New York, NY -- On March 8, 2003, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) an international relief organization based in Baltimore, Maryland and the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), a missionary outreach institution based in St. Augustine, Florida, will be recipients of the 18th annual Athenagoras Human Rights Awards at a dinner at the New York Hilton. The Awards will recognize their contributions in worldwide humanitarian and philanthropic activities.
Since its inception 11 years ago, IOCC has been instrumental in distributing more than $160 million in humanitarian aid. OCMC has participated in missionary, medical and building activities in 25 countries. Both are agencies of SCOBA, the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas.
Presented annually since 1986, The Athenagoras Human Rights Award acknowledges individuals and groups making significant contributions to the advancement of human rights worldwide. The award is sponsored by the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (Istanbul), an international organization of Orthodox Christian lay-leaders.
Prior recipients of the Athenagoras Human Rights Award include Presidents George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu, Mother Theresa, and Professor Elie Wiesel.
< b>Interviews:
The Executive Directors and Board Chairs of both organizations will be available for in--person and telephone interviews as follows. Contact the Archon National Office for alternate arrangements: Saturday, March 8 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM; Sunday, March 9 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Events Schedule:
Dinner and Award Presentation, Saturday, March 8, 2003, 6:00 PM -- NY Hilton Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, Sunday, March 9, 2002, 9:00 AM -- Holy Trinity Cathedral, 319 East 74th Street, Manhattan.
By Albert H. Lee
chtoday_editor@chtoday.com
