Orthodox Philanthropic Society
The Orthodox Philanthropic Society (OPS) consists of members of the Annunciation and Agia Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church who want to donate their time and energy to supporting the Church and local service organizations.
In 2023 there were three fund raisers which enabled OPS to provide financial support as well as items of clothing and personal hygiene to programs at the River Valley Senior Center, River Valley Middle School and the Cora Lamping Center.
If you would like to learn more about the group, please look for updates and additional information in the Events section of this website or on our Facebook page.
Mission
Our mission is to develop benevolent and charitable outreach programs within the community and our own church to raise awareness of our faith and traditions.
History
The beginnings of the Orthodox Philanthropic Society had unusual origins. It was born out of a group of like-minded women who talked about the esprit de corps we experienced especially while working at the American Hellenic Canter one day in late summer of 2013. We talked about the cooperation and respect we had for our small group. Wouldn’t it be great to organize a group to give our work greater purpose and structure, we thought. The seed was planted. With the approval of Father Paul and the Parish Council, the Berrien County Orthodox Women’s Group (the original name) was on its way, centered upon our Eastern Orthodox faith. The group is open to Eastern Orthodox women and men who support charitable services. Our mission is to develop benevolent and charitable outreach programs within the community and our own church to raise awareness of our faith and traditions.