Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, preached the theme of mercy. Let us turn to his works:
“Almsgiving is the heart of virtue ... it is the queen of the virtues, which quickly leads people to the very height of heaven; it is the best of advocates ... Virginity, fasting, and lying on the bare ground are important only for the one who gives himself up to them, and they save no other person; almsgiving extends to all and embraces the members of Christ (6th Homily on Titus, 2). To do alms is a work greater than miracles ... To feed the hungry Christ is a work greater than raising the dead in Christ‘s name. In the first instance thou art the benefactor of Christ; in the second He is thy benefactor ... When thou workest miracles, thou art God’s debtor; when thou doest alms, God is thy debtor.”
- Great Lent: The spiritual discipline of Orthodox Christians during Great Lent involves not only prayer and fasting but also almsgiving. Promote giving to IOCC as a way to do almsgiving during Lent. Put an announcement in your parish bulletin or newsletter. The following language is offered as a suggestion:
April Bulletin Announcement
Helping the poor is a calling for Orthodox Christians and the season of Great Lent puts a special emphasis on charity through almsgiving. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) offers hurting people a hand up. We deliver food, clothing, hope and economic self-sufficiency by providing tools for people to work their way out of man-made and natural disaster with dignity. This Lent, please consider a gift to IOCC, your Orthodox humanitarian aid agency, as a way for effective almsgiving. Call IOCC toll-free at 1-877-803-4622, send a check or give with confidence online at www.iocc.org. |
- Gulf Coast: The Volunteer in the Gulf Coast project will continue through July 26, 2008. Everyone 18 and older is welcome to volunteer for a week at a time! The total cost per team member is $300, which includes airfare, room and board for the week. Please encourage anyone interested in participating to register at www.iocc.org/gulfcoast. Please remember we need a minimum of one months notice to take care of the details. Please click here to download a Gulf Coast Ad Slick that you can include in your monthly or weekly bulletin for April.
- The Annual Spring Appeal should have arrived in your mailbox. Please display the appeal on your parish IOCC informational table or bulletin. Click here to learn more.
- Since there is an increase in the number of church services during Lent, talk with your priest about delivering an IOCC presentation one night during the week. Speeches and materials are available and can be requested by emailing Vasi Jankovich, vjankovich@iocc.org, or calling 1-877-803-4622.
- Thank you to those of you who have already set dates for your 2008 event(s). Please check out www.iocc.org to see an updated list of events going on throughout the country to raise awareness and funds for IOCC. Ask your priest for an available date to host a coffee hour, wine tasting, concert or dinner. For more information, please contact Vasi Jankovich, vjankovich@iocc.org or 1-877-803-IOCC.
- Read how to be an effective Parish Representative at www.iocc.org/parishrep. I hope by now all of you have put IOCC informational materials in a visible area in your parish hall. If not, please visit click here to print off our IOCC “In Brief” and “Your Support” document. More materials can be requested by e-mailing relief@iocc.org.
- If you are planning to attend the Greek Orthodox Clergy Laity Congress in Washington D.C. July 13th-17th, and are interested in meeting other parish representatives and metropolitan committee representatives please e-mail vjankovich@iocc.org. Write Clergy Laity 2008 in the subject of the e-mail.
- April 27th – May 3rd is National Volunteer Week! Thank you for your continuous support and passion to serve the needy throughout the world. Without your help, IOCC cannot do what we do.
- Information on our website is now more accessible than ever! Just type in www.iocc.org the country you are interested in and learn details on our recent programs. This month, please visit www.iocc.org/jerusalem.
