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December 29, 2012

President Obama Hosts Orthodox Christian Leaders

For more details Read the article at the OCN website

The Orthodox Christian Network was granted exclusive media coverage of probably the largest gathering of Orthodox Christian leaders at the White House in American history.

The gathering was coordinated by the International Orthodox Christian Charity (IOCC), which worked with the White House to share just how government and faith groups can work together for the betterment of the faithful. The White House Conference on Orthodox Christian Engagement began early in the morning at 8:30am at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and was attended by His Eminence Nicolae, the Archepiscopal Liason from the Assembly of Bishops, His Grace Bishop Sebastian, representing Archbishop Demetrios, and the newly ordained Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, along with Executive Directors of all the agencies of the Assembly, [Members of the Central Administration of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA)], board members of IOCC, Relief First Responders of IOCC from around the country, and other Orthodox leaders.

The Orthodox Christian community plays a critical role in the social outreach, disaster response, and community development in this country. The White House Office of Public Engagement and Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships sought to share partnership opportunities offered by the federal government to support these sacred efforts. Participants were urged to visit the White House website (www.whitehouse.gov) to engage themselves and the faithful entrusted to their care in making a difference in our country for the better.

Several of the speakers are heard relating how faith-based organizations can work with federal government offices to improve their outreach. Very moving words were offered specifically by Eugene Schneeberg, who spoke to us about President Obama's special program encouraging better fatherhood and role models for young children and urged the conference participants to "speak truth to those in power to make differences in people's lives." Those who attended the conference posed questions to the panel of speakers. The response was offered by Tonie Ann Coumanis Torrans, who is responsible for an incredible outreach program in Mobile, AL.