The newly formed IOCC Metropolitan Committee of Washington, DC held its first event on Sunday, January 29. Nearly 150 guests from 15 different parishes gathered at Saints Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church in Potomac for a Vespers service followed by a dinner of flank steak and pasta. A number of area clergy were in attendance, along with members of IOCC's staff and board of directors.

After dinner, CEO & Executive Director, Constantine Triantafilou gave a brief discussion of IOCC's mission, followed by Bishop Andonios of Phasiane, director of the Department of Philanthropy of the Greek Archdiocese. Bishop Andonios gave an inspiring account of his recent trip to Ethiopia. His Grace described the need to be great in this area and urged for support of IOCC programs. At the conclusion of the evening, many of those present offered generous contributions, raising nearly $14,000 to assist those in need.

Planning for the Second Annual Dinner has already begun and has been set for November 12, 2006.

The event was organized by the volunteers of the Metropolitan Committee: Carol Ashley, Marge German, Cathryn Tatusko, and Katherine Vitko of Saint Mark Orthodox Church; Connie Kadala and Catherine Mary Rafferty of Saint Sophia Cathedral; Vici Kosmides of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church; Elaine Papp of The Protection of the Holy Mother of God Orthodox Church; Roger and Joanne Olsen of Saint Sophia Cathedral and Saints Peter and Paul; and Scott Wunsch of Saints Peter and Paul. Fathers George Rados, Miles Zdinak, Gregory Safchuk, and Christopher Constantinides also provided essential support and assistance.