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Published by the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
September 2, 2005
Online Resources
Available for Hurricane Katrina Relief
Effort
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September 2, 2005
New York, NY - The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of
America has established a special web site to
assist with information and resources during the
Hurricane Katrina relief effort. The site,
www.goarch.org/en/special/hurricane_katrina/,
features the latest news on the response, along
with a link for online donations to the
Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund, and
message boards to assist with information on
families, parishioners, and parishes affected by
the disaster.
Also included on the site is a special bulletin
insert that can be used by our parishes to
inform and to assist with donations. The insert
is in a pdf format and can be easily printed,
reproduced, and distributed. The site also
includes a section for prayer requests and a
link to various services of the Church that
guide in offering prayer and supplication during
this difficult time.
The site also has a direct link to the web site
of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC),
the humanitarian aid agency of the Standing
Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in
the Americas. IOCC is working with other
disaster relief agencies to coordinate the
general relief effort. Already, response teams
are confirming the extent of this tragedy and
working to establish relief centers and direct
supplies to people in the devastated areas and
to the hundreds of thousands of refugees who are
relocating to other areas in Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. IOCC is asking
Orthodox parishes to assemble health kits to
assist with the immediate needs. Information on
the contents of the kits and where to send them
can be found at http://www.iocc.org/kidspage/healthkit_frameset.html.
The site is also serving the growing need for
communication among clergy, parishioners, and
families displaced by the disaster. The message
boards are linked to the site or can be accessed
at http://forums.goarch.org. Those who do not
have Internet access can offer or request
information from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis
of Atlanta at 404-634-9345.
As more information on the relief effort and the
status of the Orthodox parishes in the region
becomes available, it will be posted on this
special site. Offers of specific types of
assistance can also be directed to IOCC at
1-877-803-4622.
Contact: Dept. of Communications
Email: communications@goarch.org
Marissa Costidis - 732-522-1637 (cell)
Fr. Nektarios Morrow - 212-774-0506
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