Specifications
IOCC Prayer Journal
32 Pages
Flat size 10.75″ x 8.375″
Folded size 5.375″ x 8.375″
Self-Mailer, Saddle-Stitched
Components
These are the elements we’ve generally used in past journals.
- Letter from Dean
- Introduction to the Prayer Journal (Guest Contributor?)
- Eleven (or twelve) stories written to appeal to an audience of children. Last year each story had a spread to itself with a corresponding activity. In other years there was a “Story” section followed by an “Activity” section. The stories and activities, for these journals, were unrelated.
- One page with Matthew 25:35–36, 40
- Introduction to the Daily Prayers section
- Four pages of Prayers
Stories
Below is a list of stories that could be the basis for Prayer Journal entries. Most directly involve children or students. Others involve adults, but their children are mentioned in the story. For these stories, we could rewrite them from the child’s point of view.
UPDATED 6/15/2026
HAITI
From the Haiti Project Summary
Investing in Education – St. Jean de Freres Orthodox Elementary School
St. Jean de Freres Orthodox Elementary School, run by the Greek Orthodox Church in Haiti, serves approximately 258 students in the Petionville neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. IOCC has supported the school since 2010. Since agreeing to work with the Church of Greece on this initiative, IOCC has invested more than $1.1M in
support of the school and its surrounding community. These investments have included:
- Construction assessments and engineering studies
- Development of technical documentation and engineering plans
- School operating costs and teacher support
- Maintenance of the interim rented facility
- Food assistance for students and their families
- Income-generation projects for parents
- Christmas and Easter celebrations for the students
The students’ families are often unable to pay tuition. Those who can contribute are charged a largely symbolic rate, as IOCC covers most of the school’s operating costs and rent to ensure that children can continue attending school.
UKRAINE (No children mentioned in the story)
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/ukraine-help-when-there-is-no-time-to-pack
Ukraine: Help When There is No Time to Pack
We often take the basics in our life for granted, but when a missile destroyed their home in eastern Ukraine, Elena and her husband were left with very little. “We moved to Dnipro without having anything with us—not even clothes or the most basic household items—and we did not know anyone in the city,” said Elena.
Other stories we’ve done this year are about installing updated appliances in homes for the elderly. Earlier stories, like the one about Antonina and her son Danilo, were used in last year’s Journal.
These aren’t kid-focused:
Ukraine: Helping a Displaced Business Owner Get Started
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/ukraine-helping-a-displaced-business-owner-get-started
Sofia’s Journey to Self-Sufficiency
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/sofias-journey-to-self-sufficiency
ETHIOPIA
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/fighting-podoconiosis-in-ethiopia
How a Teenage Girl Is Helping Lead the Way
“I had never heard of podo before,” said Tena, a 17-year-old student in Amhara, Ethiopia. Like Tena, many in the region know little about podoconiosis, or “podo.” It’s caused when silicates in the volcanic soil used for farming come into contact with bare feet and enter the lymphatic system. This debilitating disease is estimated to affect nearly half a million people in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Those with the condition suffer from extreme swelling of the feet and lower legs, accompanied by excruciating pain. Tena participated in an IOCC-organized program on her school campus that included drama, music, and poems to educate and mobilize the school community on preventing and treating podo. After the program, she shared, “Today I learned about the cause, prevention, and treatment of podo, and I’ll teach my parents and family to keep their feet clean and wear shoes regularly. I’ll also include podo as a discussion topic in our girls’ club and share with other students by organizing events.”
GREECE
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/hard-work-and-perseverance-opens-college-doors-for-christos
Hard Work and Perseverance Opens College Doors for Christos
Christos lives in Agrinio, in western Greece, where many families, including his own, have never recovered from the Greek economic crisis more than 10 years ago. Continuous wage cuts and slow growth have made it difficult to afford even necessities. In addition, Christos is one of five children in a low-income family. Three of his siblings are already studying at university while also working to cover their living expenses. With his family unable to support his studies, Christos was determined to do the same—working two summer jobs in Santorini to earn money for school.
