Diplomats from the United Nations gathered alongside Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Christians for the annual Joint Orthodox Prayer Service for the UN Community, at New York’s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Wednesday, November 8.
Archbishop Demetrios, Primate and geron of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, led the prayer service and delivered a closing address.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, welcomed guests and reflected on the history of the UN Prayer Service, initiated 16 years ago in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The evening’s guest speakers were Miroslav Lajčák, president of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly, and Ambassador Maria Theofili, Greece’s representative to the UN. Greek Orthodox community leader Lila Prounis was conferred with a special honor from her church. The service—which went forward under the theme “Interceding for Migrants and Refugees”—also incorporated testimonies from people recently displaced by war or persecution.
Organized under the auspices of the Joint Commission of the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches and the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in North and Central Americas, the annual prayer service gives Orthodox Christians an opportunity to join in worship, to learn more about each other’s heritage, and to engage with United Nations dignitaries.