Sunday, March 11, 2012
Second Sunday of Lent
8:45 a.m.      Orthros
10:00 a.m.    Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Portland, OR

Friday, March 16, 2012
Third Salutations to the Theotokos
6:30 p.m.
Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Oakland, CA

Sunday, March 18, 2012
Third Sunday of Lent
10:00 a.m.    Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
One year memorial for Rev. Fr. John Asimacopoulos
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – San Jose, CA

Friday, March 23, 2012
Flag Raising in Observance of Greek Independence Day
4:00 p .m.
City Hall – San Jose, CA

Fourth Salutations to the Theotokos
7:00 p.m.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – San Francisco, CA

Saturday, March 24, 2012
Celebration of Greek Independence Day
San Francisco Civic Auditorium
2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Great Vespers
7:00 p.m.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco, CA

Sunday, March 25, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Lent
8:30 a.m.      Orthros
10:00 a.m.    Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church – Sacramento, CA
Luncheon in honor of Fr. James Retelas’ 25th Anniversary of his ordination to the Priesthood

Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and Lenten Retreat
5:30 p.m.
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church – Tucson, AZ

Thursday, March 29, 2012
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church – Chandler, AZ
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.          Southwest Clergy Synaxis
6:00 p.m.                      Lenten Vespers
                               
Friday, March 30, 2012
Akathist Hymn
7:00 p.m.
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church – Scottsdale, AZ

Saturday, March 31, 2012
Southwest District Oratorical Festival
3:00 p.m.

Great Vespers
5:00 p.m.
Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church – Peoria, AZ

Sunday, April 1, 2012
Fifth Sunday of Lent
8:35 a.m.      Orthros
10:00 a.m.    Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Phoenix, AZ

The ceremony and celebration began with Great Vespers led by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, with welcome remarks offered by Rev. Fr. Peter Salmas. Dr. Anastasios Papademetriou, the Constantine and Georgeian Georgiou Endowed Professor of Greek History, and Executive Director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, was the featured speaker at this event, offering a very thought-provoking presentation entitled “From Caesarea:  Understanding the World of the Three Hierarchs and Their Importance for the Present Day.” 

Distinguished guests attending the event included: His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas of the Dardanelles; Mr. Nicolaos Theophanous, Honorary Consul of Cyprus; Mr. Demetra Rassia-Andreades, wife of the Consul General of Greece – San Francisco; Mr. Theofanis Economidis, Metropolis Council Vice President; several clergy from the surrounding parishes; local University professors; teachers and staff from area Greek language schools, and parishioners from the surrounding communities.

The Greek Education and Culture Committee of the Metropolis of San Francisco organized the Inaugural Writing Contest and Exhibit of students’ artwork from the Greek Schools in the area, under the guidance and supervision of Mrs. Theodora Kounalakis and Mrs. Ioanna Lekkakou.  Twenty-six students participated in the Writing Contest from the Greek School of the Holy Cross Church in Belmont, CA.  All students showed exceptional inspiration and originality.  Students received their awards from His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. A special award for “Exceptional Knowledge and Rich Vocabulary” was presented to Stamatis John Papadopoulos, and the award for “Exceptional Synthesis and Structure of Ideas” was presented to Marina Andreadis.

The following students received recognition for their participation in the writing contest:

• 3rd Prize: Mary Papadopoulos - $100
• 2nd Prize: Mayia Kompela - $200
• 1st Prize: Melina Sofia Stavropoulos – Scholarship for the Greek Immersion Summer Camp   of the Metropolis of San Francisco – “Our Greek Village” -$400

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos expressed his sincere congratulations to the winners and all the participants and encouraged the students and teachers to continue to be inspired by the Three Hierarchs’ exceptional life and work.

The event concluded with the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita and a reception providing an opportunity for fellowship and dialogue amongst the attendees. The Greek Education and Culture Committee plans to make this an annual event in observance of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day.

View this Press Release in Greek

The Metropolis Committee on Christian Formation and Religious Education will be offering a workshop for Religious Educators on Saturday, March 10, 2012. This event will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and is being hosted by the Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 405 N. Dale Street, Anaheim, CA 92801.

