NEW YORK – National Philoptochos Sunday was observed in hundreds of Greek Orthodox parishes across the country on Sunday, November 14. Parish Priests read the Encyclical issued by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros recognizing the great work of this important organization and honoring the thousands of women who are a part of this vibrant ministry.
The date was chosen as the Sunday of the Good Samaritan.
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, which is the philanthropic arm of the Archdiocese was established in November 1931 by Archbishop Athenagoras of North and South America. Through its 26,000 members and the more than 400 active chapters, it has offered 90 years of philanthropy making a difference in the lives of people who need it most in the United States and throughout the world.
In his special encyclical, based on the verse: “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29), His Eminence states:
“My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On this National Philoptochos Sunday, we rejoice with gratitude and appreciation for the many labors and ministries of our Philoptochos Societies Nationwide. Their constant and consistent philanthropy answers the question of that lawyer who prodded our Lord Jesus Christ about who was deserving of the recognition of their humanity and the love that fulfills the Second and Great Commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). For decades, the Philoptochos has answered the question “And who is my neighbor?” with a resounding: “Everyone!”
Thus, it is most appropriate that the Sunday on which we read the Parable of the Good Samaritan is the day on which we should remember our good sisters in Christ. Their service to the Church and to humanity transcends the categories that keep us separate from one another on the basis of any defining characteristic. For the Philoptochos, it is enough to be human, and to be in need, for their compassion and mercy to flow.
The Philoptochos provides us all with examples of courage and generosity in action. They shine a light into our souls, so that we can discover for ourselves how much love of neighbor is within our hearts. Let us support these sisters in the Lord in every way we can, and through their ministry of love, extend our own love to every neighbor, both known and unknown, for we are one human family, under one God Who reigns supreme above all”.
With paternal love in our Lord Jesus Christ,
† ELPIDOPHOROS
Archbishop of America
