To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On the sacred occasion of the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, which constitutes the expression of the power of God in overcoming even the worst possible ordeals and difficulties, we invite all the faithful of our parishes to pray fervently for peace and reconciliation throughout the world and particularly throughout the land where the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord took place. 

The Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America in unison has addressed an appeal for the stopping of violence and bloodshed in the Holy Land. We ask you to reflect on this appeal, which we include herewith, and join all Orthodox Christians in prayer for the achievement of peace and reconciliation. 

May the omnipotent God, the God of peace and Father of mercy, accept the voice of our supplication and grant to our world, and particularly to the embattled areas, the proper conditions for a peaceful and prosperous life. 

With paternal love in Christ,

+ DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America