GEORGIA — Can be rewritten from a child’s point of view
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/sowing-seeds-of-hope-in-georgia
Sowing Seeds of Hope in Georgia
Bachuki’s family had faced years of hardship. Two of his five children have disabilities, his wife became bedridden after illness, and their house had been destroyed in a powerful windstorm. The sole caregiver for his family, Bachuki was unable to work and struggled to support his family, “I think every day about how to save my family.” But a small plot of land behind their new home provided fresh hope, when Bachuki learned about an IOCC program in his village. The program showed Bachuki and his family how to sow seeds for rare crops during the winter and early spring. He learned how to transplant the seedlings and received training in irrigation and general plot maintenance.
JERUSALEM, WEST BANK, GAZA
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/gaza-letting-children-be-children
Gaza: Letting Children Be Children
IOCC is working to help kids in Gaza reclaim their childhoods. Some 400 children in Gaza are attending recreational days, organized by IOCC and the Family Development Association, and funded by Christian Aid. The children enjoy music, Dabke (a traditional dance), and therapeutic drama activities, where they can safely express and process their experiences through guided role-playing and storytelling. The recreational days have transformed the two displaced family camps where they take place into nurturing, healing environments.
JERUSALEM, WEST BANK, GAZA
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/yousef-smiles-again
Yousef Smiles Again
Yousef joined Enhancing Educational Opportunities and Wellbeing for Gaza’s School Aged Children project, run by IOCC and TFS and funded by Diakonie ACT Austria. The project has helped 300 children. He took part in more than 70 educational therapy sessions to catch up on his schooling and was taught exercises to strengthen his hand. Yousef also received psychosocial support and took part in extracurricular activities—all of which helped him overcome his fear and rebuild his confidence. “Now I can play with my friends and write with my hand again,” says Yousef, with a smile. “I am not afraid anymore.”
JERUSALEM, WEST BANK, GAZA
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/gaza-offering-education-and-healing-to-gazas-youth
Gaza: Offering Education and Healing to Gaza’s Youth
Fortunately for Samah, her mother found and enrolled her in a program supported by IOCC that offers remedial education, group counseling sessions, extracurricular activities, and healthy snacks to Gaza’s school-aged children. Through this program, Samah was able to further her education in mathematics, science, Arabic, and English, and receive the care she needed to address the emotional toll of the conflict.
JERUSALEM, WEST BANK, GAZA
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/gaza-hot-meals-for-a-family-in-crisis
Gaza: Hot Meals for a Family in Crisis
Hanan (not her real name) is a young mother of two daughters living in a displacement camp in Gaza. Due to the ongoing conflict, her family was forced to leave their home, and her husband is unable to provide support. In the displacement camp, Hanan and her family struggle with serious food shortages, a situation which has left her stressed about feeding her children and anxious for the future. Recently, Hanan learned about a food assistance program implemented by IOCC and funded by United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). As a result, her family received several hot, nutritious meals that they desperately needed. Hanan was also able to attend several health and nutrition awareness sessions through the program, providing her with practical knowledge about how to prepare meals with minimal ingredients and monitor her children’s health.
JERUSALEM, WEST BANK, GAZA
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/samaras-remarkable-return
Samara’s Remarkable Return
Helping A Girl in Gaza Overcome Tragedy
Before conflict broke out in Gaza, 11-year-old Samara (not her real name) enjoyed a warm family life. That changed in a heartbeat when she witnessed the death of her father as the family fled conflict in the north of Gaza. Samara instantly withdrew from the world. She stopped speaking and refused to play or attend school, where she had been a top student. For months, Samara remained silent. The project facilitators, however, refused to give up on Samara. With patience and compassion, they slowly drew her back into the school subjects she had once loved—math (her favorite), English, Arabic, and science. They encouraged her to join in games, art, and dancing. Then one day, Samara stood up, walked over, and joined a mathematics competition. Today, she smiles, joins in activities with her classmates, and shares her dreams.
