About Us
We are the Philoptochos Society, meaning “friends of the poor,” of the Dormition of the Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church in Burlington, VT.
Our patron Saints are Cosmas and Damian, the Holy Unmercenaries, who were two physicians who lived in the third century. Because they accepted no payment from those in need, they were called the anargyroi (from the Greek meaning 'the silverless' or 'unmercenaries'). They were martyred in AD 287.
The mission of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society is to help the poor, the destitute, hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, and the victims of disaster through fundraising efforts.
Besides the philanthropies of our National Philoptochos Society, we support many local charities. See the list below!
Two annual pastry sales are our only fundraisers and an opportunity to share our Greek heritage by sharing the most popular pastries. You can find more info here closer to our next event! We appreciate all your support in this event.
Charities Supported by the Greek Orthodox
Ladies Philoptochos Society :
Alzheimer’s Association
American Institute for Cancer Research
American Red Cross VT
American Heart Association
ANEW Place VT
COTS VT
.Dana Farber Institute
Doctors Without Borders
Feeding Chittenden
Heifer International
IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities)
JUMP VT
Leukemia and Lymphoma (Blood Cancer)
Macular degeneration
National Multiple Sclerosis
Make a Wish Foundation VT
Prison Ministry OCPM
Project Mexico (orphanage)
Ronald McDonald House NY & Ronald McDonald House VT
The Salvation Army
School of the Blind
Smile Train
Special Olympics VT
ST Jude’s Children’s Hospital
ST MICHAEL’S HOME FOR THE ELDERLY
UVM CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
VT Food Bank
VT Veterans Association
World Central Kitchen
ZOE FOR LIFE