IOCC Thanks You!
All year round, you make IOCC’s assistance to those in need possible. When you share your enthusiasm and support for IOCC with others, you are helping refugees rebuild their lives, improving the health of mothers and infants, and giving entrepreneurs the confidence to grow their livelihoods. Thank you for all you do in bringing IOCC to your community! You are a vital part of IOCC’s mission in the world.
Host an IOCC Angel Tree Reception or Coffee Hour
Looking for a creative way to share IOCC with your parish during the holiday season? Host an IOCC “Angel Tree” in your church hall throughout the month of December, or choose a Sunday to host a special coffee hour. It’s easy—we supply ready-to-go IOCC angel tree ornaments. Hang the double-sided ornaments on a Christmas tree, or create a simple display in your church hall for people to choose how they can help others this Nativity. Get started by contacting an Outreach Coordinator at outreach@iocc.org or410.243.9820.
Volunteers Needed this Winter
IOCC is looking for volunteers to help with home builds this winter. IOCC’s Orthodox Home Build teams support long-term recovery after disasters. Current opportunities include:
- December 17-22, 2018 in Houston, TX
- February 11-16, 2019 in Daytona Beach, FL
- April 14-20, 2019 in Houston, TX
Please visit iocc.org/homebuild to read more and apply.
IOCC Awareness Events
To get your local IOCC event on the calendar, contact outreach@iocc.org.
WILMINGTON, NC
The Philoptochos at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church hosted their first ever Greek Taverna Night on October 27, with proceeds benefitting multiple charities, including IOCC. It was a festive evening that had about 215 people in attendance, and featured delicious mezzes, live bouzouki music, and a silent auction. Thanks to the St. Nicholas Philoptochos for thinking of IOCC and those we serve!
SEATTLE, WA
On Sunday, October 28, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral hosted a luncheon and special IOCC presentation. This year’s annual luncheon sold out for the first time ever, with more than 70 people in attendance. The lunch after liturgy featured a special presentation by Liza Kotar, who shared her experience as an IOCC intern this past summer. Volunteers also sold delicious gibanica, a savory cheese strudel, to help raise some additional funds. Thanks to volunteer Mary Perisic and all who helped make this luncheon a success!
PALOS HEIGHTS, IL
Parishioners from St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church, as well as the local community, gathered together on the breezy fall morning of November 3 to hold the 10th Annual IOCC Walk. About 50 people of all ages participated in a scenic walk around Lake Katherine, and afterward enjoyed some light refreshments and fellowship. This group of walkers has been dedicated to faithfully raising awareness and funds for 10 years now, and we’re so grateful! Thank you to Zoe and Frank Kopanis for organizing this beloved event, and to all who participated!
OAKLAND, CA
Sunday, November 4 saw over 110 guests attend the 26th Annual Remembering Home Luncheon hosted by Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland, CA. The morning began with Divine Liturgy, followed by a beautiful reception and catered luncheon in the church hall. Fr. Thomas Zaferas, host and emcee, welcomed IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes, who gave a short update on IOCC’s most recent in work in places like Greece, Syria, and the Balkans. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco offered the keynote—inspiring words about unconditional love and the importance of pan-Orthodoxy and IOCC’s work. Thank you to Fr. Thomas Zaferas, Metro Committee Chair Steven Kreta, and the countless volunteers who made this day possible!
ROCHESTER, MN
On Wednesday, November 7, Gus Chafoulias hosted a reception and IOCC presentation at his home, where guests gathered for a lovely evening of hors d’ oeuvres and fellowship. Following dinner, IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes offered a short presentation about IOCC’s recent work. Thanks to Gus for graciously opening his home and hosting this special evening!
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
On Thursday, November 8, the Twin Cities Annual IOCC Dinner took place at St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis. Emcee and IOCC US Country Representative Dan Christopulos welcomed more than 120 guests from parishes across the Twin Cities area and shared an update about IOCC’s recent work in the United States. IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes also offered remarks about IOCC’s programs around the world, including a heartfelt story from his recent trip to Greece. For the second year in a row, participants enjoyed the lively “dessert dash” where tables got to bid on and choose from a beautiful spread of desserts. Thank you to Angelea Hoeft, Joanne Neumann, Jordan and Matt Smith, Megan Twito, IOCC staff member Alexis Rouches, and to ALL the volunteers who donated beautiful desserts and made this evening possible!
