New York, NY -- His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and the Holy and Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, have asked that all parishes of the Archdiocese conduct a 40-Day Memorial Service on Sunday, October 21st, 2001, for the thousands of innocent people killed on September 11th. In their Encyclical, they stated: “On this solemn occasion let each and every one of us light a special ‘candle for the September 11th victims’, the proceeds of which should be sent to the September 11 Relief Fund, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.”

The September 11 Relief Fund and the September 11 Relief Center at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, close to the disaster site in New York City, were founded by the Archdiocese, working together with all Orthodox jurisdictions in the United States and SCOBA. Contributions to the fund currently total over $1,200,000 and have come from organizations, individuals and parishes from across the country and around the world. All funds are restricted and are for the benefit of the children of all the victims of September 11th.

Credit card donations are being accepted on-line at www.goarch.org or by calling 212-570-3595.