The term “Philoptochos” translates to “Friend of the Poor”. The Philoptochos Society of Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church is comprised of a group of faithful and dedicated women who offer their time and energy in pursuit of the aims and purposes outlined below. The substantial list of their activities include: support for Church programmes, support for the elderly community and fundraising for various charities through luncheons and bake sales.
The Philoptochos has developed a junior Philoptochos group dedicated to younger women and young mothers who wish to help but whose time is more limited by family and other commitments.
The aims and purposes of the Philoptochos Society are to preserve the sacredness of the Orthodox Community through family, service, and unity of action. To perpetuate the Christian concept of marriage and upbringing of the children and through it perpetuate and promote the Orthodox Faith and Greek Orthodox traditions in conformity with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs. They promote the charitable, benevolent and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto (Canada) by instructional programming, presentations, lectures, seminars and educational resources. The Philoptochos Society formulates plans and methods to voluntarily aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters and to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through special funds or solicitations on the local level.
Their purpose is to promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community with the cooperation of the Community Priest and the Community Council. Some of the charities that our Philoptochos Society supports are: The Hellenic Home for the Aged, Hellenic Hope; Gift Cards for the Needy; Our Place Peel; Trillium Hospital; F.E.A.T; Camp Metamorphosis; L.O.F.T; and Prophet Elias Youth Groups, Sunday School and Memorial Donations.
(Metropolis Philoptochos By-laws)