WASHINGTON, DC
In honor of Godparent Sunday on November 11, children in the JOY and Little Angels classes at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral enjoyed a lunch with their godparents and participated in an IOCC kit drive. Together they assembled bags of health essentials for those in need around the world, while learning about IOCC. Thanks to Maria Paleocrassas for organizing this creative act of service!
ST. LOUIS, MO
More than 100 people came together for the Annual IOCC Banquet on November 11, this year at St. Thomas the Apostle Romanian Orthodox Church. The chair of the IOCC St. Louis Metropolitan Committee, Mary Angelides, emceed the evening, as guests learned about IOCC’s work in Romania and the Middle East, among other places. Fr. Theophan Koja offered the invocation, and attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner before hearing from IOCC’s Manager of Middle East Programs, Dimitrije Djukic, who up until a few months ago worked in IOCC’s Jordan office. Dimitrije offered a moving first-hand account of his experiences in the Middle East, and IOCC Development Officer Nick Kasemeotes closed out the evening. Thank you to the entire St. Louis Metropolitan Committee for their hard work in another successful banquet!
FAIRLAWN, OH
About twenty parishioners from St. Thomas Orthodox Church gathered for their 3rd annual Thankfulness Dinner after Divine Liturgy on November 11. Guests enjoyed a Thanksgiving-style dinner, giving thanks as they learned how IOCC helps those in need around the world. Thanks to Deaconessa Robin Waltenberger and Popadia Kim Wright for organizing a great seasonal meal!
PITTSBURGH, PA
The IOCC Metropolitan Committee of Pittsburgh offered a Dinner with Wine Pairings on Sunday, November 11, hosted by Khalil’s Restaurant, to coincide with an IOCC US Programs Homefront workshop on the same day. Guests included workshop participants as well as local IOCC supporters, and were treated a traditional family-style Middle Eastern feast with four wine pairings. About 40 guests enjoyed a meal together and one another’s company—we’re so grateful for their continued support. Thanks to Zelfa Khalil, who graciously hosted this evening in memory of her father, Mikhail Khalil, a long-time IOCC supporter; event organizer Danielle Opacic; and the entire IOCC Pittsburgh Metropolitan Committee for a memorable last event of the year!
LOS ANGELES, CA
More than 75 people came out on the evening of Sunday, November 11 to enjoy an IOCC Dinner and Special Presentation at St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena, CA. The hall was beautifully adorned with fall-themed decorations, and dinner included homemade meatballs and spinach and cheese pies. John McKinney, author of Hiking the Holy Mountain, offered a special presentation about his spiritual journey to Mt. Athos and how it changed his life, and IOCC Communications Manager Rebecca Loumiotis offered remarks about IOCC’s work in Greece following the devastating fires this summer. Following the presentations, a beautiful Mt. Athos coffee-table book was offered as a door prize, and guests enjoyed a selection of desserts and a café-style coffee bar. Thank you to Lisa Xanthos, the entire LA Metropolitan Committee, and the huge group of volunteers that helped prepare the food and create a beautiful evening!
LONG ISLAND, NY
Despite an early-season snowstorm, young professionals in the Long Island area turned out for an IOCC kickoff event on November 15. Guests enjoyed drinks and bites at Hendrick’s Tavern, who generously donated the space, while learning more about IOCC’s global work and networking with one another. Thanks to Fr. Andreas Vithoulkas and Alex Gratsias for organizing this fun evening!
PHOENIX, AZ
Now in their second year, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian church hosted the St. George Warrior Saints 5K Run/Walk to benefit IOCC on Saturday, November 17th. More than 80 people attended this family friendly event that included both a 5K as well as a shorter walk-a-thon for kids. After the races, a delicious picnic was hosted where awards and prizes were given out, and IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes offered an update about IOCC’s recent work. Thank you to Matthew Peters, Sandy Khoury, and Layla Saikley, and all the volunteers who made this great walk possible!
