Philoptochos

Philoptochos is a philanthropic ministry program, literally meaning, ‘friends of the poor,' and serving the needs of those both within and outside of the Saint Basil community.  In an effort to create further opportunities for all our community members 18 and older, men and women, to participate in this most vital ministry program, we have diversified its model and launched varied forms through which individuals may participate, which may be more conducive with work schedules and family dynamics.  The following are all options for our community members to find edification through this dynamic philanthropic ministry program.

Macarea

The Macarea is the meal that promotes healing through fellowship, and follows funeral services.  This group will organize and facilitate all Macareas.  Participation in Macareas is a tremendously paramount ministry offering as it helps in offering comfort to those individuals and families in difficult times.  If you are interested in joining this healing ministry, please contact the church office.

Coffee Hour

The Coffee Hour is the fellowship hour following the service of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday mornings.  This group will organize coffee hour sponsors; give sponsors guidance if they wishes to do the 'leg work' of facilitating the coffee hour, or provide the option for a sponsor simply to financially sponsor the coffee hour, and the ministry group will facilitate the afternoon's coffee hour, with the sponsor's established donation.  Christian fellowship is central to our experience of Orthodoxy, most especially following the sanctity of the Divine Liturgy.  If you are interested in sponsoring a coffee hour, or becoming a member of this ministry group, please contact the church office.

Bereavement Support

The Bereavement Support Ministry Program is comprised of Christians with loving hearts who wish to make themselves available for those individuals and families who experience the death of a loved one. Families are supported through contact soon after the falling asleep of a loved one, and immediately are reminded that they are loved and prayed for by their Orthodox family.  In such an intimate time as the loss of a loved one, our Christian family must be present to embrace and support one another.  If you are in need of support from this loving ministry, or are interested in becoming a member of the program, please contact the church office.

Social Outreach

The very nature of a Christian community is one that manifests God's love by reaching outside itself.  In the spirit of the Good Samaritan who reached outside himself by caring for a foreigner, not from his own community, this essential ministry program will offer diverse forms of philanthropy to our greater community of Stockton, and beyond.  Although assistance is also offered to the community members of Saint Basil's, this ministry program will most dynamically focus on the limitless opportunities to help others in our hometown and surrounding area.  If you are interested in joining this foundational Christian ministry, please contact the church office.

Visitations

The Philoptochos Visitation Ministry formalizes efforts for community members to share time and fellowship with those who are unable to attend church services for various reasons.  Christian fellowship, most especially offered to those who are sick or in need, are essential in Christian journey.  In addition to regular visitations, hospitality baskets are delivered to those unable to come to church.  If you would like to be added to our visitation list, or are interested in joining this ministry, please contact the church office.

Event Planning/Fund Raising

These ministry groups work closely together, planning fellowship and celebratory events in the life of the community, and responsibly working together in the raising of funds to grow the ministry of the Saint Basil Philoptochos society.  If you are interested in joining one or both of these ministry groups, please contact the church office.

Administration

The Administration Ministry oversees all administrative responsibilities through out the Philoptochos family, including but not limited to; producing the yearly calendar, establishment and tracking of the annual budget, maintaining communication with Metropolis and Archdiocesan Philoptochos groups, oversee the assurance of all commitments made by the Saint Basil Philoptochos family, etc. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please contact the church office.