The word philoptochos comes from the Greek words φίλος (philos) which means "friend"; and πτωχός (ptochos) which means "indigent/needy". 

It is to promote charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach, to preserve the sanctity of life and family and to perpetuate and promote the Orthodox faith.

Any Philoptochos Society is rooted in the values of the Orthodox faith. It is a beacon of hope and charity. Dedicated to humanitarian efforts, Philoptochos strives to make a meaningful impact on society. 

• What the Epirus Philoptochos Society (EPS) is not:

It is not a funding source of dioceses, religious organizations and parishes  -  all of which need to be self-sufficient (cf. respective Grammata); neither is the EPS supplying monetary support for clergy income; nor does the EPS provide unemployment compensation for clergy and laity, or the lending or donating of money, both temporary and permanent, to congregations, clergy and laity. 

• History

Philoptochos societies have their official beginnings in the late 1800s among the Greek community in New York City. Inspired by the old Byzantine Greek idea of Philanthropia, it has succeeded ever since in Greek Orthodox communities. A Philoptochos society today gives aid to all those who need it for church purposes. This aid involves a comprehensive approach of an individual situation, the life style, skills as well as self-sufficiency in helping to find employment and financial independence.

• Philoptochos Pledge

I do solemnly affirm that I will uphold the dogma, teaching, tradition, holy canons, worship and moral teaching of the Holy Orthodox Church, as well as the discipline and regulations of the Greek Orthodox Church of Epirus; and that I will fulfill faithfully and sincerely the duties and obligations required by the Epirus Philoptochos Society. So help me God.

• Modus Operandi

- Any person or member of the holy Synod can join the Philoptochos Society by approaching the Facilitator of the Society or the Synod Chancellor and eventually taking (signing) the Pledge (above).

- Philoptochos members are encouraged to find resources, collect and register items to donate and refer cliental. 

- The Facilitator of the Society will keep records of the membership roster, an inventory of items as well as management of funds.

- Upon approval by the Facilitator, members may distribute items.

- The Facilitator will file an annual report to the Synod Chancellery for review and filing.