The theme for this year’s workshop will be “Christ the Teacher – The Teacher as Christ” which will explore the way in which Jesus Christ taught, and how each teacher can learn to be a perfect icon of Christ in the ministry of teaching. Rev. Father Anthony Savas, Proistamenos of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, California will be the Keynote Speaker for the workshop.

The day will include breakfast and lunch, prayers of the sixth hour, instructional presentations by local area teachers, and break-out discussion sessions where teachers will meet to discuss and compare best practices. The registration fee is only $20 per person, with registration being available online at http://sfre.ticketleap.com/religious-education-seminarworkshop/ This .is an excellent opportunity to improve your skills as a religious educator, share ideas with others, or explore how religious education might be a part of your future stewardship.

Please contact Patricia Bangos (pbangos@aol.com) or Kally Attard (att9901@att.net) for more information.

Online Book Study Forum – 2012 Lenten Season

The Orthodox Book Study Forum, now in its third year, was started as a way to provide supplemental adult education programs to parishes. Participants throughout the Metropolis read the same book during Great Lent and interact with one another online. The book club is centered around private forum discussions led and moderated by Konstantine Salmas (MDiv.), who is the Director of Education and Youth at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Belmont, CA. The next Lenten Book Club is scheduled for March 1 through May 1, 2012. The book to be read is: The Monk of Mount Athos: Staretz Silouan, 1866-1938 by Archimandrite Sophrony, It is published by Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Press and available online through various distributors (Amazon, etc.) including Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Bookstore. Online registration will open Monday, February 20 through a link available on the Metropolis main website (http://www.sanfran.goarch.org) and also through the link at http://www.sfseminars.net  Mark. your calendar and register on February 20, and make plans now to order the book so you have it in time for 2012 Lenten season!

Download the Flyer

For Parish Festival Senior Division 1st Place Winners, Hellenic College now also offers a scholarship covering the first year of tuition and a discount for the next three years equaling approximately $65,000.
With so many wonderful opportunities for our young people, shouldn’t all of our communities be participating? Of course! And this is the hope and prayer of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, who presides at the Metropolis Festival held at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center every year.

Therefore, it is time for all of our communities to begin organizing their own Parish Festivals, which should be completed at least one to two weeks before the District Festivals. The schedule for the District Festival is:

Pacific Northwest District

Co-Chairs: Mr. David Howard and Mrs. Marianthi Geokezas
Host Parish: Assumption, Seattle, WA
Date: Saturday, March 31

Northern California Bay Area District

Co-Chairs: Fran and Bruce Corcoran
Host Parish: Nativity of Christ, Novato, CA
Date: Sunday, April 1

Central Valley District

Co-Chairs: Rev. Jon Magoulias and Mrs. Denna Tsatsaronis        
Host Parish: Annunciation Church, Modesto, CA
Date: Sunday, April 22

Southern California District

Chair: Ms. Aristi Contos                                                                
Host Parish: St. Nectarios, Covina, CA
Date: Sunday, April 1

Southwest District

Co-Chairs: Deacon Drew Maxwell and Ms. Jeanette Hollander
Host Parish: St. Haralambos, Peoria, AZ
Date: Saturday, March 31

The finalists from the various districts will then participate in the Metropolis Festival which will take place on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. A flyer is attached to assist in the promotion of this event. The Junior and Senior Division finalists will travel to Bethesda, Maryland for the Archdiocese Festival which will be held June 8 – 10, 2012.

For information on the Saint John Oratorical Festival and procedures on how to host a Parish Festival, please visit the Archdiocese Department of Religious Education website at www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused/sjcof . For additional questions and assistance please contact the Metropolis Religious Education Committee Chair, Dr. Eve Tibbs, at eve@gotibbs.net or 714-313-0186, or the Metropolis Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at pgikas@sanfran.goarch.org or 415-814-1186.

Download the flyer for more information.

