On Tuesday March 25, 2008 several news organizations reported a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in New York by the "Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Foundation" against Bear Stearns. Some headlines also misrepresented the lawsuit with the title "Greek Orthodox Archdiocese sues Bear Stearns".

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America would like to clarify that the "Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Foundation" of Vaduz, Liechtenstein is not associated with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America or any of its Parishes and affiliated Endowments or Institutions. At present the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has no information on who or what this Foundation represents.

We regret any confusion this may have caused to individuals or organizations associated with our Archdiocese and have asked for a retraction from certain news organizations regarding their reporting of the case.

Contact: Nikki Stephanopoulos
Tel.: 212-774-0244
Email: communications@goarch.org

The theme is based on a number of biblical references, primary among which is the verse from the book of Deuteronomy 4:10 Gather the people to me, and let them hear my words, (15:18), on the parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:23) and on the parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12), as well as on the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:18).

The 39th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Convention will be held July 13-18 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, DC. The National Young Adult League Conference will be held in conjunction with the Congress from July 11-13. Also meeting during the Congress will be the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council, National Sisterhood of Presvyteres, Retired Greek Orthodox Clergy of America, the National Forum of Church Musicians, Leadership 100 and the Order of St. Andrew.

In reflecting on the theme of the Congress, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, spiritual leader of 1.5 million Greek Orthodox Christians in America, said: "This Congress comes at a very critical time. People, families and communities throughout this country and the world are facing serious challenges and struggles and are in need of love and ministry. We will gather in Washington D.C. to renew our commitment as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, as Orthodox Christians, and as parishes to go out to all of those in need and lead them home."

"First, by using the words 'My People,'" he continued, "the theme of the Congress recognizes the value of each and every person, created in the image and likeness of God for eternal life and communion with Him. Second, it acknowledges that many people are struggling and are seeking a spiritual home where they can find true peace and hope, and where they can experience an illuminating and transforming faith that offers them the absolute truth and the loving presence of God. Third, this theme is an affirmation of our calling to find the lost sheep, to bring home the unchurched, to help others renew the bonds of faith, to strengthen the unity of the family, to proclaim the necessity of the Gospel to new generations, and to guide all into the spiritual haven of the Church, into the blessings of worship and faith that offer to each and every person a foretaste of our eternal home with God."

The Clergy-Laity Congress is convened biennially and is concerned with all matters, other than doctrinal or canonical, affecting the life, growth and unity of the Church, her institutions, her finances, her administration, educational and philanthropic concerns and her growing role in the religious life of the nation.

Congress details will be available at www.clergylaity.org  in the coming weeks.

Week of April 4
On this episode of Come Receive the Light, the national Orthodox Christian radio program, Archimandrite Christodoulos Papadeas, abbot of the mission monastery of  St. George in Denver, discusses the famous Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim.

Week of April 11
On this episode of Come Receive the Light, Dr. Harry Boosalis, a professor at St. Tikhon's Seminary, speaks about the life and teachings of St. Silouan the Athonite, a modern-day Orthodox Christian Saint.

Week of April 18
On this episode of Come Receive the Light, Fr. Ted Stylianopoulos, a professor of New Testament at Holy Cross Seminary, speaks about the Scriptural and Patristic understanding of the relationship between faith and works.

Week of April 25
On this episode of Come Receive the Light, Fr. Christopher Metropulos delivers a special homily for Holy Pascha, the "Feast of Feasts" after which this radio program is named.

Come Receive the Light, the only nationally syndicated Orthodox Christian radio broadcast, is a weekly program that features interviews with noted Orthodox Christian clergy, theologians, and lay leaders on theological, spiritual, pastoral, and modern social issues. Heard on the radio in more than 100 cities in the United States and the Bahamas, this unique weekly broadcast offers the ancient, Christ-centered message of Orthodox Christianity to the modern world. Archives and more information can be found online at www.MyOCN.net.

Orthodox Christian Network
Come Receive the Light Radio Program
PO BOX 4690
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338-4690
954-522-5567

Contact:
Seraphim Danckaert