wfn.org | GOAA - Archbishop Demetrios joins Orthodox Leaders Meeting President

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Bush

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NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
July 10, 2002
Contact: Nikki Stephanopoulos

                  ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS AND SCOBA HIERARCHS
                 MEET WITH PRESIDENT BUSH AT THE WHITE HOUSE

New  York, NY ? At the invitation of President George W. Bush, His Eminence
Archbishop  Demetrios,  Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America and
Exarch  of  the Ecumenical Patriarchate, joined with other Orthodox leaders
on  Tuesday,  July  9th  for  a meeting at the White House.  The meeting of
almost  one  hour  was  attended by Hierarchs of the Standing Conference of
Canonical  Orthodox  Bishops  in the Americas (SCOBA), including Archbishop
Demetrios,  SCOBA  Chairman, Metropolitan Philip of the Antiochian Orthodox
Archdiocese,  Metropolitan  Theodosius  of  the Orthodox Church in America,
Metropolitan  Christopher of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Bishop Ilia Katre
of  the Albanian Orthodox Diocese, and Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, General
Secretary of SCOBA.

      The  President  opened the meeting by expressing his gratitude for the
prayers  and  service  of  the  Orthodox  leaders and communities since the
tragic events of September 11th.  He expressed his optimism, hope and faith
that  peace will be achieved in many crisis areas of the world.  Discussion
followed on issues related to conflicts in the Middle East and the Balkans,
and  the  President  highlighted the efforts and plans of the United States
government to foster peace and restore stability in these areas.

      In  his  remarks,  Archbishop  Demetrios  acknowledge  the  tremendous
potential  of Orthodox Christians in America who have unique and beneficial
connections  with  many of the areas that are in crisis.  Together with the
other  Hierarchs, he stressed that the Orthodox presence in this country is
significant  due  to the vitality of Orthodox communities and institutions,
to  the  contribution  that has been made to the growth and strength of our
country,  and  to the ability to provide service and ministry in areas that
are  critical to the life of the nation, such as family life, moral issues,
and the role of religious faith.

      This meeting was hosted by President Bush to offer the SCOBA Hierarchs
the opportunity to share their concerns and to discuss the efforts to
promote peace, compassion, and care for the needs of others.
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