Chapter News - January 2026

Happy New Year from your Anthousa Philoptochos Chapter!

Philoptochos kicked off the holiday season with our Christmas Brunch at the Kona Kai Club on December 6th celebrating Christmas, St. Nicholas Day, and a very special birthday! It was an extremely joyful event attended by over 100 luncheon guests. The weather was majestic as we looked out on the San Diego Bay, the food was delicious, and the room was full of holiday cheer! We were treated to beautiful music by Polyxeni & Phillipas Theologides, followed by Kathy Meck serenading us with Christmas Carols. The luncheon attendees were very generous as we collected 164 pairs of pajamas for needy children!

Throughout the month, we collected gifts in support of the Salvation Army Kroc Center with our Angel Giving Tree in the Cypress Room, and thanks to your generosity we filled all four bins to the top! We were honored to then volunteer for the Salvation Army Toy and Joy Shop at the Kroc Center, where we sorted the toys donated to the center and got them ready for giving to deserving children who might not receive anything for Christmas.

On Tuesday, December 16th, we hosted our annual Angels Christmas Party for children and their families affected by cancer, as part of our Kids‘n’ Cancer ministry.This heartwarming and special event is a highlight each year, and we are so proud to be a part of it. Through amazing teamwork and a willingness to serve, it was an amazing event. Of course, we could not have achieved any of this without the assistance and leadership of our Anthousa board members, Anthousa chapter members, our loyal parishioners, and all who were willing and able to roll up their sleeves to help. We THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for your service, devotion, and loving support of Philoptochos!

This month we are kicking off our annual membership drive!

Philoptochos has so much to offer. By joining Philoptochos you have the opportunity to meet new people, share fun and rewarding experiences, along with the joy of helping those who desperately need our support.Our philanthropic outreach fundraises for ministries and causes that are not only vital to our community but further our Orthodox faith and traditions. Your continued love and support are greatly appreciated and needed now more than ever!

Who can join Philoptochos?

• Women of Greek Orthodox Faith of at least 18 years of age

• A non-Greek Orthodox woman married to a Greek Orthodox man

• Greek Orthodox men

• A non-Greek Orthodox man married to a Greek Orthodox woman

As you can see,YOU can join Philoptochos!

Keep an eye on your mailbox to join or renew your membership, or you can simply visit the Membership page on this website. Please note that the National and Metropolis Philoptochos treasuries each receive $15 of every membership donation; any amount over $30 remains in our local chapter’s treasury. Please contact Maria Platis at mplatis@hotmail.com with any questions about membership.

We will also have our Complimentary Membership Luncheon & Program - Hearts in Harmony on Saturday February 7th at 11am in the Cypress Room. Please call the church office at 619-297-4165 to RSVP. I hope to see you there!

In Christ’s Sisterhood,

Michelle Defelippi

Anthousa Chapter President