Deptford, NJ – ‘‘All of you have responded to IOCC’s Mission to uplift the bodies and spirits of so many desperate and needy people in the world”, said MC Anthony Pantazopoulos. On Sunday, the International Orthodox Christian Charities of Greater Philadelphia Committee hosted its 10th Anniversary benefit banquet at Adelphia restaurant to a packed house. To date, the IOCC has raised $535,000 through its Philadelphia Committee.
Representatives from various Orthodox churches and organizations from around the Delaware Valley attended the affair. Father Christoforos Oikonomidis, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey and Chancellor for Archbishop Elpidoforos, launched the banquet with the opening prayer.
A series of speakers, including Constantine M. Triantafilou, Executive Director of the IOCC, and Lou Zagami, from the IOCC development office, spoke about various projects and the future of the IOCC. They also praised the Philadelphia chapter for its contributions to the IOCC. “I could not have imagined what the Greater Philadelphia committee of IOCC has grown into today, in its tenth year,” said Pantazopoulos during his speech. He also reminded the guests that every dollar raised helps secure 7 dollars from various sources, bringing the total from the Philadelphia committee to $3,700,000.
Pantazopoulos launched the Philadelphia Committee of the IOCC following his retirement ten years ago. “With your continued dedication and Christ-like Love of others, our efforts will flourish for another 10-plus years. Thank you, and may God bless all of you all the days of your life,” said Pantazopoulos.