Mission and Focus

MISSION
IOCC, in the spirit of Christ’s love, offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond.

VISION
We envision that, by God’s grace, IOCC will respond, without discrimination, to those who are suffering and in need, to enable them to continue to improve their own lives and communities and to have means to live with dignity, respect and hope.

COMMITMENT & CONTEXT
IOCC, an agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, represents Orthodox Christians in North America and understands its work to include developing in Orthodox Christians a commitment to philanthropy and global cooperative involvement in the work of the Orthodox Church.

INSPIRATION
Matthew 25:35-36, 40
‘For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me . . . as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’

ORGANIZATION/OBJECTIVES
In response to a need expressed by members of our Orthodox Christian community, International Orthodox Christian Charities, Inc. (IOCC) was established in March 1992 and serves as the official international humanitarian organization of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. The Board of Directors is comprised of Orthodox Christian clergy and laity who have volunteered themselves for this role and have been approved by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. The Board of Directors governs the policies and operations of IOCC and oversees stewardship of the organization's resources.