Adult Ministries
LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY
Maria Sokaris, President
“Philoptochos” means “Friend of the Poor”. For more than 80 years, the women of St. Sophia Church have joined together to work for our church, assist individuals in need, contribute to charitable projects and medical research.
At our recent National Convention, we were “Chosen and Appointed by God to Go and Bear Fruit”. Our local St. Barbara’s Chapter is part of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. – the largest Christian women’s philanthropic organization in the United States. Ongoing programs include but are not limited to: Informational Programs, Brown Bag Lunches for the Homeless, Cooking Class, Cancer Fund, St. Barbara’s Day Party, Lenten Luncheon, Nursing Home and Hospital Visitations, Makaria lunches, St. Sophia Feast Day and many Church Events. We offer events/projects of interest to everyone. Because of these efforts, we are able to support local, national and worldwide charities.
Meetings are generally held the second Tuesday of each month according to our current calendar. Business meeting/refreshments and programs to follow start at 6:30 pm. Please join us at a meeting this year to see how you can make a difference in your community. Specific calendar is mailed to parishioners or call the church office. Please pick up our brochure at the Pangari. Questions should be directed to the church office at (518) 489-4442.
Interested in Joining? Please contact
Maria Sokaris.
CHOIR
Harry Ermides, Director
Our choir consists of approximately 25 to 30 members with various backgrounds and proficiency in music. We sing every Sunday during the Divine Liturgy, Holy Week leading up to Easter (Pascha), Christmas, and other major holidays. We currently sing Byzantine music by 3 different composers in both Greek and English. All of our sheet music contains Greek phonetics for anyone who does not speak or read Greek.
Throughout the year there are changes during the Divine Liturgy. We usually practice each Sunday, during dismissal following the Divine Liturgy to rehearse upcoming changes. These rehearsals are brief and we are usually done as church pews have emptied. Special rehearsals are held to prepare for Christmas in December, and prior to Holy Week each Easter.
The choir is open to everyone with a desire to sing. There are no auditions. We provide the music and choir robes. No special fees or dues are required. We do expect a professional attitude, and promptness. Overall, we want your experience singing in the choir to be spiritual and uplifting.
If you would like more information, please contact me at (518) 573-7003 (cell/text) or e-mail at hermides92@gmail.com.
SENIOR CITIZENS PROGRAM
Saint Sophia offers various programs throughout the week for our Senior Cititzens in the community. From exercise programs, knitting club to weekly luncheons generously prepared by our parishioners. For our schedule please see below.
Senior Program - Tuesday at 12:00 pm
Knitters - Wednesday at 12:15 pm
Senior Lunch - Thursday bi-weekly at 12:15 pm
FAMILY PROMISE OF THE CAPITAL REGION
Peter Melas, Dina Fisher, and Eleni Soler, Coordinators
Family Promise of The Capital Region is committed to helping homeless families achieve permanent housing and lasting independence. This non-profit organization provides temporary housing and case management services to care for families. Churches, synagogues and mosques across this country have joined together to open more than 200 Family Promise affiliates in 41 states. 80% of families are independent in 3-6 months of participating in this program."
Saint Sophia is proud to be a sponsoring church for families in need. For more information in how to participate please contact Peter Melas.