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Published by the
Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America,
September 10, 2005
Archbishop Demetrios
of America Travels to Louisiana |
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September 10,
2005
New York, NY - His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios,
spiritual leader of 1.5 million Greek Orthodox
Christians in America and Chairman of the
Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox
Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA), representing
over 6 million Orthodox Christians, visited
Baton Rouge, LA today to personally convey the
love and concern of the Orthodox Christian
community to those impacted by Hurricane
Katrina. Baton Rouge has become the center of
action for relief work and the temporary home of
many of the evacuees of New Orleans including a
considerable amount of the members of the Greek
Orthodox faith who have relocated from New
Orleans after the devastation.
Archbishop Demetrios was accompanied by
Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, whose
Metropolis includes Louisiana, Mississippi and
Alabama, Bishop Andonios, Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese Director of Philanthropy, and
Georgia Skeadas, National President of the Greek
Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, the
philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese. They were met in Baton Rouge by
Constantine Triantafilou, Executive Director of
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).
After being briefed in detail about the
condition of the relief efforts and the
contribution of IOCC to these efforts, they went
to Second Harvest Warehouse, a major collection
and distribution relief center in which IOCC is
participating.
During the visit to Second Harvest Warehouse,
Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Alexios,
Bishop Andonios and Mrs. Skeadas met with
volunteer workers who have helped sort and
disseminate materials to the victims of the
Hurricane. Most of these workers are victims of
the Hurricane who have also lost their homes and
were extremely grateful to have His Eminence
visit the Warehouse. At the conclusion of this
special visit Archbishop Demetrios led the group
in prayer and offered icons to the relief
workers.
The emotional visit continued with a Prayer and
Memorial Service at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox
Chapel in Baton Rouge, serviced by Father
Anthony Stratis, who is also pastor of Holy
Trinity Cathedral in New Orleans, and Orthodox
faithful including the parish council presidents
of Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Orleans and
Holy Trinity Chapel in Baton Rouge. Archbishop
Demetrios was presented with the Artophorion, a
Holy Chalice, the Paten and the Holy Gospel
which were retrieved the previous day from the
Cathedral in New Orleans.
At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop
Demetrios presented Mr. Triantafilou of IOCC
with a $100,000 donation from the Archbishop
Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund and $100,000 from
the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund, which
represents a portion of the funds currently
being collected from the Greek Orthodox faithful
of America in response to a special tray passing
appeal. Relief funds still being collected will
be distributed to communities and individuals in
the affected areas through Metropolitan Alexios
of Atlanta.
Mrs. Skeadas also presented a donation of
$50,000 from the National Philoptochos to assist
in the IOCCs humanitarian efforts towards the
victims of this natural disaster.
The trip concluded with a visit to Catholic
Charities where the group met with Roman
Catholic Archbishop of New Orleans Alfred E.
Hughes, Bishop Meunch of Baton Rouge, National
Catholic Charities Chairman Father Larry Snyder,
Bishop Jenkins of the Episcopalian Diocese of
New Orleans and staff who are working in
cooperation with IOCC. Archbishop Hughes was
extremely thankful for the opportunity for the
Catholic Church to work with the Orthodox Church
and expressed his desire to continue this
productive combination of working together in
such catastrophic events which need the maximum
possible cooperation and effectiveness.
At the conclusion of this emotional visit, Mr.
Triantafilou stated, Watching His Eminence
interact with the victims of this tremendous
tragedy was inspiring. His gift of love is
immeasurable.
Note:
Founded in 1992 IOCC is the official
humanitarian aid agency of SCOBA. A pan-Orthodox
agency, IOCC works in cooperation with the
Orthodox Church worldwide. Its relief and
development programs bring urgent and
sustainable assistance to people suffering from
war, poverty disease and natural disasters. IOCC
implements its humanitarian programs solely on
the basis of need, in partnership with local
organizations, and in consultation with local
government, civic and Church Leaders.
Contact:
Nikki Stephanopoulos C 917-903-1255
Marissa Costidis C 732-522-1637
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