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On Sunday October 15, The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Diocese of Los Angeles and the West, Southern California Area Fellowship Chapter held its annual dinner in Studio City, California.  During these fellowship dinners, a representative from a program that receives funding from The Order describes their operation and how this funding helps support or even helps run the entire program. Forty nine members and guests who attended the event were introduced to Mr. Mark Hodde, Senior Consultant for International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) as well as Charles Ajalat, Co-Founder of IOCC as well as a current member of the IOCC board and Co-Chancellor of the Antiochian Archdiocese.

Mark Hodde, our featured speaker that evening spoke on the works of IOCC throughout the world, most recently of the disaster relief and aide for the innocent victims of the war in Lebanon. He also spoke on the relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast region of the United States.  He congratulated The Order on its continuous works throughout this Archdiocese and beyond and especially thanked them for their continued support.

Charles Ajalat, spoke on the recent meeting of the Standing Conference Orthodox Bishop in America (SCOBA) held in Chicago. He described how in recent years strides have been made to bring together the many Orthodox jurisdictions.  He also discussed the accomplishments in common areas of interest, such as Christian Education, Camping programs and others. (IOCC is one of eight projects sanctioned by SCOBA)

The event was made possible due to the efforts of the event chair, Carrie Sadd Khouri.   The quote from Psalms (133:1), “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity,” is illustrated by this event held each year.  Area fellowships are a wonderful way to learn about the works of the Order as well as to take time for much needed fellowship with one another.  We are planning more of theses events in different areas of our Dioceses, watch your church bulletins or mail for announcements.

Webmaster's Note: Many thanks to Mr. Fred Milkie, Chairman of the Diocesan Order and Mr. Michael Srour, Vice Chairman for Southern California of the Order, for submitting these photos and this article for publication on this website.