JERUSALEM, WEST BANK, GAZA — Can be rewritten from a child’s point of view
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/gaza-relief-for-a-family-with-special-needs
Gaza: Relief for a Family with Special Needs
For more than a year and a half, Bassam (not his real name), a father of seven, has struggled to keep his family safe amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. A day laborer, he now lives with his wife and children in a crowded displacement shelter, where scarcity, instability, and uncertainty define daily life.
Fortunately for Bassam, his family received crucial assistance through IOCC’s emergency support project for displaced families in Gaza City. Through this program, the family received emergency food parcels and comprehensive hygiene kits tailored to meet their specialized health needs. “I learned about the project through St. Porphyrios Monastery in Gaza,” Bassam said. “This assistance gave us reassurance, dignity, and hope.”
JORDAN
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/jordan-bringing-hope-through-hearing
Jordan: Bringing Hope Through Hearing
Ayman (not his real name) is a young Syrian refugee who resides in Azraq Camp, Jordan, with his mother and baby sister. One challenge they face is that Ayman, along with his sister, both suffer from hearing disabilities. This has added to the great financial and emotional struggles of Ayman’s mother, who tries her best to provide for her children in very difficult circumstances. But when she heard about IOCC’s ear clinic at Azraq Camp from her neighbors, she rushed Ayman there. At the clinic, IOCC’s specialists were able to evaluate his condition and provide him with new hearing aids, new batteries, tubes, and humidity suction.
JORDAN
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/hudas-journey-to-new-friendships
Finding Help at Azraq Camp in Jordan: Health
Huda was a small girl when her family was forced to flee the conflict in Syria. It was a frightening and dangerous journey for Huda, who has Down Syndrome, her two brothers (one of whom has a mental disability), and their single mother. They made the arduous trek mostly on foot, finally catching a ride on a livestock truck to Jordan. But the ordeal had taken its toll. Huda began to suffer serious breathing problems and needed emergency heart surgery—with nine months of follow-up care.
JORDAN
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/jordan-a-refugee-childs-path-to-recovery
Jordan: A Refugee Child’s Path to Recovery
Maryam (not her real name) is a young Syrian refugee who lives with her family in Azraq camp in Jordan. Maryam, along with her brothers and sisters, were born in Azraq, into a situation of severe economic instability— her father is visually impaired, making it difficult to provide for their family. One day, Maryam’s throat began to cause her great discomfort. “I felt like I couldn’t breathe while sleeping and couldn’t swallow while eating—all because of my tonsils,” Maryam said. Fortunately for Maryam, IOCC’s clinic in Azraq was able to schedule her an appointment with one of the specialists, who diagnosed her with tonsillitis. From there, Maryam was sent to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor for a consultation, and surgery at a nearby hospital was scheduled. The IOCC team supported the family throughout the surgery process, including arranging leave permits, hospital transportation, and covering the cost of the procedure. And the surgery was a great success!
LEBANON (We should probably not use this one)
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/preserving-the-mother-baby-bond-beyond-walls
Preserving the Mother-Baby Bond Beyond Walls
Overcoming Barriers: Improving Two Young Lives in Lebanon
It’s hard to imagine a more difficult beginning for 17-year-old Samia (not her real name) and her newborn son. Samia gave birth while serving time at a juvenile detention facility near Beirut, Lebanon. She was frightened, unprepared, and isolated from her family. Concerned for mother and baby, the facility’s staff asked the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health for help. The Ministry referred the case to IOCC, which runs a mother-and-child health and nutrition program in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Samia’s son was transferred to Beirut Government University Hospital for urgent medical care. The IOCC team was particularly concerned about establishing the mother-baby bond through breastfeeding. Due to security concerns, however, the team could never be sure what times Samia would see her son at the hospital—so they couldn’t schedule personal visits.
