Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco - All

A Post-Paschal Message

2013-05-06T21:45:08+00:00

“It is the day of Resurrection; let us be radiant for the festival,
and let us embrace one another. Let us say, O brethren,
even to those that hate us: Let us forgive all things on the Resurrection; and thus let us cry: Christ is risen from the dead, by death He has trampled down death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.”
Paschal Canon – Ode One

Every year, our Holy Orthodox Church celebrates the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha. The Church (which means you and me) proclaims the joyous news that “Christ is Risen! Χριστός Ανέστη!”

As we are taught by the hymnology of Great Lent, we must forgive those who have sinned against us and embrace them in the joy of the Resurrection. If God sent His Only Begotten Son to be sacrificed to save you and to save me, thereby forgiving us of our trespasses; then we too must forgive others – all others – and put aside the small, meaningless issues that so easily separate us from Christ and His Church.

The message of Great and Holy Pascha is that we have been redeemed and reunited with God, our Creator through the blood-sacrifice made on the Cross and through His glorious Resurrection. The once-closed doors of Paradise have been opened and all are invited to enter into the kingdom of life. The hymnology of Pascha continues to teach us: “a Pascha that has opened unto us the gates of Paradise, a Pascha that sanctifies all the faithful.” The doors have been opened and the summons has come forth for all to enter into the joy of the Lord. Saint John Chrysostom also invites all to the Paschal Banquet and the Eucharistic Table in his beautiful homily.

The Church is now calling you into action. “The summons has gone forth to the ends of the earth”. She says: “Come all of you who are burdened” and “drink from the life-giving Chalice of Life. Come all of you who thirst and hunger and be filled from the eternal Paschal Sacrifice.”

How can you put into action the things learned from Great and Holy Pascha?

Saint John Maximovitch sang the hymn “Christ is Risen! Χριστός Ανέστη!” 365 days a year! He began every morning, even before standing up, with this beautiful hymn. You and I are called to sing this hymn before every meal from Pascha until the Ascension which this year falls on June 13th. You and your family should also be singing these words with your morning and evening prayers as well. Your homes and hearts should be filled with these words and truths continuously. Let them overflow from your being into all you deal with today and every day.

Finally, there is no kneeling during these days following Pascha as we should not be focused on our failings and our sinfulness, but rather on the love of our Lord and the glory of His Resurrection.

Do not let the joy of Pascha end with Bright week, but rather keep it alive every day in your mind, heart and actions. Buy or borrow a book about the lives of the Saints and be inspired as to what you yourself might do with true worship and love of God. Attend the services of the Church. Make Christ, once again, the focus of your life, giving right perspective to what you already do. Become the person God is calling you to be. This would be putting into actions the things of His sacrifice and His Resurrection.

With our focus on His second coming and our eternal salvation; then our present life can be a foretaste of paradise and a hope to experience heaven on earth. Let us demonstrate our sincere desire to put Pascha into action every day of our lives.

“Christ is Risen! Χριστός Ανέστη!”

Springs Fire In California Threatens Homes Of Camarillo Parishioners

2013-05-03T12:55:19+00:00

The Springs fire in Ventura County, California has destroyed over 10,000 acres, and residents in the immediate area have been evacuated. This includes parishioners from Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Camarillo, California. Father Gary Kyriacou, pastor of Saint Demetrios, has been in contact with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos informing him that several parishioners’ homes are threatened by the fire, but thankfully no injuries or loss of property have yet been reported amongst the congregation. With extreme winds and high temperatures, the fire has been difficult to contain, and more adverse weather conditions throughout the weekend are expected to contribute to further damage.

“We pray for the safekeeping of everyone in Ventura County and for the well-being and strength of those who are fighting the fires. In addition, we call to mind all the faithful whose homes and livelihoods are threatened by this fire and extend our prayers, support and love to them during this time of need,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “It is our fervent prayer that the Lord may stretch forth His mighty hand and calm the winds, diminish the fires, and protect the homes and land from any further loss.”

Partial containment of the fire is not expected until Monday, with full containment anticipated by May 13. The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco will communicate additional information on this situation as it affects the parish of Saint Demetrios and its faithful. Your prayers are requested and greatly appreciated.

Metropolis Summer Camp 2013 Financial Assistance Available

2013-05-02T16:20:59+00:00

Leadership 100 Grant Supports Metropolis Summer Camp Programs

The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund has once again generously offered a grant to each Metropolis of the Archdiocese “for the sole purpose of enabling young people, who do not have the financial means, the opportunity to participate in the Metropolis Summer Camp program.” Families within the Metropolis of San Francisco are encouraged to apply for financial assistance so their children may benefit from participation in Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA which offers a nurturing environment and Christian fellowship, along with a wide array of activities including arts and crafts, athletics, music, swimming, theatre, canoeing, Orthodox Life discussion sessions, and daily worship services.

