JULY 16-21, 2006

New York, NY - Plans have neared completion for the 38th Biennial Clergy- Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Convention of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to be held Sunday, July 16th through Friday, July 21st, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville, TN. The National Young Adult League (YAL) Conference will be held in conjunction with the Congress
July 14-17.

Over 2,000 total participants, including observers, guests and some 1,000 delegates from 510 parishes are expected to attend the weeklong Congress being held under the auspices of Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit and the Metropolis of Detroit.

"Sharing the Truth of the Gospel and the Love of Christ" is the theme of this year's Congress. On Monday July 17th, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, spiritual leader of 1.5 million Greek Orthodox faithful in America, will share his vision for the Church at the Congress Opening Ceremonies. Mayor Bill Purcell will welcome the delegates to Nashville.

The Clergy-Laity Congress is the highest legislative body of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and is convened biennially and presided over by the Archbishop. It 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.

Meetings of the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council, National Sisterhood of Presvyteras, The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, the Order of St. Andrew and other auxiliary organizations, will take place during the Congress

SYNODAL DIVINE LITURGY
On Sunday morning, July 16th, Matins will begin at 8:00 a.m. and proceed with the Eucharistic Service at 10:00 a.m. concelebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, Metropolitan Demetrios of Sebasteia of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, representing His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and the Metropolitans of the Holy Eparchial Synod, in the Grand Ballroom of the Convention Center.

The Apostolic and collegial character of this Synodal Divine Liturgy presents the ideal manner to begin this year's Congress and to reinforce its theme: "Sharing the Truth of the Gospel and the Love of Christ". All are invited to participate in this truly beautiful celebration of the Eucharistic offering. The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians from metropolises across the country under the direction of Evey Simon, director of the St. Nicholas Choir of Troy, MI, will sing the responses and the chanters of Holy Trinity Church, Nashville, will offer the matins. The music to be sung for the Divine Liturgy is a new bi-lingual Liturgy composed by Chris J. Zervos of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Toledo, OH.

At 3:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, Archbishop Demetrios will preside at the official exhibit opening and will attend the opening of the Philoptochos General Assembly at 4:00 pm.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
On Monday, July 17th the Congress will officially open with the Archbishop's keynote address. Mayor Bill Purcell will welcome the delegates to Nashville. The program will begin with a Prayer Service officially opening the Congress. A press conference with Archbishop Demetrios will be held immediately following the Keynote in Lincoln C.

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILOPTOCHOS
Over 400 delegates from throughout the United States are expected to attend the National Philoptochos Convention. Highlight of the Grand Banquet on Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. will be a Video Premiere: Celebrating 75 Years of Philanthropy, tracing the Philoptochos through these decades of growth and expansion.

CULTURAL EVENT AT THE PARTHENON
Tuesday evening, July 18th, participants will attend an extraordinary cultural event at the magnificent Parthenon which stands proudly as the centerpiece of Centennial Park, Nashville's premier urban park The building and the 42-foot statue of Athena are the world's only full-scale replicas of the Athenian originals. Originally built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition, this replica serves as monument to what is considered the pinnacle of classical architecture. The Parthenon also serves as the city of Nashville as a museum. The evening of southern hospitality will include performances by multi-platinum country band superstars "Diamond Rio: and Nashville's "Palamakia Dancers", high school youth of Holy Trinity Church, Nashville and "The Levendes", masters of both traditional and modern Greek music.

FAMILY SYNAXIS
A new feature has been added for the 38th Clergy Laity Congress, a first-ever family spiritual retreat for families of delegates and for those within distance of Nashville. The Archdiocese Center for Family Care, headquartered at St. Basil Academy, Garrison, NY, will sponsor a Family Synaxis from July 16-20, which offering programs for preschool through high school, including educational and social group family events.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday July 17th , 18th & 19th , the rich Congress Educational Program will offer a full slate of sessions related to the Congress theme. The workshops are offered by various department and ministries as special seminars on unique parish ministry programs. With an emphasis on the importance of equipping and training for ministry in and through the local parish, all session will be open to all Congress participants. In addition to the educational program, the Departments of Internet Ministries and Information Technologies will offer seminars focusing on the various programs and services the Departments offer such as Bulletin Builder and Orthodox Web Builder. Classes will also instruct attendees on parish administration software, the Internet, and current issues in technology.

CLERGY WELLNESS PROGRAM
The Archdiocese Presbyters Council will co-sponsor, along with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a special series of seminars on wellness for clergy and their families on Tuesday, July 18th. The program will be presented by a distinguished and experienced team from Vanderbilt, focusing on the needs of clergy today with a special emphasis on caring for oneself so that you may be strengthened and fortified to care for others. Seminar topics will discuss issues like stress, frustration and worry management; diet; heart disease prevention; diabetes; treatment tobacco addictions; health care issues during the retirement years, exercise and physical activity for weight loss and tips for becoming an active family.

The First Plenary Session will be held Wednesday, July19th from 2:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. It will include reports of several committees including finance, administration, education, and communications. Thursday July 20th will begin with the second, and final, Plenary Session to convene from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Grand Banquet will be held Thursday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. and will be attended by members of the religious, diplomatic, government, and communications community, as well as some 2,000 delegates and guests.

The Congress will conclude on Friday morning, July 21st, when His Eminence will meet with the all the clergy attending the Congress. Archbishop Demetrios will hold a Press Conference immediately following, at 11:00 a.m. in Jackson A.

In preparation for the 38th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress a complete summary schedule is now available on the Congress web site at www.clergylaity.org.

Malista!