May 4, 2006

NEW YORK – Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America and Chairman of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), was invited to the White House today, May 4th, for the 55th Anniversary of the National Day of Prayer.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual event, established 55 years ago, in which millions of Americans unite to pray for our country and leaders .The White House observance, held this year in the East Room, traditionally headlines events held in public venues to pray for the nation, governmental leaders, media, churches, families and schools.

President George W. Bush who led the ceremony, warmly acknowledged "my good friend Archbishop Demetrios" as he entered the East Room. The observance was attended by religious leaders, members of the Cabinet, government officials and lay leaders from throughout the United States. In addition to the Archbishop, Orthodox hierarchs attending the event were Archbishop Antony of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos of the American Carpatho-Russian Church Orthodox Diocese of the U.S.A.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America