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Published by
the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, September 14,
2005
Event Celebrates Legacy of
IOCC Founding Hierarch |
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September 14,
2005
Rye, NY – An
evening celebrating the philanthropic legacy of
the late Archbishop Iakovos, under whose
leadership the Standing Conference of Canonical
Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) founded
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)
as its humanitarian relief and development
agency in 1992, brought together more than 130
people in Rye, New York on September 10.
Archbishop Iakovos, who reposed in the Lord on
April 10, 2005, was remembered for his unfailing
admonition to reach out to others in acts of
Christian love as commanded by Christ.
One day after witnessing first-hand IOCC’s
response to the calamity along the Gulf Coast of
the United States, His Eminence Archbishop
Demetrios, current SCOBA Chairman, traveled to
Rye to deliver the keynote address.
In his address the Archbishop recounted several
instances in which he personally witnessed IOCC
respond to people in need on behalf of the
Church. His Eminence related seeing IOCC’s
assistance at a hospital for the disabled in the
Russian Federation, the organization’s efforts
to respond in the aftermath of the 9-11 tragedy
in New York, and its latest actions to assist
those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The
Archbishop also highlighted IOCC’s work in Iraq
and long-term development efforts in the West
Bank.
IOCC Executive Director Constantine Triantafilou
described how the philanthropic legacy of
Archbishop Iakovos continues through the
leadership of Archbishop Demetrios.
Triantafilou presented a recognition plaque to
Archbishop Demetrios in honor of Archbishop
Iakovos.
The pan-Orthodox event was hosted by Fr. Elias
Villis and the parishioners of the Greek
Orthodox Cathedral of Our Saviour in Rye, New
York in cooperation with the IOCC Metropolitan
Committee of New York City chaired by Kimberly
Adams.
Tributes to the late Archbishop included a video
presentation featuring footage in which he
implored all Orthodox Christians to “help give
others their daily bread.”
IOCC board member Father Nicholas Triantafilou,
who served as Chancellor to the late Archbishop,
was the master of ceremonies for the evening.
A special word of thanks was also extended to
Paulette Poulos, the long time administrator to
the late Archbishop for her unfailing service to
the Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Parlamis underwrote the
dinner with proceeds benefiting the worldwide
humanitarian mission of IOCC. Mr. Parlamis also
offered remarks in which he implored those in
attendance to be more philanthropic.
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