My dearly beloved in the Lord,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It is my privilege to welcome you to the new website of the Philoptochos of our Holy and God-protected Metropolis of Atlanta. With this website, we will improve communication and provide a wide variety of resources and information to assist the sisters of Philoptochos in fulfilling their sacred mission by serving the poor and needy in larger community in which we live.
When Archbishop Athenagoras established Philoptochos, it was for a philanthropic, as well as an educational purpose, to serve as the “right hand of the Church,” by undertaking the mission of serving Christ and others under the auspices of the Church, and with the blessings of the local Hierarch. The late Archbishop Michael urged the Ladies of Philoptochos to become the “mothers” of St. Basil Academy, and now it is a ministry of Philoptochos. Unlike other philanthropic organizations, that do everything altruistically, Philoptochos is beyond altruism, being grounded on and motivated by the genuine spirit of Christian love. With this foundation of love, Philoptochos finds practical ways to convey the grace of Christ, like the Myrrh-Bearing women who first witnessed the Resurrection, and brought the amazing news, “I have seen the Lord!”
I thank God for all the Ladies of Philoptochos who so selflessly and lovingly offer their talent, time, energy, resources and knowledge in order to advance the Philanthropic purpose of His Holy Church, for the Glory and Honor of His Holy Name. Never lose the Christian spirit that motivates and inspires you, and for this I give glory to God.
It is my earnest hope and prayer that this new web site will not only serve as a practical resource and tool, but more importantly will assist us in our sacred mission to spread the Gospel of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, Who has commissioned us to care for “the least of these, our brethren.” I remain, with love in His service
Paternally yours,
+ALEXIOS
Metropolitan of Atlanta