Philoptochos Ladies Society of Calgary
What is our mission?
The mission of the Greek Orthodox Philoptochos Ladies Society of Calgary is to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, and those who need the help of the Church. This is accomplished through volunteerism and fundraising efforts. Our activities focus mainly on charitable works of local significance, but we also support national and international initiatives when needed.
Additionally, we work to preserve and promote the Greek Orthodox Faith through the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council.
Philoptochos – Calgary Chapter
The Philoptochos of Calgary work tirelessly, throughout the year, in order to be of service to those in need. We fundraise by serving coffee and refreshments on Sundays, offering our services for memorials and funerals, and by hosting bake sales, luncheons, and an annual Philoptochos Bazaar. We donate a substantial amount of money from our fundraising, to numerous charities each year. In addition to our regular volunteer opportunities, once a month, we also make approximately 1200 sandwiches for the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre.
Support for the Elderly
Philoptochos is also aware of the importance of visiting the elderly. We will visit the elderly in their homes or nursing homes, when the family has requested it of us or has made us aware of a relative in need of some company. If you are know of any aging individual or family member who might enjoy a visit from the ladies, please contact Philoptochos at philoptochos@calgaryhellenic.com.
Funeral Services
We advise the family of the departed to contact Fr. Thomas at Fr.ThomasSandberg@icloud.com or at (403) 246-4553 ext 2 to make funeral arrangements, and then the funeral home of their choice. Lastly, please contact the Hall Manager at events@calgaryhellenic.com or (403) 246-4553 ext 1 to confirm hall availability for the fellowship and payment of the facility rental.
Support for Grieving Families
Philoptochos is here to support families during times of loss. We offer help for both funerals and memorials.
Services Philoptochos Offers
Trisagio (prayers the night before the funeral) and Funeral: Philoptochos provides and serves cookies, coffee, milk/cream, sugar, cups, and napkins. We organize and remove service for head table and all attendees. Any extra food must be brought by the family, pre-prepared in trays.
Memorial: If requested, Philoptochos will provide and prepare Kollyva (sitari) and trays, paper bags and spoons for the Kollyva, coffee, sugar, cream, and stir sticks. We will organize and tidy service for the head table and attendees. For families wishing to sponsor the Divine Liturgy we can provide the Prosforo (bread), wine, and oil. Extra food must be brought by the family, pre-prepared in trays.
How We Help on the Day of the Funeral or Memorial
If the family contacts Philoptochos in advance, we will organize and tidy the service for refreshments and head tables in the hall, serve coffee to guests during the reception. If you’d like Philoptochos to prepare baked goods, please let us know when you first reach out.
If offering more food (like sandwiches or fruit trays), the family or friends must bring these items already prepared in trays. Philoptochos will arrange them for buffet style service.
Fees:
Fees for services will be posted here shortly. All monies received go toward supporting local charities and Philoptochos’ mission.
For all inquiries, please contact Philoptochos at philoptochos@calgaryhellenic.com