“The experience of Summer Camp is an unforgettable one, and through the ongoing generosity of Leadership 100, we will be able to once again provide lasting memories for our youth. A program that inspires youth in our faith, develops lifelong friendships, and opens their eyes and minds to new activities and adventures are just part of what Summer Camp offers to our youth. Most importantly, it strengthens their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Recognizing the fullness of the ministry of Summer Camp, Leadership 100 has responded proactively to the needs of our faithful during these difficult times, making youth a priority and encouraging their ongoing participation in our faith,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos.

Ages: Youth ages 8 (or entering 3rd grade) – 17 (or just graduated from high school).

Dates: Four one-week Metropolis Summer Camp sessions at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center.

Session I: July 7-13
Session II: July 14-20
Session III: July 21-27
Session IV: July 28 – August 3

Additional information: Please visit the Summer Camp webpage at the new Metropolis Youth and Young Adult website:

Application: To apply for a scholarship for Summer Camp, please provide the following:

Letter from parent stating financial need. (Include complete contact information.)
Letter of recommendation from parish priest.

Acceptance: If accepted, you will be notified how to complete the registration process.

Submit: Please submit these two letters via mail, email or facsimile to by May 30, 2013 to:

Paul Gikas, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco
245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
pgikas@sanfran.goarch.org
Phone: 415-814-1186
Fax: 415-753-1165

Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp 2013 Early Registration Extended

2013-04-30T17:40:48+00:00

Early Registration Pricing Extended By One Week Until May 7…register today! Visit the Summer Camp website for online registration.

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is proud to announce the 33rd year of its Summer Camp Program at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. The theme for camp will be “Love One Another” following the directive of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to his disciples in John 13:34 – 35.

Dates

Session I: July 7 – 13
Session II: July 14 – 20
Session III: July 21 – 27
Session IV: July 28 – August 3

Pricing

$425 Early Registration Pricing Extended (April 1 – May 7)
$445 Regular Registration (May 8 – May 30)
$465 Late Registration (June 1 – June 30)

A $25 discount is offered for each additional child in the same family.

Through a generous grant from Leadership 100, scholarships will again be available this year for families seeking financial assistance. Information is forthcoming.

For questions or additional information please contact Paul Gikas, Director, Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, 415-814-1186, pgikas@sanfran.goarch.org.

Petition To White House For Assistance To Free Abducted Orthodox Hierarchs In Syria

2013-04-29T17:39:27+00:00

The safety and well-being of the Orthodox Christian Hierarchs who were abducted in Syria last week continue to be of great concern to His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, as well as to Orthodox Christians throughout the world. An online petition has been established seeking the assistance of President Barack Obama and the United States government to intervene and use its influence to bring a swift and peaceful resolution to this serious situation.

Archbishop Paul Yazigi and Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim were abducted by armed rebels on April 23, 2013 in the suburbs of Aleppo, Syria. Their driver was murdered and the Hierarchs were forced by the rebels to an unknown location, presumed to be in Syria or Turkey.

Our faithful are asked to join in unity by signing the petition, and encouraging others to also show their support.

Sign the petition now!

As we gather in prayer during these last days of our journey through Great and Holy Lent, let us lift up Archbishop Paul Yazigi and Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim, seeking God’s protection, and their safe return to their congregations to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection.

Paschal Encyclical 2013

2013-04-29T16:10:20+00:00

Dearly Beloved,

This night across our Metropolis our communities are overflowing. We have put on our best attire and gathered as a parish to celebrate our Lord’s Resurrection. Everyone is excited and in good spirits, anticipating the announcement of the Good News. We greet one another with joy. All of this reminds me of the verse from the great Doxastikon of Pascha, “Let us be glorious in splendor for the festival, and let us embrace one another.” I too, join you in this celebration and greet you in the name of our Resurrected Lord.

Most of you have gathered this night to hold a lit candle, to proclaim the Resurrection of Christ, and to sing the joyous hymns of our Church. A candle was placed in your hands at your baptism when you first proclaimed your faith in Christ the King and Lord of your life and you were united with Him. You became a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most High God, who became one of us for our sakes. And, as Saint Paul writes to the Philippians , “Christ humbled himself and became obedient unto death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father,” (Philippians 2:8-11).

