Host an IOCC Angel Tree Reception or Coffee Hour
Looking for a creative way to share IOCC with your parish during the Christmas 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 have free IOCC angel tree ornaments ready to be shipped. Hang on a Christmas tree or 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 or 410.243.9820.
IOCC Sunday is November 24
IOCC Sunday is the perfect day to help spread the word about IOCC in your parish.
- Encourage clergy participation. Ask your priest to read the IOCC Sunday Encyclical from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States, and take a special collection for IOCC.
- Dedicate an activity after liturgy to IOCC. Organize a coffee hour or host a luncheon after liturgy to introduce the life-saving work IOCC does around the world. Show a video, display materials on a table for parishioners to take home, or raise funds to support those in need.
- Involve parish youth with a fun event. Even in the cold weather, there are so many things youth groups and Sunday School classes can do! Hold a kit drive or a have them host a fundraiser—a gyro sale, frappe sale, and spaghetti dinner are all great ideas.
Read more and download resources at iocc.org/dayofsharing.
Need a flyer or promo materials for your parish on IOCC Sunday? Contact Outreach atoutreach@iocc.org or 410.243.9820.
Prayer Journals Are Now Available
IOCC’s new 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.
A digital version can be viewed at iocc.org/prayerjournal.
#GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday will be December 3 this year, and it’s never too early to gear up! Keep an eye out for this year’s campaign, and watch your dollars make a difference for those in need around the world.
Help IOCC Create Safe Places for Children in Syria
Eight-year-old Hassan (not his real name) was not only spending a lot of time by himself, but he was having a hard time concentrating and following directions at the Dream Center his mother enrolled him in. As a way to boost confidence and encourage him to participate in group activities, the center’s psychologist came up with a plan tailored to Hassan’s needs. Activities like crafts and drawing have helped Hassan improve his concentration, while music and dance have grown his communication skills and comfort playing with others. Not only has Hassan learned new coping skills thanks to the Dream Center, but Hassan’s mother has, too. Through special sessions for caregivers, Hassan’s mom was able to learn new techniques in caring for Hassan while meeting his particular needs. “I’m so grateful for all the support my son received in the Dream Center; you’re so sincere in supporting the children you receive at the center,” said Hassan’s mother. Visit iocc.org/dreamcenter to make a gift today.
Volunteers in Action
Palatine, IL
Inspired into action after Hurricane Dorian, the HOPE and JOY groups of St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church gathered to assembling hygiene kits on October 21. Thank you to Terry Bishop and all the young people who came out to help those in need.
Greensburg, PA
Many thanks to the St. Michael Orthodox Church community for assembling 75 school kits for IOCC. This was their sixth straight year of assembling kits—thanks from the bottom of our hearts!
Shrewsbury, MA
Thank you to the children of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church who hosted an Ice Cream Social this summer to benefit IOCC. Many thanks especially to Deb Sedares, who organized this great day!
Washington DC
Thank you to the Ladies Philoptochos Society of Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral for hosting IOCC Communications Manager Rebecca Loumiotis at their recent meeting. The highlight of the evening was when 30 ladies of all ages got together to assemble nearly 200 hygiene kits for IOCC. Thank you to Helen Fliakas and to Catherine Mary Rafferty for arranging this great evening!
IOCC Awareness Events
Thank you to the IOCC volunteers across the country who support our mission every day!
Charlotte, NC
On October 5, about 125 Orthodox faithful from several parishes in the Charlotte area came out to enjoy an evening of fine wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres to support IOCC. This year’s event was hosted by St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, and speakers included His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, IOCC Frontliner Fr. Constantine Shepherd, and IOCC Gift Officer Lou Zagami, who gave a brief update on IOCC’s work. Thank you to event chair Bill Leonidas, IOCC board member Laura Nixon, and the rest of the Charlotte committee for their hard work in putting on such a great evening!
Richmond, VA
Tennis lovers in the Richmond area were treated to a full weekend of fun on October 5–6, with the second year of Serving for Charity: Mixed Doubles Tennis Weekend to Benefit IOCC. On Saturday, guests came out to watch pro-am tennis exhibition matches under great weather, and on Sunday, fifteen mixed-doubles teams competed in an express tournament on clay. Congratulations to Melody Morton and Gary Pond, tournament champions! And a heartfelt thanks to tournament chair Mark Chronis, who led the way with tennis for a cause again this year!
Hempstead, NY
The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Paul hosted a Wine and Cheeses of the World to Benefit IOCC on Sunday October 6. More than 150 people gathered to enjoy delicious wine, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts at several stations around the room. Fr. Chris Constantinides welcomed guests, and students Billy Rousakis and Demetra Menoudakos offered a reflection about their experience at IOCC’s Serv-X-Treme youth leadership conference. IOCC Gift Officer Lou Zagami closed the evening with a presentation about IOCC’s response to emergencies here in the US, as well as his recent trip to the Balkans. A special thank you to Fr. Christopher Constantinides and Fr. Constantin Ursache for their guidance and support!
Abilene, TX
Thank you to St. Luke Orthodox Church and Fr. Philip LeMasters for hosting an IOCC Reception on Wednesday, October 9th. IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes offered a short update during this intimate gathering.
