8/31/05

Appeal for Hurricane Relief in Southern United States

Grass Lake MI [ROEA Chancery]  –  In response to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL appeals to the clergy and faithful to donate generously to the efforts of the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).  IOCC has already begun to work together with local Orthodox parishes and its sister relief agencies to provide assistance to the victims of what is being called possibly the largest natural disaster ever to affect the United States.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost their homes and especially those who have lost loved ones as a result of the hurricane," said Archbishop NATHANIEL.  "We pray that although it will be a long and costly process to rebuild their lives, the Lord will grant comfort to them strengthen them for the work of rebuilding their communities."

IOCC's network of trained emergency responders, led by Fr David Kossey, will dispatch Fr Angelo Pappas, a qualified emergency "first responder," to the region to work with private and government agencies in order to identify the most urgent needs of those affected and to help meet those needs.  "Right now, the most critical need is for cash contributions to enable IOCC to respond quickly to needs as they emerge," Fr Kossey said.  "I have been heartened by the eagerness of our local churches to set up shelters and provide food and keep people as comfortable as possible during this disaster."

Please send your donations to:
IOCC - Hurricane Relief
PO Box 630225
Baltimore MD 21263-0225

TOLL FREE DONATION HOTLINE: (877) 803 4622

For more information, or to donate online, visit:  www.iocc.org