The World Council of Churches (WCC) recognized the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) as a specialized ministry partner. This recognition as a specialized ministry is the culmination of a long and productive relationship focused on service.
Since its inception, IOCC has collaborated with the WCC on various emergency relief initiatives.
IOCC shares with the WCC a focus on diakonia, or service, with both groups citing Christ’s call in Matthew 25 to serve Him by serving the people around us.
“As a pan-Orthodox service organization, IOCC is an example of what we can accomplish when we work toward a common cause,” said Constantine Triantafilou, IOCC’s Executive Director and CEO.
“Ecumenical partnerships have always been key to IOCC’s work. When we join forces to serve people who need help, ultimately, we are more effective. That means we can reach more people and get them the practical help they need, answering Christ’s call.”
WCC is a fellowship of 350 churches from over 110 countries worldwide, including many Eastern and Oriental Orthodox jurisdictions — among them the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It represents over 500 million Christians from all over the world.
IOCC is the philanthropic arm of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America (ACOB-US). Since its inception, in 1992, it has provided relief aid and development programs in value of over 715 million dollars in 60 countries. In România, IOCC works in partnership with the Filantropia Federation of the Romanian Patriarchate.
Photo credit: IOCC
