Metropolitan Herman participates in ceremonies marking the Inauguration of President Bush, Vice- President Cheney


WASHINGTON, DC [OCA Communications] — His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, Archbishop of Washington and Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, was among a number of national religious and civic leaders present on the steps of the US Capitol here for the inauguration of President George Bush and Vice-President Richard Cheney on Thursday, January 20, 2005.

Also attending the inauguration ceremonies was His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Despite extreme cold, thousands were on hand for the event, the 55th in the history of the United States of America.

While in the nation’s capital, Metropolitan Herman participated in a number of other activities associated with the inauguration.

On Friday, January 21, the morning after the inauguration, Metropolitan Herman and Archbishop Demetrios were among representatives of the nation’s various faith traditions who attended an inaugural prayer service in the National Cathedral Church of Saints Peter and Paul.

The Rev. Billy Graham opened the service with a prayer in which he called upon God to grant President Bush and Vice-President Cheney “a clear mind and a warm heart” as they begin their second terms of office.

Two New Testament readings followed. Metropolitan Herman read 1 Timothy 2:1-3, which calls for “supplications, prayers, and thanksgiving” for all men, including those in authority, as is “acceptable to God.” Baltimore’s William Cardinal Keeler then read from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, in which Christ exorts all to love their enemies.

Following the homily, delivered by the Rev. Mark Craig of the Highland Park United Methodist Church, Dallas, TX, Archbishop Demetrios was one of several clergy who offered a petition during the litany that led to the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer and a closing prayer.

At the conclusion of the service, Metropolitan Herman congratulated President Bush and Vice-President Cheney and their wives on behalf of the faithful of the Orthodox Church in America. He also greeted former President George Bush and his wife, Barbara, and other dignitaries.

On Wednesday, January 19, the eve of the inauguration, Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, OCA chancellor; the Very Rev. Constantine White, dean of the OCA’s Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Washington, DC; and members of the chancery staff joined Archbishop Demetrios at a private dinner hosted by Mr. Andrew Athens, President of the World Council of Hellenes, and Mr. Andrew Manitos. Unfortunately, sudden inclement weather and traffic conditions prevented Metropolitan Herman from attending the gathering.

As Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, Metropolitan Herman serves as Archbishop of Washington, DC. The OCA’s Saint Nicholas Cathedral is located within blocks of the National Cathedral.

Click here for photos of the event.