LEBANON — Can be rewritten from a child’s point of view
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/shelter-in-the-storm-hope-for-families-in-lebanon-the-middle-east
Shelter in the Storm: Hope for Families in Lebanon & the Middle East
Help Families Fleeing Violence in the Middle East
As conflict shook the Middle East this weekend, families began fleeing the worst affected areas seeking safety. IOCC is committed to helping these families with emergency provisions, including shelter, food, and medical supplies. The focus right now is IOCC’s response in Lebanon, but we are also ready to meet needs in the surrounding area. IOCC has committed an initial $100,000 to respond. A gift to our Middle East Relief fund can help these families fleeing violence. Please pray for peace and donate to help families seeking safety and aid: iocc.org/middleeast26
POLAND — Can be rewritten from a child’s point of view
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/poland-a-family-in-need-finds-hope
Poland: A Family in Need Finds Hope
Oleg (not his real name) fled to Poland with his wife and five children in 2022 when bombardment began near their home in western Ukraine. Initially, their family did not plan to evacuate, but because the shelling had aggravated his daughter’s epilepsy, they decided to leave. A friend helped them find accommodation, but because of Oleg’s own deteriorating spinal condition, he was unable to work. “Today, it is the here and now that counts,” said Oleg. After their arrival, Oleg learned about a program supporting local refugees, implemented by IOCC and partner ELEOS Poland, and funded through United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). The cash assistance program was able to provide them with some peace of mind for several months while they got their affairs settled. They were able to buy groceries, medicine, and other essential items.
ROMANIA — Can be rewritten from a child’s point of view
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/vital-warmth-for-ana-and-her-grandchildren
Vital Warmth for Ana and her Grandchildren
Rebuilding After Cyclone Boris in Romania
In the fall of 2024, Cyclone Boris devastated communities across central and eastern Europe, including the county in eastern Romania where Ana lives. Her home, where she cares for her two grandchildren, was badly damaged by severe flooding. Living on a small pension, she feared what might be coming next. Local authorities had helped Ana repair her home, but with winter approaching, she still had no essential household appliances—and no source of heat. But Ana still had her faith. “I trusted that God would not leave us alone,” she says. Her prayers were answered. IOCC and local partner Federation Filantropia, the main humanitarian organization of the Romanian Orthodox Church, identified her family among those in critical need. Local church representatives visited these families and listed the appliances each one needed.
SYRIA
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/ramas-recovery-after-damascus-church-bombing
Rama’s Recovery After Tragedy In Damascus
Seeking help, Rama registered with the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development, the charitable arm of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East. There she learned that her family, and others affected by the attack, could receive help through an IOCC emergency assistance program. Rama’s family is one of nearly 100 families that received one-time cash assistance to help relieve financial burden and to pay for essentials like food and rent. They were also invited to IOCC’s psychological first aid sessions, which provided support to more than 400 children and adults.
SYRIA
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/syria-rent-assistance-for-a-family-in-need
Syria: Rent Assistance for a Family in Need
Yasmin (not her real name) is the mother of two children whose living situation was upended by the 2023 earthquake in Syria, forcing them into a rented space. Yasmin faced incredible stress trying to afford their daily expenses, leaving them in a state of chronic instability. But help came when Yasmin heard about a program funded by the Romanian Orthodox Church and implemented by IOCC and local partner GOPA-DERD. IOCC was able to provide cash assistance directly to Yasmin’s landlord to cover the family’s rent for several months.
SYRIA — Can be rewritten from a child’s point of view
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/syria-providing-clothing-amid-hardship
Syria: Providing Clothing Amid Hardship
Hala (not her real name) is a 40-year-old widow and the sole supporter of her family. Following the 2023 earthquake that impacted their home in Aleppo city, Hala and her eight children were displaced to rural Aleppo. Unfortunately, having no financial means to pay for repairs, the family was forced to return and live in the damaged home. With a tight budget, Hala was grateful to learn about a winter clothing distribution implemented by IOCC and partner GOPA-DERD (Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development), funded by the Romanian Orthodox Church. The program sought to provide families affected by the earthquake with new clothes to help them keep warm during the winter season. Hala and her family were given vouchers to shop at select stores, where they could choose the specific clothing they needed.