Tonight, as you hold the lit candle, you recommit yourself to that baptismal faith. In the Church you experience the Resurrected Christ. Tonight, as you sing the hymn “Christ is Risen!” you are proclaiming the single most important dimension of your Orthodox Christian faith. As Saint Paul writes, “if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain,” (1 Corinthians 15:14). Our belief in the Resurrection is the centerpiece of the Gospel. The teachings of the Apostles of Christ begin with this event. The Resurrection is the ultimate victory of God over the power of sin, Satan, and death. This victory is not just of Christ Himself but also a victory for all those who are united with Him. As the Apostle Peter writes “By His great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3).

Our Paschal faith is more than an experience of lit candles and joyful singing for just one night, or the repetition of an ancient ritual of long ago. If all the candles were missing and all the rituals and customs of our heritage were put aside, we would still proclaim the Resurrection with great joy. The Apostles were filled with the experience of the Resurrection and spread this Good news throughout the world. They established a Church where the experience of the Resurrection was translated into actions of service and ministry. We are today’s apostles. We have accepted the call to continue their mission in our time. The Doxastikon of Pascha commands us to speak and engage those “who hate us” and to “forgive all things.” These are the actions of reconciliation, of restoring relationships and of recognizing our solidarity and equality with all. Our faith in the Resurrection should compel us to share our faith with others and to work for unity and harmony among all people. Our baptismal Faith on this most glorious Feast of Feasts calls us to become servants of all and spread the Good News of God’s power over death and all adversaries that would keep us from His love and Goodness.

May the unwaning light of His Resurrection be your guide now and forever.

Truly He is Risen!

With Love in the Resurrected Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco

2013 Holy Week Schedule for Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, Chancellor

2013-04-25T16:29:39+00:00

Palm Sunday – April 28, 2013
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – Northridge, CA
10:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church – Lancaster, CA
6:30 p.m. Nymphios Service

Holy Monday – April 29, 2013
Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church – Pasadena, CA
7:00 p.m. Nymphios Service

Holy Tuesday - April 30, 2013
Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church – Pasadena, CA
7:00 p.m. Nymphios Service

Holy Wednesday – May 1, 2013
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – San Jose, CA
7:00 p.m. Orthros and Anointing with Holy Oil

Holy Thursday – May 2, 2013
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – San Jose, CA
8:30 a.m. Vespers and Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great
7:00 p.m. Holy Passion of Our Lord/Twelve Gospels

Holy Friday – May 3, 2013
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – San Jose, CA
8:30 a.m. Royal Hours
3:00 p.m. Apokathelosis
7:00 p.m. Epitaphios

Holy Saturday – May 4, 2013
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – San Jose, CA
8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil, The First Resurrection
11:00 p.m. Paschal Vigil and Anastasi

Holy Pascha – May 5, 2013
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – San Jose, CA
11:00 a.m. Agape Vespers

Monday, May 6
Saint George Greek Orthodox Church – Downey, CA
9:15 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

First Retreat for Health Care Professionals Hosted by Metropolis of San Francisco

2013-04-23T15:15:51+00:00

Issued by: Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas
 Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care
http://www.pastoralhealth-ep.com/

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos with some of the attendees and presenters of the Pastoral Healthcare Conference “Hope for the Caregiver”. Pictured next to His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos is Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas (to the Metropolitan’s right, long gray beard) and to his left is His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

“Hope for the Caregiver” was the theme of the first retreat for health care professionals which took place on March 30, 2013 at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Belmont, California. Attending the event were fifty doctors, nurses, other therapists and caregivers who, in many different ways, care for their fellowman. The retreat was organized by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco in cooperation with the Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care. The goal of the retreat was to offer the opportunity to Orthodox Christians who care for the sufferer to meet under the sheltering love of the Church, so as to gain the spiritual strength necessary to continue their valuable and difficult work. The day-long retreat was generously hosted by the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church which welcomed the participants with brotherly love.

The Retreat began with the Service of the Blessing of Waters presided by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. After the service, His Eminence welcomed the participants, expressing his joy for the event, stressing the importance that each one has in ministering to those in need and the need for mutual support among caregivers within an ecclesiastical context.

An Agiasmos Service opened the one-day retreat: (L-R) Rev. Fr. John Kocolas, Assistant Priest at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Belmont, CA; Rev. Father Peter Salmas, Proistamenos, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Belmont, CA; His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, Metropolis Chancellor.

In turn, Protopresbyter Rev. Peter Salmas, Dean of the Parish of the Holy Cross, greeted those present, noting his participation as representative of the Metropolis in the 2nd International Conference of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care that took place in Rhodes, Greece, in 2011. He expressed the hope that this pilot event will be an example for other parishes and Metropolises to host similar gatherings to support caregivers.