Dallas, TX
Nearly 120 supporters from the greater Dallas area gathered for an Evening to Benefit IOCC on Thursday October 10 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Fr. Peter Kostakis welcomed guests and offered the invocation to the annual event, and Tracy Panousieres served as emcee for the evening. IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes offered a short presentation about IOCC’s latest work, and college student Elizabeth Buck reflected on her experience participating in an IOCC home build after Hurricane Harvey. Thank you to event chair Tracy Panousieres and all the volunteers who made this happen!
Virginia Beach, VA
On October 1, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church hosted its 18th Annual Charity Golf Outing, which supports IOCC each year. This year’s tournament had a record 130 players who came together at NAS Oceana Aeropines Golf Club. Thank you to Daniel Cook and everyone who made this beautiful day possible!
On October 12, Orthodox Christians from several parishes around Hampton Roads gathered to take part in the annual Fr. Savas Constantinou Memorial Mission Walk. Participants their way through First Landing State Park in support of local and international charities, including IOCC. Thank you to all who volunteered and participated, especially Ed Ullom and Kathy Stephanitses for organizing such a special day.
Seattle, WA
On Sunday, October 13, the annual IOCC Wine and Hors D’oeuvres Reception took place at a new location this year, Caffe Appassionato. The gathering included people and clergy from local parishes who enjoyed a selection of hand-picked local wines and heavy hors d’oeuvres. IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes gave a brief update about IOCC’s work around the world, and emcee Theodore Angelis ended the evening with thanks and an appeal for a special offering. Special thanks to Kim Angelis and the Seattle Metropolitan Committee for all of their hard work on this great evening!
Pittsburgh, PA
On Thursday, October 17, IOCC supporters in the Pittsburgh area gathered for an intimate cognac tasting event. Guests sampled cognac over light hors d’oeuvres, while catching up with one another and supporting the work of IOCC. Thanks to Nick Terezis and Kevin Reck for organizing yet another great event!
Baltimore, MD
Now in our seventh year, IOCC staff, volunteers, and supporters came out on a beautiful fall morning to walk or run in the Baltimore Running Festival for Team IOCC on October 19. We had 18 people participating in everything from the half marathon to the team relay and 5K—and, in all, four local Orthodox parishes were represented. The evening before the races, participants enjoyed a team awards dinner hosted by St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church. Thank you to all those who made a difference through Team IOCC, and thanks to St. Mary’s, Sylvia Tsakalos, and Pam Hennawi for hosting a delicious dinner.
Potomac, MD
On October 20, Orthodox faithful in the DC area gathered at St. Luke Serbian Orthodox for an IOCC Craft Beer and Wine Tasting. This great evening of fellowship included local craft beer, Serbian and Georgian wines, and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Special guest His Grace Bishop Irinej offered inspiring words about IOCC’s impact in the Balkans and around the world, and IOCC Gift Officer Lou Zagami provided a short presentation. Thank you to our event chair Lisa Mikhalevsky and all of the volunteers and participants who came out on this rainy fall evening!
Chicago, IL
More than 30 young adults gathered at Howl at the Moon to raise proceeds for IOCC’s Hurricane Dorian Response on October 24. The happy hour was hosted by Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s Young Professionals group. Thank you to Dean Alonistiotis for putting together this great night!
Kansas City, MO
Thank you to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for hosting the annual Evening to Benefit IOCC on October 26. More than 50 Orthodox faithful from several local churches gathered to learn more about IOCC’s work in places like Syria, Greece, and Uganda. Event chair and emcee Kyle Morehead welcomed the crowed and introduced IOCC Gift Officer Nick Kasemeotes, who offered a short IOCC presentation. Participants were treated to a delicious buffet and enjoyed the beautiful music from local oud player, Tamer Abdullah.
Philadelphia, PA
On Sunday, October 27, the Greater Philadelphia Committee of IOCC hosted its Eighth Annual Benefit Banquet at Adelphia Restaurant. Nearly 300 guests gathered to enjoy a delicious meal, peruse the silent auction items, and celebrate the work of IOCC. Highlights from the evening’s program include recognition of IOCC’s fruitful partnership with AHEPA, represented by newly elected Supreme President George Horiates, who graciously accepted a token of appreciation from IOCC Development Officer Louis Zagami. IOCC Director of Development and Communications Katrina Straker offered the keynote presentation. Thanks to the Philadelphia committee, especially Tony and Kathy Pantazopoulos, Harry and Connie Bandy, Barbara Crits-Kelly, Jane Kelly, and all the volunteers who made another lovely evening for IOCC possible!
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 at410.243.9820 or outreach@iocc.org.
Check for updates at iocc.org/events. And thank you for partnering with us!
- November 3: Indianapolis, IN—Annual Benefit for IOCC
- November 10: St. Louis, MO—IOCC Annual Banquet
- November 10: San Francisco, CA—27th Annual Remembering Home Banquet
- November 13: Rochester, MN—IOCC Reception
- November 14: Minneapolis, MN—Twin Cities IOCC Dinner
- December 4: Grand Rapids, MI—IOCC Presentation
- December 8: Bloomfield Hills, MI—IOCC Presentation and Coffee Hour
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.
