New York - The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Internet Ministries announces the launch of Orthodox Web Builder (www.orthodoxwebbuilder.org), a web-based tool that empowers every parish, ministry, and organization with the ability to develop and maintain a professional web site without any technical expertise or assistance. Developed by Internet Ministries in partnership with the American Bible Society, Orthodox Web Builder makes web site creation and maintenance a snap and represents the Department's firm commitment towards ensuring that every Greek Orthodox parish in America is online.

"Orthodox Web Builder enables you to utilize the power of the Internet to minister in the ways you have always wanted," states Mr. Theo Nicolakis, Director of the Department of Internet Ministries. "With Orthodox Web Builder, we have leveled technological hurdles and brought the power and potential of web publishing to even the novice user."

Orthodox Web Builder makes site creation easy through point and click simplicity. Users select a web site design from professionally designed templates, choose a layout from a myriad of design options, and the system automatically creates a fully functional site. Once the site has been created, non-technical users can add and update content visually from any web browser. Menu-driven navigation is created on the fly without any user intervention. To manage content in a timely manner and avoid a communication bottleneck, multiple editors from different organizations and groups can be authorized to add and edit content to restricted sections of the website or throughout the entire site. In addition, the editors can schedule when articles publish and expire, keeping the site current and always changing. Most importantly, sites are created with pre-populated content and links so that any parish can have a fully functional web site within minutes.

"This is exactly the tool we have been looking for," states Fr. Michael Eaccarino of the Assumption Metropolis Cathedral in Denver. "Orthodox Web Builder is a tremendous time-saver. It gives me the ability to conduct a strong online ministry that addresses the contemporary needs of my parishioners."

To assist parishes improve communication and access to resources, Orthodox Web Builder features a unique Content Sharing component that allows articles from one web site to be shared with another Orthodox Web Builder web site; and unlike other web site creation services, there are no size restrictions or limitations to the amount of content sites may have.

"This truly helps knit our individual parish ministries together, allowing us to create and share a stronger and more vibrant Orthodox ministry online from a wealthier resource base," said Mr. Bill Flegas, Assistant Director. "Although there is a plethora of services which offer similar tools for creating a parish web site, Orthodox Web Builder is unique. It is the only service online that offers stunning Orthodox website templates and quality content to create a complete solution for parishes and ministries."

Orthodox Web Builder is currently available to all parishes and ministries in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and will be available to all SCOBA parishes beginning in January 2005. More information about Orthodox Web Builder is available at: http://www.orthodoxwebbuilder.org.

Since its inception in 1994, the award winning Department of Internet Ministries has been pioneering the use of the Internet, multimedia, and technology for the Orthodox Church. To assist the Archdiocese of America, her parishes, and ministries further their outreach, Internet Ministries offers a plethora of services and programs such as free web site, email, and listserver hosting as well as practical tools such as online calendars and message boards. Additional information about the Department of Internet Ministries is available at http://www.internet.goarch.org.