The first presentation of the retreat, “The Meaning of Hope”, was delivered by Protopresbyter Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas, Coordinator of the Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care. Before beginning his presentation, he related the greetings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and described the aim of the Patriarchal Network for Pastoral Health Care. In his presentation, Fr. Kofinas said that hope is found in meaningful relations. True hope is not a hope in something but rather, in someone. Citing Saint John Climacus, he brought attention to the fact that “the power of love is in hope, because by it we await the reward of love. The failing of hope is the disappearance of love”. Thus, “unwavering hope is the door of detachment”. When one has hope that does not falter, one can then detach himself or herself from the things of this world, “from the more sorrowful to the better and more pleasing”, living in and through the sacrificial love which is expressed in the Cross.

Dr. Tanya Spirtos, gynecologist, Member of the Clinical Faculty of Stanford University School of Medicine and Kristen Azar, R.N, followed in presenting “The Difficulties in Maintaining and Offering Hope as a Health Care Professional”. In their joint presentation, they explained the dynamics of hope from a medical perspective. They noted that hope is provided when one can express and choose regarding his or her basic physical and emotional needs. They also cited that the difficulties in maintaining hope stem from the complexities of hospital care, the indifference of the community at large regarding medical care and the inability to accept our own limitations.

His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America was the third speaker of the retreat. He spoke on “Gaining Hope in prayer and liturgy”, showing that hope can be gained if it is founded on a personal relationship with God and the Community of the Faithful who comprise His Church. When we forget the Personhood of God, we lose sense of our own personhood and cannot find hope. He also explained that hope is acquired in forgiveness, which is the reuniting of persons, the possibility of others to share their holy space.

Following these three presentations, there was an open discussion amongst the participants. One of the problems discussed was the difficulty of assisting those that prefer to live in hopelessness rather than finding meaning in God. At the end of the discussion all expressed their desire to hold such an event again in the future.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos addresses the participants at the “Hope for the Caregiver” conference.

Concluding the retreat, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco presided during the Great Vespers of the Second Sunday of Great Lent that took place in the magnificent church-building of the Holy Cross.

Northern California Greek Language Educator’s Workshop

2013-04-22T15:39:10+00:00

By Dr. Alexandros Kokkinidis*

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos with the Hellenic Educational and Cultural Committee members, local clergy and teachers of our Metropolis Greek Schools at the workshop.

The Hellenic Education and Culture Committee (HECC) of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco presented its eighth workshop – Best Practices in Teaching Greek as a Foreign Language – on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Elk Grove, California.

The one-day workshop began with an opening prayer and greeting from His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. In his remarks, Metropolitan Gerasimos stated, “as many of our children are growing up in non-Greek speaking homes, we must become aggressive and innovative with our teaching methods so that the next generation of children can benefit from knowing one of the richest languages in the world.” Also in attendance were Metropolis Chancellor, Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, and Saint Katherine parish priest Rev. Father Constantine Pappademos.

The event was attended by over 20 Greek language instructors from the surrounding communities in northern California. Theodora Kounalakis, chair of HECC offered a welcome on behalf of the committee and introduced the day’s agenda which included three presentations from Greek language instructors in our Metropolis, as well as a round table discussion.

Laura Moussa, M.A. in Teaching in English as a Second Language (University of Brighton, UK), presented on the topic: “How to Design and Implement a Successful Lesson Plan”. The second presentation was offered by Joanna Thanasi, M.A. in Sciences of Education (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), who spoke on “Effective Learning in Adult Education”, and Dr. Ioanna Lekkakou, Ph.D. in Pedagogics/Theatre for Children, (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens) presented “Exploring the Relationship Between Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices”. The participants interacted enthusiastically with the presenters especially during the round table discussion exchanging their views and experiences.

Special gratitude is extended to Father Constantine Pappademos and the community of Saint Katherine in Elk Grove, California for hosting this workshop. The principal of the Saint Katherine Greek School and HECC member Mr. Demos Papadopoulos served as the local chairperson for the event who, along with his family, offered exemplary hospitality to all the participants.

*Rear Admiral, H.N. (Ret) Alexandros Kokkinidis, M.D. serves as secretary of the Hellenic Education and Culture Committee for the Metropolis of San Francisco.

