Philoptochos

Philo (φίλο) = love, friendship, affection, Ptochos (πτωχός) = poor, needy, afflicted

We are the ministry of compassionate service and charitable outreach within the Greek Orthodox Church, dedicated to helping those in need through faith, love, and action.

We are Ascension Philoptochos; Chapter: 4013 of Oakland, CA

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.

“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

Ascension Philoptochos fosters fellowship, service, and connection through a variety of parish ministries and activities. From hosting coffee hours, honoring loved ones through memorials, and visiting homebound parishioners to seasonal fundraising efforts, educational presentations, and monthly gatherings, Philoptochos provides meaningful opportunities to serve Christ and one another while strengthening the bonds of our parish community.

Ascension Philoptochos Supports the following Local Ministries

  • United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of the Golden Gate:

    United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of the Golden Gate supports inclusion, independence, and empowerment of people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

  • Center Clausen House:

    Center Clausen House provides residential and employment services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • IOCC, Int'l Orthodox Christian Charities:

    IOCC offers emergency relief and development programs worldwide.

  • PAOI - Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute:

    PAOI gives a unique opportunity to study Eastern Orthodox theology in an academic and ecumenical environment.

  • Project Mexico:

    Project Mexico builds safe homes for impoverished families in Northern Mexico.

  • Raphael House:

    Raphael House helps at-risk families achieve stable housing and financial independence.

Extending Our Impact Across the Metropolis:

  • Kids 'n' Cancer Ministry:

    Kids 'n' Cancer 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:

    St. Nicholas Ranch promotes orthodoxy and spirituality through summer camps, family retreats and hosted events.

  • Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund (BAPSAEF):

    BAPSAEF Provides financial assistance for seminarians and students.

  • Adopt-a-Student Program:

    Adopt-a-Student program supports seminarians and students by providing a supportive network.

  • The Emergency Relief Fund:

    The Emergency Relief Fund embodies the spirit of Philoptochos by assisting those in need of caring, kindness and compassion.

Join us as we put faith into action.

  • 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

  • Support Your 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

  • 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

    See membership forms below!