“All you who have walked the hard and narrow way of life,
who took up the Cross as a yoke and followed Me faithfully,
come receive heavenly crowns, the rewards I have prepared for you.”
Evlogitaria from the Funeral Service for a Priest

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco has announced the passing of the Reverend Father Theophilos P. Theophilos, age 89, on December 16, 2011, following a brief illness.  Father Theophilos fell asleep in the Lord peacefully, in the presence of his beloved family.

“We are saddened by the passing of Father Theophilos P. Theophilos (Theophilopoulos),” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, as he presided over the a memorial service on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at the Annunciation Cathedral, San Francisco, where Father Theophilos served, with distinction, as its Dean, from 1971 until his retirement in 1987. “Father Theo has truly been a gift from God, to this community and to all the communities where he served, radiating the love of the newborn Christ for his people, for his family and, in a special way, for our young people, encouraging and leading them by example. I recall his beautiful smile, his devotion, and his humility,” His Eminence went on to say, recounting his first meeting with Father Theo in his home parish of the Holy Trinity, in Montreal, Quebec. His Eminence concluded by saying, “Father Theo was especially devoted to his family, with his Presbytera Zoe always at his side, along with his beautiful children, Peggy, Peter, Ioanna and Constantine, his 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, who were gathered around him, chanting the Paraklesis Service, just before he fell asleep in the Lord. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to them and to all who are mourning the passing of their loving husband, father, and grandfather, our fellow-celebrant and cherished friend. May he rest among the saints, among all those whom we recalled in the Gospel Reading for this Sunday before Christmas.” 

Father Theophilos P. Theophilos was born in Montreal Canada on January 19, 1922.  He was the first born son of Panayiotis and Panayiota Theophilos, from the village of Longaniko, Greece, near Sparta.  He graduated from Baron Byng High School in 1938 at the age of 16.  At 17, he was the youngest student to enroll in the newly established Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, then located in Pomfret, CT.  Father Theo was placed in charge of the infirmary, due to his background in first aid with the Boy Scouts of Canada. He was awarded a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1943.

Father Theo’s first assignment was as a lay assistant and youth coordinator at St. Spyridon Church in New York City.  There he met his future wife, Zoe Geotas, who was involved in the youth activities of the parish.  They were married in a ceremony involving the entire parish and over 20 clergymen, on September 24, 1944.  Father Theo was ordained to the Deaconate in his home parish of the Holy Trinity in Montreal, Quebec and to the Holy Priesthood at the St. Spyridon Church in New York City, both by the late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, who at the time was the Archbishop of North and South America. He was assigned to the St. Spyridon Church in New York for the next five years.  In 1949, he was assigned to the St. Haralambos Church in Canton, Ohio, where he served for eight years. From 1957 until 1966, Father Theo served in his home parish, in Montreal, as assistant to Father Salamis.  In addition to his numerous liturgical duties, he was very involved in the Ecumenical Movement.  He served two terms as President of the Greater Montreal Council of Churches.  He also served as Orthodox Chaplain of Sir George Williams University and of Douglas Psychiatric Hospital.  He was instrumental in building the St. Panteleimon Orthodox Chapel for the spiritual needs of the patients and staff of that hospital.  In addition, he served as President of the Eastern Orthodox Clergymen’s Association in the Greater Montreal area, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Bible Society of Montreal.  He was named National Chairman and Commissioner of the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Boy Scouts Association of Canada.

In 1966 Father Theophilos was appointed Dean of St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, where he served until 1971.  While there, he organized the Southern California Council of Orthodox Clergy, and served as Vicar General for the Southern California parishes.  He worked with the Guadalupe Homes for Children (now Trinity Homes), serving as a director and, for several years, as Secretary of the Board.

In 1971 Father Theophilos was named Dean of the Annunciation Cathedral in San Francisco.  There, he established the first Greek Orthodox Youth Camp in Yosemite National Park.  In 1973 he organized the first Greek Orthodox Boy Scout Troop the Cathedral and also served the community via his weekly radio broadcasts.  Until his retirement in 1987 he served as Archdiocesan Vicar of the then Diocese of San Francisco.