KANSAS CITY, KS
On Saturday, November 17, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Overland Park hosted a Vespers and IOCC Reception. After Vespers, participants moved into the church hall for light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, where IOCC Development Officer Lou Zagami offered a short presentation about IOCC’s work around the world. Thank you to IOCC Frontliner Fr. Timothy Sawchak and all of the volunteers from local parishes who made this evening happen.
SACRAMENTO, CA
A Reception for IOCC Sunday was held at the historic Joe Marty’s Bar and Grille in Sacramento on Sunday, November 18. St. Anna’s Greek Orthodox Church hosted the casual reception, and more than 40 people enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres while learning about IOCC’s work across the globe. Thank you to IOCC Board Member John Sobchak, Susie Sobchak, and Fr. Christopher Flesoras for planning this great gathering!
Share Your IOCC Sunday Stories
Did your parish celebrate IOCC Sunday on November 18? Share your stories, pictures of your display or coffee hour reception, and tell us how you marked this annual Day of Sharing. Email outreach@iocc.org with your stories and photos.
FALLS CHURCH, VA
In honor of IOCC Sunday, parishioners at St. Mary Orthodox Church gathered after Divine Liturgy to listen to a special presentation that featured IOCC’s hurricane response in the US and ways individuals could get involved. Thanks to parish representative James Thomas for organizing this special presentation!
DES PLAINES, IL
About 300 people at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church participated in this year’s Day of Sharing. During Divine Liturgy, Fr. John Rallis mentioned IOCC’s response to the Greece wildfires, as he’d recently visited East Attica. Afterward, parish representative Eva Economy showed a video featuring IOCC’s presence in Greece and shared the touching story of one person IOCC has assisted. Thanks to Fr. John Rallis, the parish council, Philoptochos, and the Stewardship Committee for their support, and to Eva Economy for planning this inspiring presentation!
NORFOLK, VA
To commemorate this Day of Sharing, Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Church featured a lovely display of IOCC materials for parishioners to learn more about IOCC’s work. Thank you to Diane Blischak for spreading awareness about IOCC!
CHICAGO, IL
At Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, IOCC Metropolitan Committee member Susan Barron made a short presentation about IOCC’s work to help spread the word about IOCC Sunday. Parishioners also enjoyed a coffee hour dedicated to IOCC. Thanks to Stavroula Spyropoulos for planning this great day for awareness!
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
To celebrate IOCC Sunday this year, St. George Greek Orthodox Church hosted a coffee hour after liturgy to help spread awareness about IOCC’s work. Thank you to Fr. Conan Gill and volunteer Katherine Pappas for organizing this day!
Volunteers in Action
Let us know about your kit drives and IOCC presentations—email images and brief write-ups to outreach@iocc.org so we can feature them here. And thank you!
GLENVIEW, IL
Thank you to Fr. Kosmas Kallis of SS. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, Illinois, for running the Long Grove Turkey Trot for IOCC.
NEW YORK CITY
Congratulations to our volunteer Katherine Relle, who completed the NYC marathon on November 4th and dedicated the race to IOCC!
Upcoming Events
Interested in planning your own event to raise awareness about IOCC? Get one on the calendar today! We’d love to send a speaker to your parish or event, so please contact us at 410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org. Thank you for bringing IOCC to your community!
Check for updates at iocc.org/events. And thank you for partnering with us!
- December 2: Grand Rapids, MI — Sounds of the Season
- December 4: East Lansing, MI — OCF Meeting & IOCC Presentation
- December 16: Buffalo, NY — Pan-Orthodox Paint Night
- February 9: Bergenfield, NJ — Wine Tasting to Benefit IOCC
- February 9: Pittsburgh, PA — International Soup Sampling & Health Kit Assembly
IOCC is Hiring
Bring your expertise to an organization making a difference around the world and join our team in the following position. Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Please pass this info along to them! For full job descriptions and application instructions, visitiocc.org/careers.
