IOCC - The committee was formed in 1997 and began immediately planning to involve our parish and other Orthodox parishes in Maryland to respond to Christ’s call to serve the poor by supporting IOCC’s humanitarian mission.
Over the years, the committee has endeavored to educate and raise awareness within our parish on the projects supported by their stewardship. The education of our children has been a top priority. Through lessons designed to teach and inform our children on the outreach ministries of the Orthodox Church, the committee has successfully worked with the children through Sunday school projects.
All IOCC events and news items get printed in parish’s Sunday bulletin or posted on the Missions Board and by periodic distribution of materials and brochures.
All monies donated are given directly to IOCC to minister to Christ’s poor around the world.
Parish Fundraising- Several activities have been organized to advance the IOCC Metropolitan Committee Outreach program:
Soups Around the World- Dry soup ingredients for Home made soups based on recipes from different countries packaged and sold by the committee.
Fund a Need Christmas Tree- Artificial tree decorated with ornaments made by Sunday school children with the contents of IOCC emergency relief parcels listed on the back. Each decoration was marked with a specific donation amount.
Gift of the Heart- Sunday school children collected hygiene products, (soap, combs, toothpaste, tooth brushes, etc) the children then wrapped and tied the items in wash cloths in preparation for shipment to their destination.
Souper Bowl of Caring- GOYA youth supported this IOCC yearly event by collecting canned goods for a local food pantry.
IOCC Speakers- Over the years several staff members have been invited to speak at parish events and after liturgy.
Contact: Matt Papatakis Email: EMAIL Tel: 410.767.8133.
