National Philoptochos holds stern session and takes action on proposed resolutions affecting bylaws and commitments – Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

San Diego, CA – July 2, 2024. The National Philoptochos Society, under the leadership of First Vice President and Chair of the Congressional Committee on Resolutions, Anita Kartalopoulos, is pleased to announce the outcome of its meeting held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, to consider proposed resolutions affecting both the organization’s charter and national commitments. The meeting, held under the leadership and support of a professional parliamentarian, produced eleven well-crafted and relevant resolutions.

Voting delegates representing the various chapters of the Archdiocese and eight metropolitan areas conducted detailed analyses and asked probing questions that reflected the commitment and dedication of the Philoptochos community. These reflections are critical to shaping the future of Philoptochos, an organization that has always offered 100% transparency regarding the funds entrusted to it.

Ten resolutions were presented, five of them were adopted and National Philoptochos is pleased to announce the adoption of the following resolutions:

1. Resolution to change the name of the Founders Fund to “The Fund for Eldercare” on its 75th anniversary. The name change made by this resolution better reflects the mission and purpose of the Fund: to provide essential support and services to the older population.

2. Resolution to repeal the Autism Services Commitment: This resolution recognizes that National Philoptochos now provides significant sources of funding through other related commitments that can also generously support Autism Services.

3. Resolution to Establish Prison Ministry as a Commitment: With this resolution, National Philoptochos formalizes its commitment to fulfilling Christ’s command to visit and assist prisoners, to support individuals in the prison system and their families, and to emphasize their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

4. Resolution to Expand the Purpose of the Vasilopita Commitment and Support of Saint Basil’s Academy: This resolution expands the scope of the Vasilopita Commitment to include continued and generous support of Saint Basil’s Academy and youth programs and ministries throughout the Archdiocese, thereby enhancing the overall impact of the Vasilopita Commitment.

5. Resolution supporting the elimination of the commitment to the Orthodox Christian Fellowship: This resolution eliminated the stand-alone OCF commitment while providing a way to fund OCF and other youth programs through other commitments.

The extraordinary generosity of our faithful and our chapters allows Philoptochos to continue its generous support of Saint Basil’s Academy and extend it to the youth of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese through its rigorous and proven RFP process. All organizations and ministries are encouraged to apply, as Philoptochos can now expand the scope of its giving to further its mission.

The meeting exemplifies National Philoptochos’ dedication and commitment to its philanthropic and nonprofit mission. The organization remains consistent in its efforts to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of those it serves, and does so with transparency and accountability.

By National Philoptochos

Photo: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman