(Florence, SC – August 22, 2008) In cooperation with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), on Sunday, August 24, 2008, the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox of Florence will launch local efforts to collect funds to assist with emergency food and hygiene supplies for people who were displaced due to the conflict between Georgian, Russian, and South Ossetian forces.
IOCC’s latest distribution on Wednesday, August 20, provided one-week rations of pasta, rice, buckwheat, canned fish and tea to 340 individuals who have taken shelter in a children’s summer camp near Tbilisi. IOCC Georgia Program Manager Darejan Dzotsenidze, says the displaced families include South Ossetians, ethnic Russians, and Georgians. Most of the displaced Georgians fled heavy fighting in the western town of Gori. More than 127,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Georgia and the region of South Ossetia since the conflict began on August 8.
The Rev Athanasios C Haros, Pastor at Transfiguration Church, said, “We cannot sit comfortably in Florence while others in the world are suffering. This is only the beginning of our efforts to help them. As Orthodox Christians we take our calling to minister to people throughout the world seriously. We will continue to support IOCC in efforts in the United States and throughout the world.”
IOCC efforts in the United States have included the tragic events of 9/11, the tragedy at Virginia Tech, Hurricane Katrina, substance abuse programs in Alaska, California mudslides of 2004, and Habitat for Humanity among others.
Donations can be made to:
Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church Benevolent Fund
2990 S Cashua Dr.
Florence, SC 29501
or directly to the IOCC on their website at IOCC.org