US VOLUNTEERS
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/iocc-volunteer-update-2026-issue-5
Gig Harbor, WA
From April 24-26 youth groups from all parishes of the Pacific Northwest attended the Pacific Northwest Youth Council Lenten retreat at All Saints Camp on Raft Island. Participants enjoyed a weekend of faith workshops and fellowship, and assembled hygiene kits to support IOCC. Thank you to Anthony Sitaras for his efforts organizing this event and sharing photos with us!
US VOLUNTEERS
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/iocc-volunteer-update-2026-issue-5
During the Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend on May 2-3, runners and walkers came together to support IOCC’s impactful work around the world. Participants of all ages and abilities could select races from the 5K and Kids Marathon to the Pet Walk and 4-Mile Fitness Challenge. A special thank you goes out to Dean Stambolis and Elias Diamond for their outstanding leadership in organizing and rallying their teams. Their dedication and enthusiasm helped make this weekend a memorable success. We’re grateful to everyone who joined TEAM IOCC — your efforts are making a tangible difference!
US VOLUNTEERS
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/iocc-volunteer-update-2026-issue-5
Atlanta, GA – Young Adult Presentation
Volunteer Shelly Sudia recently gave several presentations highlighting IOCC’s humanitarian work and impact. On April 14, she presented at the University of Georgia Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) meeting, followed by a presentation at St. Philothea Orthodox Church on April 19 at the invitation of Father Anthony Salzman. Shelly continued her outreach efforts with presentations to the Georgia Tech OCF on April 21, Emory University OCF on April 22, and the Atlanta Young Adult League on May 7. We are grateful to Shelly for sharing IOCC’s mission with students and parish communities throughout Georgia.
US VOLUNTEERS
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/us-a-young-man-with-the-spirit-of-giving
US: A Young Man with the Spirit of Giving
George, an eleven-year-old living in Arizona, recently proved that helping those in need has no age limit. After deciding he wanted to raise funds to support a charity, George connected with his local Orthodox parish, where he set up a booth to sell coupon books.
US VOLUNTEERS
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/iocc-volunteer-update-special-us-programs-edition-2026-issue-4
San Luis Obispo, CA
On April 4, following the Liturgy of Lazarus Saturday, California Polytechnic State University’s Orthodox Christian Fellowship assembled nearly 50 hygiene kits for IOCC alongside OCF chapters from University of California, University of SoCal, and University of San Francisco. The OCF students, along with young families from St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, also folded palm crosses in preparation for Palm Sunday. Special shout out to Maria Stanculescu for organizing this event.
US VOLUNTEERS
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/iocc-volunteer-update-2026-issue-3
Euless, TX
On Saturday March 7, the young adults of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church organized 250 hygiene kits for IOCC. Around 40 young adults participated and gathered to watch “Man of God” after the assembly. Thank you to Maria and Ian Rehmet for organizing this wonderful service project.
US VOLUNTEERS
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/iocc-volunteer-update-2026-issue-3
Dallas, TX
On March 14, the young adults of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church assembled over 200 hygiene kits for those in need as part of their Lenten Retreat weekend. During the retreat, participants gathered for prayer, reflection, and hands-on volunteering, where they generously supported multiple Orthodox Christian ministries. Thank you to YAL President Aliki Pappas for initiating this event.
US VOLUNTEERS
https://iocc.foxtrotdev.com/blog/iocc-volunteer-update-2025-issue-12
Philadelphia, PA
We are grateful to the children of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, who went above and beyond by raising additional funds for IOCC at their parish mini festival after a local IOCC banquet. Their generosity and enthusiasm are truly inspiring!
