Lenten Resources and Recipes Online
IOCC’s annual booklet of Lenten reflections is now available to view online or download on our Lenten Resources page. This year’s reflections have been thoughtfully authored by Orthodox clergy from around the country. We are so grateful to these dedicated priests for their service and support of IOCC’s humanitarian work. The Lenten Resources page also features new Lenten recipes from our supporters to assist your Lenten journey. Learn more at iocc.org/lent.
Jordan: Bringing Hope Through Hearing
Ayman (not his real name) is a young Syrian refugee who resides in Azraq Camp, Jordan, with his mother and baby sister. One challenge they face is that Ayman, along with his sister, both suffer from hearing disabilities. This has added to the great financial and emotional struggles of Ayman’s mother, who tries her best to provide for her children in very difficult circumstances.
But when she heard about IOCC’s ear clinic at Azraq Camp from her neighbors, she rushed Ayman there. At the clinic, IOCC’s specialists were able to evaluate his condition and provide him with new hearing aids, new batteries, tubes, and humidity suction. Read the full story here.
Volunteers in Action
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Pittsburgh, PA
At the end of February, 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. IOCC Metropolitan Committee Chair Nick Terezis spoke about IOCC’s ongoing work around the world. A special thank you to Allie Solomon for organizing and promoting the happy hour, and a heartfelt shout-out to Lacey Sturm for her incredible generosity.
Chesterton, IN
On Wednesday, March 5, the pan-Orthodox community gathered at Ancient Faith Radio’s headquarters in Chesterton, Indiana, to complete their Lenten IOCC Hygiene Kits project. With many helping hands, they assembled 396 hygiene kits for those in need. Thank you to Trudi Richter, Ancient Faith Ministries Event Administrator, for coordinating this impactful service effort.
Euless, TX
On Saturday March 7, the young adults of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church organized 250 hygiene kits for IOCC. Around 40 young adults participated and gathered to watch “Man of God” after the assembly. Thank you to Maria and Ian Rehmet for organizing this wonderful service project.
Dallas, TX
On March 14, the young adults of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church assembled over 200 hygiene kits for those in need as part of their Lenten Retreat weekend. During the retreat, participants gathered for prayer, reflection, and hands-on volunteering, where they generously supported multiple Orthodox Christian ministries. Thank you to YAL President Aliki Pappas for initiating this event.
Minneapolis, MN
Every Wednesday during Lent, St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church members sponsor a dinner for a speaker or cause. On Wednesday, March 4, the parish hosted a Lenten meal in support of IOCC. Christina Meares, IOCC’s Deputy Director of Development, gave an update on IOCC’s impact around the world thanks to generous donors. Special thanks to Lea Hoeft and all the volunteers who helped prepare a delicious Lenten meal, to St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church, and to all IOCC’s supporters from this parish!
Portland, OR
On Wednesday March 18, after a Pan-Orthodox Presanctified Liturgy, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church hosted parishioners and community members for an evening of fellowship and a Lenten meal, while IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes shared an update on IOCC’s recent humanitarian efforts and the global impact of its work. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about how IOCC serves vulnerable communities around the world and how Orthodox faithful can participate in this mission of service. Genuine thank you to Father Paul Paris and his parish for their support of IOCC over the years.
Holy Trinity’s young adult group gathered on Thursday March 19, at Steeplejack Brewing Company for an evening of fellowship and conversation. During the event, IOCC Outreach Coordinator Sophia Kayafas spoke about IOCC’s humanitarian work and highlighted the vital role young adults play in advancing the Church’s mission of service. Special thank you to Christina McDonough for organizing this gathering.
Las Vegas, NV
St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church hosted a Pan-Orthodox Vespers for neighboring parishes on Sunday, March 22. IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes spoke about IOCC’s programs, and everyone enjoyed an evening of prayer, food, and fellowship. Thank you to Lidya Abraham and all the IOCC supporters in the Las Vegas area who helped put this event together.
Wenatchee, WA
On Sunday, March 22, Jen and Andy Barber, IOCC Action Team Leader and Specialist, gave a presentation at Three Hierarchs Church in Wenatchee, Washington to share IOCC’s humanitarian work both globally and within the United States. They also offered personal insights from their field experiences, giving parishioners a meaningful glimpse into the impact of this work. Thank you to Jen and Andy for their years of dedicated service to IOCC.
Bellingham, WA
On Sunday, March 22, volunteers at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Bellingham, Washington hosted an IOCC informational coffee hour following Liturgy to share awareness of IOCC’s humanitarian work with their community. Special thanks to Anne Williams and Presbytera Elizabeth Tervo for organizing the event and providing food and hospitality.
Volunteers and Frontliners Needed in Tennessee and Florida
Hurricane Helene and Milton recovery efforts continue in Tennessee and Florida, where IOCC is helping communities rebuild. In Tennessee, an AmeriCorps NCCC team is assisting with home repairs, with additional teams supporting recovery in the months ahead. As we enter the peak of volunteer season, teams are scheduled through September 2026, and available weeks are filling quickly.
For questions, or to schedule a volunteer 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 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!
- 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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