As we all struggle to navigate the quickly changing COVID-19 crisis, IOCC is committed to keeping our supporters informed and healthy, minimizing disruption to IOCC’s daily operations, and joining in the international effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Over the next several weeks, all IOCC events and home builds across the country will be postponed, following the CDC’s recommendation. We are working on ways to transform these experiences to a virtual platform, when possible, so we can all remain connected! More information on prevention and emotional care tools and ongoing IOCC interventions can be found at iocc.org/COVID19.
Thank you to all of our volunteers who are actively supporting the important work of IOCC. Your continued prayers and help for the people we serve are so appreciated.
O Lord, You are my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. In You I take refuge, for You are my shield and my stronghold. Cast out any fear that tempts and threatens me, and allow me to rest secure in Your loving protection. I place all my trust and my hope in You. Keep me and the world around me in Your care. Amen.
Help Transform Lives! Schedule a Virtual Fundraiser or Event
Are you looking for a powerful way to give? We’re looking for volunteers to help host virtual fundraisers or events over the next few months as we are asked to observe social distancing. Ideas include a virtual auction, dedicating a birthday, honoring a loved one, or even running a virtual race. Want to know how to get started? Reach out to us at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org.
Lenten Resources Online
IOCC’s annual booklet of Lenten reflections is now available to view online or download from iocc.org/lent. Also available are delicious Lenten recipes submitted by our volunteers, as well as Lenten brochures from previous years.
Hard copies of the Journey to Pascha brochure are available for your parish: feel free to give Outreach a call at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org to order.
Update: IOCC’s Response in Nashville
On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, Nashville-area communities faced a crisis: severe storms during the night had caused multiple tornadoes across greater Nashville. With wind in some places as powerful as 165 mph, the storm destroyed dozens of buildings and caused multiple deaths.
IOCC sent trained Emergency Response Team Leads to the area to conduct initial assessments, ahead of cleanup operations, which quickly got underway. Frontliners, specially trained to serve those affected by disaster and trauma, deployed to offer emotional and spiritual care. Watch IOCC’s blog and social media for updates as the work progresses.
Don’t Miss Out: Prayer Journals Available!
IOCC’s prayer journal highlights the scripture of Matthew 25, the inspiration for IOCC’s mission. It offers a glimpse into the lives of children and families around the world and shows how your prayers and support are helping them build a brighter future.
Print copies are available for your parish or group by emailing Stephanie Wazlavek at our print warehouse (swazlavek@webbmason.com) or by calling 443.589.1565. IOCC is pleased to cover the cost of the journals, while a fulfillment cost of $9.61 plus shipping will be billed to your parish. Quantities are limited—order yours today!
A digital version can be viewed at iocc.org/prayerjournal.
IOCC Awareness Events
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Dayton, OH
March 8, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dayton, Ohio organized an IOCC Luncheon to benefit the Shepherd’s School in the West Bank. Some 75 participants enjoyed a delicious Middle Eastern Lenten luncheon and learned how their support will help the ongoing rehabilitation projects at Shepherd’s School in Beit Sahour, a school of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Thank you to Dirk Lackovich-Van Gorp, Awad Halabi, and the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church community for their work in organizing this wonderful event!
Raleigh, NC
Over 120 Orthodox faithful in the Triangle area of North Carolina attended the Sunday of Orthodoxy Pan-Orthodox Vespers on March 8, hosted by All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church in Raleigh. Five priests, four deacons, and faithful from several Orthodox churches participated. After the service, IOCC Gift Officer Lou Zagami and IOCC Safety and Security Manager Gregory Manzuk gave a short presentation about IOCC programs, and shared stories about people we serve. They highlighted the beauty and importance of all jurisdictions working to support the ministries of the Orthodox Church. Our thanks to Fr. Nicholas Sorensen, the All Saints community, Helen Paliouras, and Fr. Stavroforos Mamaies for their efforts in making this event a great success!
Las Vegas, NV
On March 8, at St. Paul Orthodox Church, a large gathering of parishioners from surrounding Orthodox churches attended the Sunday of Orthodoxy Pan-Orthodox Vespers. After the service, the IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes talked about IOCC’s work in Middle East, Greece, and the United States. Thank you to our hosts, St. Paul Orthodox Church, Fr. John Dresco, Frances Hayden, and the entire committee of volunteers who worked to make this a special event!
