January 31, 2005

The Department of Outreach & Evangelism of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the release of a new booklet titled, "Outreach & Evangelism: Some Practical Steps," a guide to outreach and evangelism in the parish. These practical steps are based upon the personal experiences of parish priests and laypeople active in the ministries and administration of the parish, and draw upon the wealth of literature and research dealing with the important issues and aspects of outreach and evangelism in our parishes. This booklet offers ideas for improving our outreach to inactive Orthodox, inquirers, visitors, non-Orthodox spouses, people with disabilities and more.

Fr. James Kordaris, Director of the Department of Outreach & Evangelism stated, "We hope that this booklet will be a tool for discussion in parish councils, local Philoptochos chapters, outreach committees, and among all concerned Orthodox Christians. We pray that these practical steps will lead to action in our parishes that will bring many more people to the fullness of Truth in the Orthodox Christian Church."

To obtain copies of this booklet of practical steps, contact the Department by email (outreach@goarch.org), telephone (646/519-6160) or fax (646/519-6166). Price is $2 per copy including shipping and handling. Numerous additional resources are available on the Department web site at http://www.outreach.goarch.org/.

The Archdiocesan Department of Outreach & Evangelism was established by Archbishop Demetrios of America in January 2003 "to bring the Gospel of our Lord to all those within the boundaries of our Archdiocese of America who thirst to know The Way, The Truth and The Life." The mission of the Department of Outreach & Evangelism is to revitalize the faith of active Orthodox, reach out to inactive Orthodox Christians, meet the needs of those inquiring about the Orthodox faith, offer tools for parish renewal, and offer guidance in the establishment of new parishes.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America