Say Hello at the 56th Biennial Antiochian Archdiocese Convention!
Come and meet IOCC staff and learn about IOCC’s work at our booth during the upcoming Antiochian Archdiocese Convention (July 25–29) in Phoenix. Pick up some of our latest materials, learn how to get involved, or just come and say hello. We look forward to seeing you!
US Field Volunteer Training Conference
IOCC’s US Program annual Field Volunteer Conference took place May 17–19, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Rev. Fr. Louis Christopulos, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver, gave the keynote address. Conference attendees received updates on what the US Program accomplished in the past year and participated in trainings to be better prepared for their next field deployments. Following the conference, over 15 Frontline and Action Team volunteers participated in a two-day home build in nearby St. Charles Parish, where IOCC has been working since September 2021 in response to Hurricane Ida.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Pittsburgh, PA
On April 1, more than 60 young people gathered from local parishes across the Pittsburgh area—Greek, Serbian, Antiochian, Ukrainian, OCA, and ROCOR—to assemble more than 1,100 health kits, responding to the call to help those in need through a simple act of service. Special thanks to organizers Deno Pappas, Ava Terezis, Bob Barron, and Nick Terezis, and to all enthusiastic volunteers!
Austin, TX
St. Elias Orthodox Church hosted their well-loved Arabian Nights-themed evening to benefit IOCC’s earthquake response on April 21, 2023. More than 100 people filled the church hall, and enjoyed the delicious Middle-Eastern mezze, dancing the dabkeh, and a performance from the Tarab Ensemble. The event also included an auction item, a beautiful painting donated by local artist Tatiana Houston. Thank you to co-chairs Imad Zaccak and Yara El Hayek, and to St. Elias for hosting this great evening!
Cleveland, OH
On May 8, about 210 IOCC supporters from the Cleveland area gathered to mark their 31st annual banquet and show their commitment to IOCC’s worldwide work. What an amazing night! In a beautifully decorated hall, guests joined the priests representing the seven Orthodox jurisdictions from the area and sang “Christ Is Risen.” This year’s winner of the Diane Zaminska award was Julie Hall, Treasurer of the IOCC Cleveland Metropolitan Committee. The emcee of the event, Ted Theodore, one of the founding members of the IOCC Cleveland Chapter, entertained guests with jokes and stories about IOCC. The keynote speaker, Katrina Straker, IOCC Development and Communication Manager, talked about recent IOCC projects and shared stories of people IOCC has helped in Ethiopia, Syria, and Ukraine. After a short video presenting IOCC’s earthquake response in Syria and Turkey, IOCC board member Lorraine George-Harik talked about the importance of IOCC’s work and what it means to her. Our heartfelt thanks go to Diane Hastings, IOCC Cleveland Committee Chair; Julie Hall, Committee Treasurer; Popadija Kathy Babich, committee member who put together a beautiful program booklet; all the volunteers who made this night a memorable one; and all the area’s generous donors!
Chicago, IL
On May 11, more than 200 participants from the Greater Chicago area, together with the area hierarchs, gathered for their 31st annual banquet for IOCC. His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, and His Grace Bishop Timothy were in attendance. Archdeacon Paul Zaharas, IOCC’s US Country Representative, was the keynote speaker and shared updates about IOCC’s work in Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and beyond. The program also included remarks from Chicago Metropolitan Committee chair Bill J. Vranas, event co-chair Maria Loukaki, IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes, and the evening’s emcee, Fr. Fouad Saba. Thank you to the Renaissance Fund for their generous challenge grant and many thanks to the hierarchs and local clergy for their kind support, Chicago committee chair Bill J. Vranas, event co-chairs Maria Loukaki and Omar Rihani, and the entire committee, as well as to all the volunteers who played a role in putting this beautiful evening together!
Flemington, NJ
Lou Zagami, IOCC Development Officer, shared updates about IOCC’s work and stories from the field with St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church parishioners in Flemington, New Jersey, after the sermon on May 14. He also visited with the community and answered their questions during the informal coffee hour. Thank you, Maria Tatolli, for organizing this lovely event!
