Thank you to our Souper Bowl MVPs!
Thank you to all the parishes and volunteers who took action to tackle hunger on February 8th! The Souper Bowl of Caring is a great way to help those in need in your local community, as well as to support IOCC in sharing Christ’s love around the world. Many of you took collections, promoted IOCC with your friends and neighbors, donated to your local food pantry, and more.
A special shoutout to Elaine Karubus and Chris Skogen, our volunteers in Denver, as well as Antonia Degliantoni and Lisa Colburn from Portland, OR, Christian Morgan from Fort Worth, and Nick Terezis from Pittsburgh for all their efforts in organizing a Souper Bowl of Caring fundraiser in their parishes! Thank you for being Souper Bowl MVPs!
Lebanon: A Dairy Farmer Realizes His Dream
In 2015, in the serene hills of North Lebanon, Bilal (not his real name), a 32-year-old mechanical and aeronautical engineer, made a life-changing decision. Rather than seek out a career abroad, he chose to invest in his own land and founded a dairy farm with a handful of cows and a big dream. “My goal was to build something strong, clean, and sustainable right here in Lebanon,” Bilal explained.
After some success, the farm’s journey took a major leap forward in 2024 when International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), through a French Development Agency (AFD) supported School Canteen Program, stepped in to help small farmers across the country. Food from these local producers is used to supply the school feeding program, ensuring sustainable and healthy products for Lebanon’s youth.
With IOCC’s support, the dairy farm was able to make essential upgrades to its operations—focusing especially on food safety and hygiene standards. Read the full story here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Chicago, IL – Kits Drive and Presentation
On February 7, IOCC supporters gathered at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago for a Kit Drive to assemble essential items for families in need around the world. Volunteers of all ages came together in a spirit of fellowship and service, working side by side to pack kits that will bring comfort and care to vulnerable communities. During the event, IOCC Board Member Kim Adams-Angelos shared inspiring remarks about the impact of IOCC’s ministry and the difference these simple but meaningful items will make. Thank you to John Senos and Constance Raftis for the hard work and dedication they put into organizing this successful effort and bringing the community together in service.
Milwaukee, WI – Wine & Cheese Reception
On February 7, IOCC supporters gathered at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Milwaukee for a Wine & Cheese Reception to Benefit IOCC. Following Vespers, guests enjoyed delicious food, fellowship and heard from IOCC Gift Officer, Nick Kasemeotes, about his recent visit to IOCC’s programs in Greece and the Republic of Georgia. The committee also organized an auction featuring sports memorabilia from the Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers, and the evening was made even more impactful by an anonymous donor who generously matched $10,000!
Huntington, WV – Talent Show
On Friday, February 13, Holy Spirit Orthodox Church held a talent show and art walk as a fundraiser for IOCC. The event included a pasta dinner served by Deacon John Paise, as well as a silent basket auction. Throughout the evening, there were musical acts and art exhibits from members of the congregation. Thank you to IOCC representative, Michele Paynter Paise who organized the successful event!
Carrollton, TX – Orthodox Arts Show
On February 13–15, the 2026 Orthodox Christian Arts & Food Festival took place at Sts. Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church in Carrollton, TX. Over the weekend, attendees enjoyed a rich celebration of Orthodox culture and creativity, including art exhibits, vendor booths, music and performances, film, children’s art activities, and storytelling sessions. The festival opened Friday evening with a gallery reception, a performance by the Sons of Antioch Byzantine Choir, and a keynote address by Dr. Martin Shaw, followed by food and fellowship. Special thanks to Ashton Sha for his efforts organizing this event that supported several charities including IOCC!
Pittsburgh, PA – Happy Hour at Allison Brewery
On February 19, the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Committee hosted a successful happy hour fundraiser in support of IOCC. Attendees enjoyed great fellowship, craft beer, and delicious food, while learning about IOCC’s impactful projects worldwide. A special thank you to Allie Solomon for organizing and promoting the happy hour.
Pittsburgh, PA – Health-Kit Assembly
IOCC supporters gathered at St. George Antiochian Cathedral in Pittsburgh for a Health Kit Assembly Project, coming together in fellowship and service to support families in need around the world. Volunteers worked diligently to assemble 540 health kits, each one filled with essential items that will bring dignity, comfort and care to vulnerable communities. Thank you to Nick Terezis and the entire Pittsburgh Metro Committee for their leadership, dedication and hard work in organizing this impactful event and inspiring so many to serve.
US Programs Update
Hurricane Helene and Milton recovery efforts continue in Tennessee and Florida, where IOCC is helping communities get back on track. In Tennessee, an AmeriCorps team is hard at work rebuilding homes, and an additional team will be arriving in March. We are currently scheduling volunteer teams through September 2026, but volunteer weeks are going fast!
For questions or to schedule a team, please visit iocc.org/actionteams or contact Krista Hamann, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteercoordinator@iocc.org or 667-331-9812.
Awareness Events
Interested in planning your own virtual or in-person event to raise awareness about IOCC? Get one on the calendar today! We’d love to help you organize, 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!
- March 4 – Minneapolis, MN: Lenten Dinner and IOCC Presentation
- March 18 – Portland, OR: Pan Orthodox Liturgy and Lenten Dinner
- March 22 – Las Vegas, NV: Pan Orthodox Vespers and Dinner
- April 17 – Cleveland, OH: Bright Friday Dance for IOCC
- April 19 – Pittsburgh, PA: Bright Bites
- April 25 – Bergenfield, NJ: Wine Tasting to Benefit IOCC
- May 2 – Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Marathon with Team IOCC
- May 5 – Pittsburgh, PA: Open House
- May 7 – Chicago, IL: Annual Banquet to Benefit IOCC
- July 11 – Grand Rapids, MI: 5K Walk/Run to Support IOCC
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