Father Theophilos moved to Palm Desert in 1987 and, while there, helped establish the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, where he served until 1990.  In 1993 Father Theo was called to fill a temporary vacancy at the Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Vallejo, and ended up staying there for three years.  Active his whole life, Father Theophilos continued to serve with youthful vigor and enthusiasm, with love of God, and love for His Church.

A Trisagion Service will be chanted on Wednesday, December 21, at 7 p.m. On Thursday, December 22, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. with the Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. All services will take place at the Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California. Father Theophilos will be interred in the Greek Section of the El Camino Cemetery, Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

May the memory of this exemplary priest and his labors for our Holy Orthodox Church be eternal!

Each year during Christmas break, College conferences are held in various regions in the United States. An estimated 400 students on fire for Christ will come together at three different locations to enjoy fellowship, prayer, service and interaction with other Orthodox young adults as well as be inspired by leading Orthodox clergy and lay leaders.

Earlybird registration is available until December 15 for only $215 and includes all meals and accommodations at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. Following the deadline, regular registration will increase to $240. Click on this link for more information: http://www.ocf.net/wikis/programs/college-conference.aspx .

You can also Download the flyer for more details.

Saturday, November 26 – Sunday, December 4, 2011
Ecumenical Patriarchate – Constantinople
Meeting of the Holy Synod

Tuesday, December 6 – Thursday, December 8, 2011
Pan-Orthodox Clergy Retreat
Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center – Dunlap, CA

Saturday, December 10, 2011
“Light the Path” Christmas Luncheon
To benefit the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund
Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Oakland, CA

Sunday, December 11, 2011
Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church – Upland, CA
8:30 a.m.  Orthros
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church – San Diego, CA
6:00 p.m. Great Vespers

Monday, December 12, 2011
Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church – San Diego, CA
9:00 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

The tournament began on Friday evening with Registration and Dinner at Saint Nicholas Church in San Jose. The first round of games was played at the church facilities following dinner, kicking off an enthusiastic evening. The tournament continued all day on Saturday with games being played at San Jose City College from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  The players weren’t too exhausted after a full day of games to enjoy a wonderful dinner and Glendi at the Saint Nicholas Church Fellowship Hall to complete the evening. Participants attended the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning at Saint Nicholas Church, following which the championship games were played in front of supportive parishioners, friends and family.

The parishes that were represented at the tournament were:  Holy Cross, Belmont; Nativity of Christ, Novato; Ascension Cathedral, Oakland; Annunciation Cathedral, Sacramento; Saint Nicholas, San Jose; St. Basil, Stockton; Annunciation Cathedral, San Francisco; and Holy Trinity, San Francisco. There were 33 teams in all. The tournament chairman was Mr. George Spilios, a long-time parishioner from Saint Nicholas Church in San Jose.

The teams which took home top honors were:  Jr. GOYA – Bumblers, Annunciation, Sacramento; GOYA – Bumblers 1, Annunciation, Sacramento; Young Adult – Purple Penguins, Holy Trinity, San Francisco; Adult – Real Old, Annunciation Cathedral, San Francisco. Four people also received Most Valuable Player awards in their respective divisions: Jr. Goya - Katina Vail, Bumblers, Annunciation, Sacramento; GOYA – Peter Margaris, Bumblers 1, Annunciation, Sacramento; Young Adult – Athan Haigh, Purple Penguins, Holy Trinity, San Francisco; and Adult – Ari Stratakis, Real Old, Annunciation Cathedral, San Francisco.

