Cyber crime has been infiltrating our lives and our homes for years. It is now knocking at the door of Orthodox parishes. Parishes and religious communities are being targeted by a phishing scam where the attacker poses falsely as the priest and asks the recipient for money. It often begins like this. An email arrives in an unsuspecting person's inbox from an email address that is similar to but different than the priest's email address, something like orthodoxpreist@gmail.com (notice the typo!) or frpeter.stgeorgenh@gmail.com. The email might read something like: Have you got a minute? I need you to complete a task for me discreetly. P.S: I'm going into a meeting now and can't talk, so … [Read more...]

ASONA this year is participating in the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox program. Parishioners are encouraged to attend the November 9th Packing Party at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church 7950 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Peoria, AZ 85383 To volunteer, please contact Judy Morley at ASONA. To make a donation click HERE, select Designated Gift, and add "Shoebox" in the memo section.   … [Read more...]

If you can help yourself, you can help others – if you can’t, you can’t.  You can’t be too prepared. Recent weather-related tragedies across the U.S. including floods triggered by tornadoes and violent storms in the Midwest, wildfires in California, and the onset of the Atlantic hurricane season are grave reminders of the threat of natural disasters and the need for disaster preparedness. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), which has been delivering emergency relief to disaster survivors around the world since 1992, offers a four-point emergency checklist to help provide for the safety and security of you and your loved ones. The plan includes action steps to prepare … [Read more...]

then you’re prepared for any emergency. by Fr. John Peck At least, that’s what the Center for Disease Control is saying in some of their ads.  This month, September, is National Preparedness Month, and it is this month which our federal government uses to heighten awareness of personal preparedness in anticipation of many different kinds of disasters. There’s nothing strange about this – Americans have always been a self-reliant people, and preparedness is a force multiplier for relief efforts during any emergency or disaster – natural or man-made. I thought since we are in the midst of political convention season, the Zombie Apocalypse was an appropriate vehicle for a preparedness … [Read more...]

Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. But You Should. Every second counts in an emergency. That’s why it’s crucial to have a game plan your whole family and parish is comfortable with. This National Preparedness Month, IOCC is encouraging you to develop an emergency action plan. Get started today by downloading our easy guides. Create a Plan Plan in advance what your family or parish will do in an emergency. You’ll want to create a family communication plan since everyone might not be together when a disaster strikes. As well, parishes can be ready to respond by letting their parishioners know what kind of support they’re able to offer. Download the IOCC template today for … [Read more...]