St Elpitha, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Ladies’ Philoptochos Society Chapter # 507, donates $2000 for Syrian Refugees in Iraq and starving children in Greece.

As the philanthropic arm of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, all women parishioners, eighteen years and older, are encouraged to join Philoptochos, (the Friends of the Poor).  Our organization is known for its philanthropic work in helping our poor brothers and sisters locally, nationally and internationally.

At our recent meeting, it was decided to donate $1000.00 to Syrian Refugees in Iraq through the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), a faith based organization, dedicated to improving the lives of the world’s poor and oppressed populations.  The IOCC has reached more than 650,000 Syrian children, women and men displaced in Syria or living as refugees in nearby Jordan, Lebanon and now Iraq. Their efforts reach families, with aid, such as, food and cooking stoves, bedding, clothing and providing trauma counseling to children and adults.  To learn more about IOCC and how you can help, visit www.iocc.org.

In addition, our Society donated $1000.00 to Greece to the organization “The Smile of the Child” to assist in the severe poverty in families, resulting from the economic downturn of the country.  They support every family in need, and particularly now during these difficult times in Greece.  To learn more about “the Smile of the Child” visit http://www.hamogelo.gr/1.2/home

In July, the ladies volunteered for the second time this year, at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, assisting in the preparation and serving of lunch at the center.   Desserts are donated by the Philoptochos for the meal.

The Chapter is named after St Hope, (in Greek, St. Elpitha), one of the daughters of St Sophia, who, with her three daughters, Faith (age 12), Hope (age 10) and Love (age 9), were martyred for the faith during the reign of Hadrian (117-138).

For more information about St Elpitha Ladies' Philoptochos Society Chapter # 507 visit our website at www.holytrinityeggharbor.com