Additional photos of the tournament can be found at www.facebook.com/SanJoseVolleyball.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church – Covina, CA
9:00 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

Thursday, November 10, 2011
Faith: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism
Faith Founders Meeting
San Diego, CA

Saturday, November 12, 2011
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church – Long Beach, CA
20th Anniversary Dinner

Sunday, November 13, 2011
Greek Orthodox Mission of South Orange County – San Juan Capistrano, CA
9:00 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

Saturday, November 19, 2011
“Light the Path” Christmas Luncheon
To benefit the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – Northridge, CA

Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saint Paul Greek Orthodox Church – Irvine, CA
Ordination of Daniel Cunningham to the Permanent Diaconate
9:00 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

The Consecration Service began at vespers on Saturday, October 29 with the Procession of the Relics and Great Vespers. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios brought with him relics from three martyrs to be sealed in the altar table: St. Panteleimon the Healer and Great Martyr (July 27), St. Kyrikos a child martyr (July 15) and the Holy Fathers martyred in the monastery of St Savas in Jerusalem (March 20). The Archbishop was accompanied by Archdeacon Panteleimon Papadopoulos and Deacon Aristidis Garinis. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco also participated in the Consecration as well as nine priests, three additional deacons, twenty acolytes, twenty myrrh-bearers and three retired Greek Orthodox priests. Among the visiting clergy participating were: Deacon Dr. Paul Kalina, the first parishioner from Assumption to be ordained; and Fr. Gabriel Boyd, the first Assumption parishioner to graduate from Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

On Sunday, October 30, the services began with Orthros at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Consecration and Archieratical Divine Liturgy. Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Gerasimos explained many details of the service as they were happening. Video cameras in the altar allowed for parishioners to see on screens in the Nave and in an overflow tent what was taking place inside the altar during the Consecration. The Consecration Services were attended by over 650 parishioners. At the conclusion of the Divine Services, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios honored two outstanding stewards and leaders from the parish by presenting to them the Medal of St. Paul – Mr. Rocky Sisson, Parish Council President; and Mrs. Michele Genetos, Philoptochos President. Both of these individuals have demonstrated tremendous leadership and were intricately involved the planning many of the details for the Consecration.

While the focus of the weekend was on prayer, there were also several opportunities for the faithful to enjoy fellowship with Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Gerasimos. Following Great Vespers on Saturday evening was a Grand Banquet to celebrate the many blessings and accomplishments of the community. A family-style celebratory luncheon followed the Consecration on Sunday, attended by over 600 people. Over 70 children from the parish’s Greek folk dance groups performed to an enthusiastic crowd of family and friends.

Since March 1995, the Assumption Church has been led by Father Andrew Barakos, whose vision and leadership has shaped the tremendous progress of this parish. He is currently assisted by Deacon Drew Maxwell, administrative and pastoral assistant. The Assumption community has had many non-Greek Orthodox spouses join the church because the services are conducted predominately in English. Worship is led by a 25-member choir along with congregational singing. Children’s sermons, youth activities, philanthropy, adult religious education, evangelism and outreach are all part of Church life. There are a wide variety of converts from Catholics, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Hindu, and Muslims. There are also a substantial number of Greek Orthodox parishioners, from immigrants to second through fourth generation Greek-Americans. The Church is dedicated to honoring the Virgin Mary who is considered the Protector of the community being that the Door Opening took place on the Feast Day of Agia Skepi (Holy Protection) on October 28, 2001. Future plans for Assumption include the “building out” of the campus so that a Community Center, proper Sunday School classrooms, and updated office space will be available to the community in coming years.

Photos courtesy of Assumption Church, Scottsdale, AZ

Students meet on a weekly basis for instruction and are also provided extensive online resources which include audio files to assist them in their weekly practice. Following class, some students remain at the Cathedral to participate in Great Vespers while others return to their home parishes and share their chanting skills within their own communities. During their course of study, students are required to participate in Orthros, Vespers and other services at the Analogion of their respective parishes to further enhance their skills and confidence. The eight-month class includes instruction in reading Greek, learning Byzantine notation, the modes, study of the Typikon, and the proper behavior and appearance of Chanters during the services.

Father Dimosthenis has been serving as the Assistant Priest at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Portland, OR since November 2009. Prior to coming to the United States, he was serving at the Cathedral of the Holy Forerunner in Kavala, Greece. Father Dimosthenis holds a Master of Divinity degree in Pastoral Theology from the University of Thessaloniki, as well as a degree in Byzantine Chant.

