National recognition for local Philoptochos Society

(EDITOR'S NOTE: On this Eastern Orthodox Easter, Pearl Tranto, president of the Philoptochos Society of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, shares the history of the "Friends of the Poor" and the special national recognition bestowed upon the local chapter in recent months.)

WEIRTON -- Like so many in the late 1800s and early 1900s, men from Europe were migrating to America to find work, seeking a better life. Many left behind mothers, wives and children until they could afford to reunite with them in this young country.

While their faith was strong, the Greek Orthodox parishioners around the country lacked unified leadership as parishes outnumbered adequately trained priests and staff.

In 1930, Ecumenical Patriarch Photios in Constantinople appointed Archbishop Athenagoras as the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of North and South America. His mission was to organize and unite the faithful across the country.

Archbishop Athenagoras traveled extensively throughout America and gained the love and devotion of the Greek Orthodox communities, becoming the organizational architect of the Greek Orthodox Church in America.

While doing this, he recognized the worth and strength of women in being nurturers in keeping and instilling the faith in their families and community while showing compassion to those less fortunate. While the men worked, the women welcomed new immigrants, offering them food, shelter and support.

Thus, in 1931, Archbishop Athenagoras instructed every parish to start a Ladies Philoptochos Society. Translated, Philoptochos means "Friends of the Poor."

Ninety years later, Philoptochos membership in eight Metropolises across the United States is more than 25,000 women strong and has 450 chapters nationwide. The current Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elpidophoros calls Philoptochos a "powerful life force of our archdiocese, an Army of" Agape "which conquers pain and anguish through kindness."

Throughout the years, our chapter has expanded our philanthropy to include a larger tri-state presence as well as a national and international platform.

"Philoptochos has always understood that many of our children throughout the community often go hungry," Tranto noted.

"Therefore, it was felt that feeding families was our main priority. However, during and after the pandemic, it was realized that a more urgent and significant outreach needed to be met. So, our focus now includes assisting organizations that are involved in child advocacy (CASA), supporting women and families from abusive environments (ALIVE) and supporting those needing assistance with drug addiction (Never Alone)," she continued.

"Our outreach also includes disasters throughout our nation. Donations have been sent to areas where hurricanes, fires and flooding have left devastation in states from California to Texas to Tennessee," she added.

Last spring, the Philoptochos hosted a "Pasta and Prayer for Ukraine" luncheon, raising $6,200 in one afternoon. Speakers included Natalia and Vasyl Turianyn whose families were witnessing firsthand the devastation taking place in their native country.

"We helped the International Orthodox Christian Charities put together hygiene packets to be sent to the Ukrainian children."

Contributions also were sent to the Earthquake Relief Fund. The earthquake killed more than 50,000 people in Syria and Turkey.

"At the 90th anniversary celebration held in New York City last summer, the All Saints Ladies Philoptochos of Weirton received the National AGAPE award from the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos Society," Tranto said.

"The Weirton chapter was chosen to receive this national award from among 45 area Greek Orthodox church chapters due to extraordinary philanthropy, donating more than $50,000 during a three-year period in addition to donating food, winter coats, clothing, hygiene products, cancer patient baskets, backpack programs and assisting more than 20 area charitable and benevolent organizations," she said.

"This watershed moment is significant as the Weirton Chapter was honored for its contributions and decades of service to humanitarian causes," Tranto noted.

The philanthropy of the Ladies Philoptochos of All Saints has been a staple for area charitable organizations.

"Our efforts are only made possible by the generosity of our entire community in supporting fundraisers such as the annual holiday Greek bake sales with Easter breads, twist cookies (Koulourakia), baklava and more," she commented.

"It is said that we thrive by making 'one cookie at a time,'" added Tranton, who expressed appreciation on behalf of Philoptochos, "sending its sincere thanks and blessings to all for years of support and patronage.