One of the Largest Philoptohos Chapters Contributing to Charities - Locally, Nationally and Internationally
A group of Hellenic pioneer women, who brought to their new land a compassion for mankind, saw the need for an organization that would benefit the handicapped, the aged, the destitute, and the orphans.
1945: “Saint Sophia Philoptohos Society”
The group joined the National Greek Ladies Philoptohos Society under the auspices of the Archdiocese, and became a part of the International Organization as it is known today.
St. Sophia Philoptohos created the Greek War Relief Program and a special Red Cross Unit. They sewed and knitted thousands of articles of clothing, which were sent overseas, together with medicine and costly surgical equipment for the hospitals. The first ambulance that reached Greece after the liberation bore the name “Greek Ladies Philoptohos Society”, and was known throughout Greece as “The White Dove”.
Saint Sophia Philoptohos initiated the Cosmas and Diamanos Open Heart Surgery Program for children in Greece, which later became a National project. Philoptohos purchased the first heart valves, sent medical equipment, and supported a team of surgeons and cardiologists from Loma Linda University Hospital, who flew to Greece to perform heart surgeries on children.
Saint Sophia Philotohos founded the V.I.P Senior Citizen Group Program, which provides recreational programs and trips to the seniors of our Community.