Saint Barbara's Philoptochos Society

St. Barbara’s Philoptochos

Our Mission: To promote charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach; to preserve the sanctity of life and family; and to perpetuate and promote our Orthodox faith and traditions. Oakmont's Saint Barbara's Philoptochos is comprised of adult women from the parish who function as the charitable and philanthropic heart of the parish.

Philoptochos Officers:

President - Kay Doas

Vice President - Olympia Arthur

Secretary - Ida Labella

Treasurer - Diane Lingeris

 

Upcoming Events:

Philoptochos Meeting Updates
Please note that the Philoptochos meeting originally scheduled for January 11 has been rescheduled due to the Vasilopita celebration taking place the same day.  The January and February meetings will be combined and held on January 25 following Divine Liturgy.

Ongoing donations
Donations are being accepted per Presbytera Maria for Father Paul’s/ Resiliency program. Accepting gently used coats, scarfs, hats , gloves and socks.  This is different than our sock drive coordinated by Jean Walter which starts end of Jan 2026

Covered Dish Luncheon - February 15, 2026
Thank you to Joyce Diacopoulos and Maria Kopsahilis for serving as chairpersons and coordinating
sign ups for our upcoming Covered Dish Luncheon on February 15, 2026.

• All parishioners are encouraged to sign up to bring your best dish to share
• Philoptochos members are asked to help with setup, serving, last-minute needs, and cleanup
• All hands are needed to ensure the success of this event

This Covered Dish Luncheon is always a fun and well-attended gathering shared with all parishioners,
and we are happy to host it once again.  Contact Joyce Diacopoulos via email at jdiacopoulos@comcast.net to let her know if you are bringing an Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish, an entree (note that Philoptochos is providing chicken), a casserole, dessert, rolls/butter, or paper products (plates, napkins, plastic utensils).

Koulourakia Fundraiser | Volunteers Needed
In February 2026 (date to be determined), volunteers will be needed to help prepare Koulourakia, a beloved and popular Philoptochos fundraiser. The confirmed baking date will be shared as soon as it is finalized. Please consider lending your time and talents to support this important effort.  Zoe Lardas has accepted to help with dough making! Andy G. will assist with ordering ingredients needed and cost to be covered by Philoptochos.

Birthday Luncheon Group | January 14
The Philoptochos Birthday Luncheon Group will meet on January 14 at 12:00 PM at Knead Café.
Please RSVP to Rosalyn Denillo at 412-798-0104.

Save the Date | International Women’s Day Event
Please save the date for March 12, 2026, when Philoptochos will host a celebration for International
Women’s Day at 6:00pm in the church with refreshments to follow in the hall. More details will be
shared as plans are finalized.

Membership Dues Reminder
This is a friendly reminder that Philoptochos membership dues are now due. Annual dues are $30.
When submitting your dues, we kindly ask that you complete a short form. This information
is available in the narthex, or you may see any Philoptochos member for assistance. Dues may be paid
by cash, check, or online. For any questions regarding dues, please contact our Treasurer, Diane Lingeris, at 412-721-2608.

....Note
Philoptochos is active throughout the year, and participation is always welcome. Your involvement can be as
much or as little as your schedule allows. Whether you are able to participate often or occasionally, all are welcome and every contribution is appreciated.

Membership Forms and Welcome Kit
Attached to this email are two helpful documents: the Philoptochos Membership Form and the Philoptochos Welcome Kit. The Welcome Kit provides a clear and friendly overview of who we are, what we do, and how you can take part in ways that fit your schedule. The Membership Form can be printed and filled out at home and brought to church, or you can pick up a copy in the Narthex. We ask all ladies of the church to complete a form, whether you are renewing your membership or joining for the first time.  If you would like to get involved, help with a committee, or learn more about upcoming projects, we would love to hear from you.  Option:  Pay your 2026 Philoptochos Membership Dues online.

To learn about our mission & activities, please join us at a meeting and/or speak with one of our members.

View the Master Philoptochos Calendar

 

Coffee Hour Sponsors Needed

Our Sunday coffee hour gives us a chance to visit with friends, but also to exercise our philoxenia, or hospitality, towards our guests and newcomers to the parish, who have just participated in the Divine Liturgy with us.  We are currently in need of hosts for Sunday coffee hours for many dates (see below).  Two families can share the cost.  If you are unable to purchase the items for coffee hour, consider donating the necessary amount to Philoptochos, who will then arrange for purchases and setup.  How to sign up to sponsor a coffee hour?  Contact Mary McCrady at (412) 828-7549.  What to purchase:  Coffee Hour Shopping List

Available Coffee Hour Dates:

2026 January 18 (@ Riverside Landings), 25

2026 February 1, 8, 15, 22

2026 March 1, 15, 22, 29

Need to find a Sunday to sponsor a coffee hour?  View a 2025 Calendar   View a 2026 Calendar


Get Involved:  Become a Philoptochos Member!  To join or renew your membership, proceed to the Membership Form or scan the QR Code below.

If you prefer to pay by check, send your $30 check made payable to:  St. Barbara’s Philoptochos Society Membership Drive, 12 Washington Avenue, Oakmont, PA  15139.  Please be sure to include your name, address, telephone number and email address.


I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me into your home.

Matthew 25:35

DONATE!  We need your Support Today! 

* Please be sure to select PHILOPTOCHOS from the drop-down menu options!