Volunteer Opportunities in Kentucky and Louisiana
We’re on the ground in Kentucky and need teams and individuals to volunteer for a day, a week, or longer! IOCC has received a grant from the American Red Cross to rebuild after tornadoes struck Kentucky in December 2021, where over 4,000 homes and businesses were destroyed. IOCC is also still working in New Orleans through July, responding to the damage from Hurricane Ida in 2021. Click here for more info or to sign up, and contact Krista Hamann with questions at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667.331.9812.
Help Us Plan Fall Events Now
Summer vacation is here, and we hope you’ll have time to relax and enjoy time with your loved ones. AND… this is also a great time to think about scheduling an IOCC in-person or virtual event in the fall. Please let the Outreach team know what you’re planning, so we can support you with the event preparations. And don’t be afraid to get creative! Reach us at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org to start the conversation—we look forward to hearing from you!
Run a Race or Create Your Own Fundraiser with IOCC!
Are you looking for a powerful way to give? IOCC has a way to fundraise that uses your passion to help those in need. Run a race, dedicate your birthday, celebrate a loved one or wedding—and help those in need at the same time. Our DIY (do-it-yourself) fundraising platform allows you to create a personal page and collect donations to improve the lives of families facing disasters around the world. Is there anything better than knowing you’ve rallied your community to help others? Get started here: iocc.org/diy.
Syria: Campaign Extended!
IOCC’s popular vocational training program in Damascus is helping earthquake survivors and others in need gain the skills they need for in-demand careers in a challenging economy.
Even though the media is no longer focused on Syria, the country still has many needs. After more than a decade of conflict, millions are unemployed and facing poverty in Syria. That’s why IOCC and the Orthodox Vision Foundation launched an exciting new campaign to help young people, women, and earthquake survivors build employment skills. This $200,000 campaign—starting with a lead gift of $60,000 from the Orthodox Vision Foundation—will expand IOCC’s vocational training program in Damascus.
Our first class graduated in April, and one young woman named Lina said: “I hope these types of initiatives and programs will continue to support the youth.”
Now the campaign is extended until June 30. You can STILL be a part of extending this important program to hundreds of students just like Lina by making a gift at iocc.org/ovfsyria today!
Nourishing Body and Souls in Montenegro
Renovations and new equipment have improved working conditions and efficiency for this Church-run soup kitchen in Montenegro.
Thanks to your generosity, IOCC is working with the Serbian Orthodox Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral in Podgorica, Montenegro, to grow the Church’s humanitarian kitchen facility. With a combination of renovations, new appliances, kitchen equipment, and expansion of the Church farm estate the food security has been improved and the Orthodox Church is serving more people in need throughout Montenegro. Read more.
Upcoming Events
Interested in planning your own event to raise awareness about IOCC? Get one on the calendar today! We’d love to help you organize one, so please contact IOCC’s Outreach team at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org.
Check for updates at iocc.org/events. And thank you for partnering with us!
- June 4 – Pittsburgh, PA: West Bank and Gaza Relief Dinner with Wine Pairings
- June 17– Pittsburgh, PA: Syrian Earthquake Response Festival
- June 28 – Charlotte, NC: Sip & Paint Night to Support IOCC Earthquake Relief Efforts
- September 24 – Pittsburgh, PA: Ukraine relief Dinner & Prayer Service
- September 24 – St. Louis, MO: 21st Annual IOCC Banquet
- October 19 – Pittsburgh, PA: Oktoberfest Happy Hour
- October 29 – Philadelphia, PA: 12th Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
IOCC Is Hiring!
Bring your expertise to an organization making a difference around the world, and join our team. Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Please pass this info along to them! For full job descriptions and application instructions, visit iocc.org/careers.
Stay Connected to IOCC Online!
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and our latest updates to keep up to date with IOCC news, view event photos, and get a firsthand look at how your support is changing lives around the world.
