wfn.org | GOAA Provides Parishes with Web Builder Program

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GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA
8-10 East 79th St. New York, NY 10021
Tel: (212) 570-3530 Fax: (212) 774-0215
Web: http://www.goarch.org
Email: communications@goarch.org

For Immediate Release
July 26, 2004

Contact: Nikki Stephanopoulos

Department of Internet Ministries Launches Orthodox Web Builder

New York - The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Internet Ministries 
announces the launch of Orthodox Web Builder (www.orthodoxwebbuilder.org), 
a web-based tool that empowers every parish, ministry, and organization 
with the ability to develop and maintain a professional web site without 
any technical expertise or assistance.	Developed by Internet Ministries in 
partnership with the American Bible Society, Orthodox Web Builder makes web 
site creation and maintenance a snap and represents the Department's firm 
commitment towards ensuring that every Greek Orthodox parish in America is 
online.

"Orthodox Web Builder enables you to utilize the power of the Internet to 
minister in the ways you have always wanted," states Mr. Theo Nicolakis, 
Director of the Department of Internet Ministries.  "With Orthodox Web 
Builder, we have leveled technological hurdles and brought the power and 
potential of web publishing to even the novice user."

Orthodox Web Builder makes site creation easy through point and click 
simplicity.  Users select a web site design from professionally designed 
templates, choose a layout from a myriad of design options, and the system 
automatically creates a fully functional site.	 Once the site has been 
created, non-technical users can add and update content visually from any 
web browser.  Menu-driven navigation is created on the fly without any user 
intervention.  To manage content in a timely manner and avoid a 
communication bottleneck, multiple editors from different organizations and 
groups can be authorized to add and edit content to restricted sections of 
the website or throughout the entire site.  In addition, the editors can 
schedule when articles publish and expire, keeping the site current and 
always changing.  Most importantly, sites are created with pre-populated 
content and links so that any parish can have a fully functional web site 
within minutes.

"This is exactly the tool we have been looking for," states Fr. Michael 
Eaccarino of the Assumption Metropolis Cathedral in Denver.  "Orthodox Web 
Builder is a tremendous time-saver.  It gives me the ability to conduct a 
strong online ministry that addresses the contemporary needs of my 
parishioners."

To assist parishes improve communication and access to resources, Orthodox 
Web Builder features a unique Content Sharing component that allows 
articles from one web site to be shared with another Orthodox Web Builder 
web site; and unlike other web site creation services, there are no size 
restrictions or limitations to the amount of content sites may have.

"This truly helps knit our individual parish ministries together, allowing 
us to create and share a stronger and more vibrant Orthodox ministry online 
from a wealthier resource base," said Mr. Bill Flegas, Assistant 
Director.  "Although there is a plethora of services which offer similar 
tools for creating a parish web site, Orthodox Web Builder is unique.  It 
is the only service online that offers stunning Orthodox website templates 
and quality content to create a complete solution for parishes and 
ministries."

Orthodox Web Builder is currently available to all parishes and ministries 
in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and will be available to all SCOBA 
parishes beginning in January 2005.  More information about Orthodox Web 
Builder is available at: http://www.orthodoxwebbuilder.org.

Since its inception in 1994, the award winning Department of Internet 
Ministries has been pioneering the use of the Internet, multimedia, and 
technology for the Orthodox Church.  To assist the Archdiocese of America, 
her parishes, and ministries further their outreach, Internet Ministries 
offers a plethora of services and programs such as free web site, email, 
and listserver hosting as well as practical tools such as online calendars 
and message boards.  Additional information about the Department of 
Internet Ministries is available at http://www.internet.goarch.org.

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