NEW YORK – The 40th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, will convene in Atlanta, Ga. July 4-8, 2010 and it will focus on the theme of this Congress “Come and See,” which was set by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America as a follow up to “Gather My People to my Home” theme of the last Congress.

The Clergy-Laity Congress is convened biennially and is concerned with all matters, other than doctrinal or canonical, affecting the life, growth and unity of the Church, her institutions, her finances, her administration, educational and philanthropic concerns and her growing role in the religious life of the nation.

The 40th Congress takes place this year in the Metropolis of Atlanta headed by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, and is co-chaired by William Marianes and Nick Moraitakis of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Atlanta. This year’s Congress will be shorter by one day in an effort to reduce overall expenses and make participation more affordable.

Along with the Clergy Laity Congress the National Ladies Philoptochos Society will convene its biennial convention. Other organizations holding meetings include the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council, the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres, the Retired Greek Orthodox Clergy of America, the Order of Saint Andrew - Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians.

A summary schedule follows and more detailed information is available at www.clergylaity.org.

Sunday, July 4
9:00 am – Divine Liturgy, Annunciation Cathedral
1:00 pm – July 4th Celebration, Annunciation Cathedral
3:30 pm – Exhibit Opening, Marriott Marquis Hotel
4:00 pm – Philoptochos Opening, Marriott Marquis Hotel

Monday, July 5
9:00 am – Official Opening & Keynote Address
11:00 am – Hierarchal Sessions
1:30 pm – Strategic Forums
7:00 pm – Congress Social Event, Georgia Aquarium

Tuesday, July 6
9:00 am – Congress Committees
Philoptochos General Assembly
Ministry Strategic Planning Sessions
7:30 pm – Clergy-Family Social Event
Delegates Free Evening

Wednesday, July 7
9:00 am – Clergy Laity Plenary Session
6:30 pm – Grand Banquet Reception & Dinner

Thursday, July 8
9:00 am Clergy Breakfast with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

Registration hours: Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-9pm and Monday 9am-9pm
The Exhibit Hall will be open: Sunday 3pm-9pm, Monday-Wednesday 9am-6pm. This program is subject to minor adjustments.