Plans for expansion of this program are currently in progress, with regional workshops being developed which will be offered throughout the Metropolis of San Francisco, as well as a one-week intensive program of Byzantine Music instruction to be held at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center.

For more information on the Byzantine Music School, please visit their website: www.byzantinemusicschool.com or contact Father Dimosthenis at 503-234-0468.

Sunday, October 23, 2011
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – Spokane, WA
9:00 a.m.  Orthros
10:00 a.m.  Hierarchical Divine Liturgy - Ordination of Paul Truebenbach to the Holy Diaconate

Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church – Concord, CA
7:00 p.m. Great Vespers and Artoklasia

Thursday, October 27, 2011
National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi – San Francisco, CA
Pilgrims of Truth, Pilgrims of Peace

Friday, October 28 – Sunday, October 30, 2011
Consecration of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church – Scottsdale Arizona

Monday, October 31 – Sunday, November 6, 2011
Ecumenical Patriarchate – Constantinople
Meeting of the Holy Synod

Download the Flyer

The festivities began with a Youth Rally on Saturday, October 8 with nearly 100 youth lining the walkway outside the church to eagerly greet Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Gerasimos. The days’ program included presentations by the Youth Choir, Greek School, Oratorical Festival winners, GOYA, and Greek Dance groups. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios also participated in a very engaging question-and-answer session where children and teens eagerly awaited the opportunity to personally address His Eminence and ask many in-depth questions about the Orthodox faith, Holy Scripture, as well as about the Archbishop’s personal journey to the priesthood.

The Disneyland Hotel served as the site for the Grand Banquet on Saturday evening which was attended by over 650 faithful who came together to celebrate this important milestone for the Saint John the Baptist parish, The community was especially pleased to welcome back two distinguished clergy whose leadership of the Saint John the Baptist Church was pivotal in its growth and development – Rev. Fr. Evagoras Constantinides and Rev. Fr. George Massouras. Though he was unable to attend due to current health challenges, recognition was also given to Rev. Fr. James Diavatis who served the parish for 30 years until 2010.

The culmination of the weekend was the Archieratical Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning where His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios led the faithful in worship. The Church was filled with prayerful and grateful stewards who joined together in prayer and fellowship giving thanks to God for the abundant blessings of the past 50 years, and honoring the founders who have fallen asleep in a Memorial Service following the Liturgy.

As the first Greek Orthodox church in Orange County, Saint John the Baptist has blazed the trail for Greek Orthodox Christianity in Orange County. Organizing meetings held during 1960 culminated in the incorporation of the Greek Orthodox Community of Orange County on October 20, 1961, with the Archdiocese granting a charter to the community in 1963. First worshiping in rented facilities, the community soon purchased land in Anaheim, finalizing real estate transactions in 1966 and 1967, and completed the building of a temporary wood church on their property with the labor of their own people before the end of 1967. Selecting Saint John the Forerunner and Baptist as their Patron Saint occurred in time for the celebration of the parish feast day in 1968. Construction of the parish’s permanent church culminated in 1974. His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, of blessed memory, presided over the Consecration of the parish in 1985. Subsequent acquisition of adjacent land has more than doubled the property of the Saint John parish in Anaheim, with ongoing plans to construct new community buildings in the near future.

The growth of Saint John the Baptist has outpaced that of the larger Orange County population, with parish membership increasing more than tenfold from the 38 families recorded as pledging members in 1961 to over 400 families pledging today. As the county has grown and prospered throughout the decades, the families of Saint John Church also grew and prospered and a number moved from the Anaheim area of the parish to other Orange County cities. The Saint John parish also served as a catalyst for the establishment of other Greek Orthodox communities in Orange County including the Saint Paul Church in Irvine, CA, and the Mission in San Juan Capistrano.

The seeds sown more than a half-century ago by the founders of Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church have grown and multiplied, continuing to provide a rich harvest as thousands of families in Orange County seize the opportunity to practice their Greek Orthodox Christian faith and share their love in Christ with the larger Orange County community.

Photos by Cassandra Mellas