NEW YORK – President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden invited His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America to participate in the National Inaugural Prayer Service to be held the day after the inauguration, Tuesday Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. in the National Cathedral.

As it has been the case in previous Presidential Inaugurations, the Archbishop will be among the select national religious leaders participating in this service. The National Prayer Service is a tradition dating back to the Inauguration of George Washington. His Eminence will be offering prayers and petitions on behalf of the President and the Vice President and their families, the leaders of our Nation and the welfare of all citizens.

The day before, Inauguration Day, January 21, 2013, the Archbishop will be among the dignitaries attending the official ceremonies from the Presidential platform at the U.S. Capitol and immediately after will attend 2013 Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and deliver the benediction. This special honor is extended at the invitation of U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), which hosts the luncheon to honor President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.