Archbishop Demetrios of America delivered the benediction at the Inauguration Luncheon of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol on January 21.

"It is the greatest honor in my life,” said the 85-year-old who leads the Greek Orthodox church in America. “Let us pray as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in America’s bright future, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” 

The luncheon was hosted by the members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies following the Inaugural Ceremonies. Attendees included Obama, Biden and their families, members of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet and designees and members of Congressional leadership. 

Demetrios, who was born in Thessaloniki, has a Doctor of Philosophy degree with distinction from Harvard University and a Doctor of Theology degree with distinction from the University of Athens. He has received numerous governmental, ecclesiastical, interfaith and academic honors, both in the U.S. and abroad.