Source: The Pappas Post
March 31, 2016
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Awareness Efforts Recognized on U.S. Congress Floor
The campaign by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago to raise awareness of the genocide of Christian minorities in the Middle East was recognized on the floor of the United States Congress on March 14, 2016.
Our effort began with the Clergy Laity Congress’ passing of a unanimous resolution in November, followed by a series of editorials and OpEd pieces penned by Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago, which appeared in major newspapers throughout the Midwest and the nation, including one in the Wall Street Journal.
A concerted lobbying effort followed in an attempt to inform Greek Orthodox faithful, and the broader American public about the atrocities taking place against Christians in the most ancient lands where Christianity first established its roots, according to a release by the Metropolis.
U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo from California quoted Bishop Demetrios’ Wall Street Journal editorial when making her case to her colleagues in Congress to pass a resolution calling on genocide recognition.
“With the words of Pope Francis, Bishop Demetrios, countless advocates across our country and around the world, and the 203 bipartisan cosponsors of this resolution, and the voice of the entire House, through a unanimous vote this evening of this resolution, I am very proud,” Congresswoman Eshoo proclaimed on the floor of Congress when the House of Representatives.
