On November 8, 2017, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States (Assembly of Bishops) and of the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches (SCOOCH) celebrated the 10th Annual Orthodox Prayer Service & Reception for the United Nations Community: Interceding for Migrants and Refugees. In attendance were His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak, accompanied by the Very Reverend Father Joseph Chamoun. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, Chairman of the Assembly of Bishops, presided over the service.
This year’s prayer service offered those in attendance the opportunity to pray for the millions of migrants and refuge-seekers around the world. Special messages from United Nations dignitaries, such as Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, highlighted the measures underway to help resolve this global humanitarian crisis.
The prayer service took place at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral, in New York City, and was open to the public. St. Tikhon’s Seminary Choir and the Archdiocesan Byzantine Choir were also in attendance to sing hymns.
