Philoptochos of the Metropolis of San Francisco www.sfphiloptochos.org
Ministries-We support these ministries every year.
BAPSAEF
“This fund is a tangible effort to secure the future of our faith and culture in this Metropolis, for it is through this Endowment Fund that our future priests, educators and pastoral assistants are supported both financially and spiritually in their education.”
+His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco
The Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund (BAPSAEF) was established over 25 years ago, through the spiritual vision and foresight of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, and the support of the Metropolis of San Francisco Ladies Philoptochos Society. This vision and hope that was created continues under the spiritual leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. Our primary mission is to provide financial assistance for seminarians and students from the Metropolis of San Francisco attending Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and Hellenic College, in Brookline, Massachusetts. Each Philoptochos Chapter throughout our Metropolis supports the BAPSAEF through annual commitments. Donations are also made by individuals to assist us in reaching our goal.
Light the Path
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Light the Path
For several years, the “Holiday Brunch” a fundraising event was held in Northern California to assist in fulfilling our mission. In 2009, a second fundraiser was established in Southern California, in an ongoing effort to increase much needed funding for the ministry.
In 2011, the BAPSAEF fundraising program was enhanced and the Light the Path:A Christmas Luncheon was established. Light the Path: A Christmas Luncheon is held annually in Northern and Southern California. All proceeds from these events directly support seminarians and students.
Plant a Seed; Grow our Faith
Another fundraising program intended to support seminarians and students of our Metropolis is the Plant a Seed; Grow our Faith program. Started by the Arizona Chapters, Plant a Seed; Grow our Faith is a grass roots effort, to raise funds, awareness and support through the sale of basil seed packets. Symbolically, basil connects us to hallowed ground on which the Holy Cross was found. Through this connection, we grow our faith, and support our future, priests, educators and pastoral assistants, one basil seed packet at a time.
Emergency Relief Fund
The Emergency Relief Fund embodies the spirit of Philoptochos by assisting those in need of caring, kindness and compassion. In these dire financial times, the need for such a ministry is paramount to our mission as Philoptochos women touch others both financially and spiritually. Our mission to assist those less fortunate than us makes continuation of such a ministry essential to achieving our goal.
Kids ‘n’ Cancer
“Give your heart to a child.”
The mission of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos Kids ‘n’ Cancer Ministry is to provide support for children afflicted with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape Ministry offers a life-changing experience for children and their families. It provides opportunities for enjoyment, learning, and building self-esteem and confidence in a safe setting. The kindness and caring that surrounds them offers an ideal environment for therapy and healing.
Camp Agape is a special place where families have the opportunity to enjoy four carefree summer days, away from the sights and sounds of doctors, laboratories, and hospitals, where they spend so much of their lives. Children and their families engage in hands-on group activities that provide a reprieve from their daily challenges. For children and their families, this is a truly therapeutic camp experience.
Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape is a Philoptochos ministry that began at the St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, California and has expanded to camps in: Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; San Diego, California; and Prescott, Arizona. Camp Agape offers an all-expense-paid summer camp experience to hundreds of cancer-afflicted children and their families from less fortunate homes. The ministry also supports the Emilio Nares Foundation, which provides oncology transportation programs in San Diego and Orange counties.
Pennies and Prayers“Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
Your offering is a gift, a prayer of thanks; a reminder that we work to further the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Since 1981, Pennies & Prayers has been the funding vehicle for mission activity in the Metropolis of San Francisco. In 1992 the Commission for Orthodox Missions and Evangelism (COME) and the Metropolis Philoptochos Society began working together to bring awareness of the need for mission work in the Metropolis. Under the spiritual guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, COME works toward this effort by mentoring and assisting growing parishes with their needs.
The proceeds from the Pennies and Prayers program is used to foster parish growth, educate the faithful, potential converts, inactive Orthodox Christians in Evangelism and Mission consonant with the Great Commission of Christ. Funds are also used to start a bookstore for education and spiritual formation or for help in attending the Clergy Laity Assembly. In addition, funds have been used to assist parishes with medical insurance for their priest or for travel expenses for those traveling on behalf of COME to assist with continued development.
At the beginning of Great Lent the Philoptochos Society in each Parish distributes Pennies and Prayers canisters and asks the faithful to pray for the mission churches and those churches still being mentored. They also ask the faithful to collect their spare change in the canisters. At Pentecost the canisters are returned and this collection is given to COME for the nurturing of our missions and growing churches.
Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center
The Metropolis Philoptochos has been one of its privileged caretakers since its inception, and one of the Lodge Buildings is appropriately dedicated to Philoptochos. St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center provides for spiritual nourishment and renewal for those who seek it. Nestled in the beautiful valley of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Ranch stands at the foothills of this serene location. Overlooking the Retreat Center, His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory had a vision of a monastery, which was subsequently constructed as an oasis for spiritual reflection and renewal. The Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring was consecrated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America in September 2010. Guests of St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center visit the Monastery on a regular basis.
Women’s Health and Wellness
Women encouraging women;
Women mentoring women;
Women uplifting women
To explore the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, interpersonal and physical health issues of women, empowering them to promote the primary mission of Philoptochos which is to live and spread the gospel, through philanthropic works.
