Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to respond with compassion, the executive director of International Orthodox Christian Charities, Constantine Triantafilou, said in an interview with the World Council of Churches.
„One way the International Orthodox Christian Charities is doing this is through a new suite of tools called the Care Compass (iocc.org/carecompass). These tools map ways individuals and communities can forge a path toward physical, mental, and spiritual wellness in any time of crisis—including the current pandemic”.
„Designed in consultation with Orthodox clergy, counselors, and clinicians, the tools are simple to use, adaptable, and can be locally implemented. No matter where you find yourself, together, we can help each other find ways to navigate toward resilience”.
The tools provide advice on how to cope with the physical and mental challenges caused by the pandemic and easily overcome a state of pain, grief, but also guidance on interfamilial relationships.
THE CHALLENGES OF THE PANDEMIC
During the pandemic, fundraising became a challenge.
In the pandemic context, we had to quickly pivot and develop ways to shift to virtual events. Additionally, limited travel is putting critical relationship-building trips on hold, as well as some monitoring and evaluation activities. That said, the work continues, and our staff is finding creative solutions in this new reality.
INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES
International Orthodox Christian Charities, Inc. (IOCC) was established in March 1992 by the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) – the predecessor organization to the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America (the Assembly).
IOCC is the official humanitarian relief and development agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America.
The Romanian Patriarchate and its “Filantropia” Federation are IOCC partners. They collaborated în social programs such as together for Better Social Services and Territorial Network of Christian Providers of Social Services (2010).
Photo courtesy of IOCC
