The Ladies Auxiliary Society (Philoptochos) “St Tabitha” has been active in Bristol since November 1965. Its purpose is to support the work of our Priest in charge and Greek Orthodox Church of Bristol in its whole.
Our Tabitha committee is set up not only to support our priest and community but more so to help in philanthropic deeds. Ladies of our community will visit the elderly and sick, whether at home or in hospital. They may take food or even help with some activities in the home. They work for local charities as well as supporting food bank initiatives and charitable initiatives for the church community and wider spread organisations.
Since 1965 until today, the ladies who have presided in the committee are:
1965 – 1969 Mrs. Aglaia Hill
1969 – 1972 Mrs. Kyriaki Michailidou
1972 – 1977 Mrs. Mary Boulton
1977 – 1981 Mrs. Loulla Braddick
1977 – 2007 Mrs. Joanna Stamboulieh
2007 – 2013 Mrs. Vasiliki Frangeskou – Richardson
2013 – 2014 Miss Helena Pitsiou
2015 – 2019 Mrs. Andri Nicolaou
2019 – 2024 Miss Pavlina Kofterou
2024 – currently Mrs Androulla Aristotelous
A significant contribution has been made during all these years as well as philanthropic activity. The ladies, members of the committee, have offered great support to elder people of our community, families who have chosen to settle down in the area, hospital patients and sick people and to those of other situations. Also, where this possible financials donations/assistance are being made for those in need.
The community was lucky to enjoy a Sunday school organised by Dr. Vasiliki Frangeskou – Richardson every Sunday after the service. This tradition continues on with new teachers as you can see in the appropriate section under the Church sub-menu. The Greek Sunday school to this day continues where children have a space in church to enjoy the teachings of this Sunday School.
For many years now, every week the ladies of St Tabitha are offering tea, coffee and cakes for all our visitors to the church on Sundays.
Currently, an ecclesiastic exhibition of religious items is taken place every Sunday in the Church where you can find icons and original prayer items from the Greek monasteries, with their blessing.
In the past members gathered every Monday, to learn about our traditions and celebrate our heritage through a collection of Greek and Cypriot traditional dances, being taught during classes for kids and for adults.
Feel welcome to come and meet us on Sunday where you can enjoy Tabitha hospitality!
The name is of Syrian origin and is honoured by a virtuous and charitable woman who belonged to the Christian community in Joppa. From the Apostles Acts, we know she was an excellent weaver and out of this activity earnings she was trying to support pour people, widows and orphans.
When the Apostle Peter was due to arrive to Lydda of Palestine, she happened to become grievously ill and suddenly she died. Two messengers were sent to him with an urgent request for help. When the Apostle arrived at Joppa, they led him where Tabitha was lying dead. Affected by the situation Peter on bended knee, made a fervent prayer to the Lord and then he called out, “Tabitha, get up!” Indeed, she arose, completely healed (Acts 9:36). As a result of this many people believed in God.
Tabitha lived many years after, offering her help and support to people in need. She deceased quite old.
Our church honors her memory on the 25th of October.
St. Tabitha is considered the patron saint of tailors and seamstresses; since she was known for sewing coats and other garments (Acts 9:39).
You served the Saviour in holiness
By your God-fearing deeds,
And were a model of love as his disciple.
O Tabitha, we praise your memory!