“This fund is a tangible effort to secure the future of our faith and culture in this Metropolis, for it is through this Endowment Fund that our future priests, educators and pastoral assistants are supported both financially and spiritually in their education.”
+His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco
The Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund (BAPSAEF) was established over 25 years ago, through the spiritual vision and foresight of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, and the support of the Metropolis of San Francisco Ladies Philoptochos Society. This vision and hope that was created continues under the spiritual leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. Our primary mission is to provide financial assistance for seminarians and students from the Metropolis of San Francisco attending Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and Hellenic College, in Brookline, Massachusetts. Each Philoptochos Chapter throughout our Metropolis supports the BAPSAEF through annual commitments. Donations are also made by individuals to assist us in reaching our goal.
Light the Path
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Light the Path
For several years, the “Holiday Brunch” a fundraising event was held in Northern California to assist in fulfilling our mission. In 2009, a second fundraiser was established in Southern California, in an ongoing effort to increase much needed funding for the ministry.
In 2011, the BAPSAEF fundraising program was enhanced and the Light the Path:A Christmas Luncheon was established. Light the Path: A Christmas Luncheon is held annually in Northern and Southern California. All proceeds from these events directly support seminarians and students.
Plant a Seed; Grow our Faith
Another fundraising program intended to support seminarians and students of our Metropolis is the Plant a Seed; Grow our Faith program. Started by the Arizona Chapters, Plant a Seed; Grow our Faith is a grass roots effort, to raise funds, awareness and support through the sale of basil seed packets. Symbolically, basil connects us to hallowed ground on which the Holy Cross was found. Through this connection, we grow our faith, and support our future, priests, educators and pastoral assistants, one basil seed packet at a time.
Emergency Relief Fund
The Emergency Relief Fund embodies the spirit of Philoptochos by assisting those in need of caring, kindness and compassion. In these dire financial times, the need for such a ministry is paramount to our mission as Philoptochos women touch others both financially and spiritually. Our mission to assist those less fortunate than us makes continuation of such a ministry essential to achieving our goal.
Kids ‘n’ Cancer
“Give your heart to a child.”
The mission of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos Kids ‘n’ Cancer Ministry is to provide support for children afflicted with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape Ministry offers a life-changing experience for children and their families. It provides opportunities for enjoyment, learning, and building self-esteem and confidence in a safe setting. The kindness and caring that surrounds them offers an ideal environment for therapy and healing.
Camp Agape is a special place where families have the opportunity to enjoy four carefree summer days, away from the sights and sounds of doctors, laboratories, and hospitals, where they spend so much of their lives. Children and their families engage in hands-on group activities that provide a reprieve from their daily challenges. For children and their families, this is a truly therapeutic camp experience.
Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape is a Philoptochos ministry that began at the St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, California and has expanded to camps in: Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; San Diego, California; and Prescott, Arizona. Camp Agape offers an all-expense-paid summer camp experience to hundreds of cancer-afflicted children and their families from less fortunate homes. The ministry also supports the Emilio Nares Foundation, which provides oncology transportation programs in San Diego and Orange counties.
Pennies and Prayers“Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
Your offering is a gift, a prayer of thanks; a reminder that we work to further the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Since 1981, Pennies & Prayers has been the funding vehicle for mission activity in the Metropolis of San Francisco. In 1992 the Commission for Orthodox Missions and Evangelism (COME) and the Metropolis Philoptochos Society began working together to bring awareness of the need for mission work in the Metropolis. Under the spiritual guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, COME works toward this effort by mentoring and assisting growing parishes with their needs.
The proceeds from the Pennies and Prayers program is used to foster parish growth, educate the faithful, potential converts, inactive Orthodox Christians in Evangelism and Mission consonant with the Great Commission of Christ. Funds are also used to start a bookstore for education and spiritual formation or for help in attending the Clergy Laity Assembly. In addition, funds have been used to assist parishes with medical insurance for their priest or for travel expenses for those traveling on behalf of COME to assist with continued development.
At the beginning of Great Lent the Philoptochos Society in each Parish distributes Pennies and Prayers canisters and asks the faithful to pray for the mission churches and those churches still being mentored. They also ask the faithful to collect their spare change in the canisters. At Pentecost the canisters are returned and this collection is given to COME for the nurturing of our missions and growing churches.
Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center
The Metropolis Philoptochos has been one of its privileged caretakers since its inception, and one of the Lodge Buildings is appropriately dedicated to Philoptochos. St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center provides for spiritual nourishment and renewal for those who seek it. Nestled in the beautiful valley of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Ranch stands at the foothills of this serene location. Overlooking the Retreat Center, His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory had a vision of a monastery, which was subsequently constructed as an oasis for spiritual reflection and renewal. The Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring was consecrated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America in September 2010. Guests of St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center visit the Monastery on a regular basis.
Women’s Health and Wellness
Women encouraging women;
Women mentoring women;
Women uplifting women
To explore the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, interpersonal and physical health issues of women, empowering them to promote the primary mission of Philoptochos which is to live and spread the gospel, through philanthropic works.