"Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." Psalms 41:

Saint Andrew Philoptochos (Friends of the Poor) 

Who We Are 

The Saint Andrew Chapter of Philoptochos operates under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, headquartered in New York. We support the mission of this organization which is to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities and the victims of disasters.

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that has offered 88 years of philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and throughout the world. This organization is the largest Christian women’s charity in the United States, which also holds a seat on the United Nations.

How you can get involved

  • Join the organization - $35 annual dues

  • Donate Funds to support fundraising efforts

  • Participate in specific initiatives that speak to you

  • Give us ideas for fundraisers and community outreach

Contact Us

  • philoptochos.sb@gmail.com | 574-404-1184

  • Through the church office - office@saintandrewgoc.org | 574-277-4688

What We Do

For the Saint Andrew Parish:

  • Donate funds to Father’s Discretionary Fund which supports parishioners in need.

  • Appeal to the Metropolis Philanthropy fund and Social Services organization to assist parishioners experiencing financially catastrophic life circumstances.

  • Organize parish events and other fundraisers

  • Other help as needed throughout the year

For the Greater Community

  • Host a holiday Wishing Tree collection benefitting a different service organization each year in the South Bend, Mishawaka, Ganger areas (Thus far have supported Wellbrooke and the YWCA)

  • Host annual Coat Drive benefiting various homeless shelters and day centers in the local community (Thus far have donated to Hope Ministries)

  • Donate funds to specific charitable needs that arise throughout the year within the local community (Examples: Karl King Housing pandemic food need, Joshua’s brain surgery, donated over 300 masks to Memorial Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, South Bend Police Dept. St. Joe County Sheriff’s Office, REAL services)

  • Frequently donate funds to the Northern Indiana Food Bank

  • As part of Operation Classroom (a national Philoptochos initiative) support the South Bend School Corporation with needed help at the Brown Community Learning Center

National Metropolis Commitments

  • Bishops' Welfare Fund

  • Philanthropy Fund

National Philoptochos Commitments

  • Vasilopita collection to benefit Saint Basil’s Academy

  • Social Services, Cancer and other major illnesses fund

  • Autism Assistance Fund

  • Saint Photios Shrine

  • Ortodox Christian Mission and Support a Mission Priest fund

  • Hellenic College and Holy Cross Lenten Event

  • Sisterhood of Saint Basil

  • International Orthodox Christian Charities

  • 75th Anniversary Founder’s Fund

  • Orthodox Christian Fellowship

  • Hellenic College and Holy Cross Scholarship Fund

  • Retired Clergy and Widowed Presviteres Benevolent Fund

  • Ecumenical Patriarchate

  • National Sisterhood of Presviteres Benevolent Fund

  • UNICEF

  • General Medical Fund