00 & Metropolis Philoptochos: $10.00. Your additional generous amount will support the good works of The Annunciation Philoptochos Ypapanti Chapter.

Finally, your Membership can be a SILENT membership by way of a monetary donation only, or you can be ACTIVE in any way you would like. As always, we as a group remain very active within our church, so please consider being an active member. We welcome new members and new ideas.

If you wish to join or have questions, please contact Presvytera Evi Kaplanis at 919-427-5949, or come to our meetings.

With God’s Blessings,

Kappy Lawandales Presvytera Evi Kaplanis

President Vice-President - Membership Chair