2013 Camp Agape Celebration of Love

2013-04-20T15:44:59+00:00

On the Boston Marathon Tragedy

2013-04-19T17:48:05+00:00

Beloved in the Lord,

“The transformation of the afflicted, you are the cure of those in sickness,
Theotokos, O Virgin; save your people and your town.
You are the peace of those in conflict, the calm of those in turmoil,
the only protection of the faithful.”
Theotokion – Service of the Small Paraklesis

The Holy Eparchial Synod of our Archdiocese has issued the following statement on the tragic events in Boston, Massachusetts which occurred on Monday, April 15, 2013:

“On this day of shock and mourning, our hearts and prayers are with the victims of this latest horrendous terrorist attack. We express our unequivocal condemnation of all acts of violence and terrorism against society, which incite the justified indignation of all people who value human life, freedom and justice. We stand together with people of Boston, the participants of the Boston Marathon and their families and the people of our Nation as a whole. We call upon all our faithful to offer prayers for the repose of the souls of the innocent victims who lost their lives in these tragic events and pray for the healing of those immediately affected and for the Nation.”

We stand in solidarity with the people of Boston, those who participated in the Marathon, those who were injured, and especially with the families of those who lost their lives as a result of this senseless act of terrorism. This is a time for us and for all the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco to unite in prayer. Specifically, this Sunday, April 21, during the Great Litany of the Divine Liturgy, please include appropriate petitions asking God to heal the wounds of those who were injured, and also to grant repose to those innocent souls who suffered loss of life.

May our Lord Jesus Christ, whose Holy Resurrection we are about to celebrate, hear our prayer, and may He grant solace and healing to the families of the afflicted, the people of Boston, and to our Nation.

Greek Independence Day Parade in San Francisco

2013-04-16T21:59:24+00:00

The Greek Independence Day Parade was held in downtown San Francisco on Sunday, April 7, 2013. Organized by the United Hellenic Societies of Northern California, the parade enjoyed participation from several of the bay area Greek Orthodox communities, as well as various Hellenic organizations. In addition to the representation from our parishes, the parade also featured marching bands and drill teams from the local area high schools. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco was in attendance, along with His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas of the Dardanelles, and His Excellency Ambassador Ioannis Andreades – Consul General of Greece in San Francisco.

Following the parade, an outdoor festival was held at the San Francisco Civic Center. Greek folk dance groups from the parishes performed, and vendors offered an array of Greek food for the enjoyment of all.

The Spithes and Thisavri dance groups from the Annunciation Cathedral in San Francisco participate in the parade.

Members of the Holy Trinity dance group in San Francisco show their Greek pride at the parade.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, Chancellor, participate in the 2013 Greek Independence Day Parade in San Francisco.

The Nativity of Christ parish from Novato, California ride of a float in the parade, with members of the award-winning Minoan dancers.

Saint Nicholas Church in San Jose was well-represented with members of the Greek School and AHEPA riding a float.

2013 Holy Week Schedule for His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos

2013-04-15T20:52:31+00:00

Palm Sunday – April 28, 2013
Saint John the Baptist – Las Vegas, NV
8:45 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
7:00 p.m. Nymphios Service

Holy Monday – April 29, 2013
Annunciation Cathedral – San Francisco, CA
7:00 p.m. Nymphios Service

Holy Tuesday – April 30, 2013
Saint Sophia – Bellingham, WA
7:00 p.m. Nymphios Service

Holy Wednesday – May 1, 2013
Holy Apostles – Shoreline, WA
6:30 p.m. Holy Unction

Holy Thursday – May 2, 2013
Assumption – Seattle, WA
10:00 a.m. Vespers and Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great
11:30 a.m. Service of Niptir
6:00 p.m. Holy Passion of Our Lord/Twelve Gospels

Holy Friday – May 3, 2013
Saint Demetrios – Seattle, WA
3:00 p.m. Apokathelosis
7:00 p.m. Epitaphios

Holy Saturday – May 4, 2013
Saint Nicholas – Tacoma, WA
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil, The First Resurrection

Holy Trinity Cathedral – Portland, OR
11:00 p.m. Paschal Vigil and Anastasi

Holy Pascha – May 5, 2013
Saint John the Baptist – Beaverton, OR
1:00 p.m. Agape Vespers and Pascha Picnic

2013 Summer Camp - Register Online Today!

2013-04-07T02:07:27+00:00

“Love One Another” – Summer Camp 2013

Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch 2013

On-line Registration Now Open!

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is proud to announce the 33rd year of its Summer Camp Program at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. The theme for camp will be “Love One Another” following the directive of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to his disciples in John 13:34 – 35.

Campers will participate in all of the traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, Olympics, campfires, daily worship services, Orthodox Life discussions and visits to the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring. However this year there are many new additions to the program so campers will have an even broader and more exciting experience. You won’t want to miss it!

Summer Camp is for children 8 years old (or entering 3rd grade in Fall 2013) to 17 years old (or just graduated from High School in Spring 2013).

Dates
Session I: July 7 – 13
Session II: July 14 – 20
Session III: July 21 – 27
Session IV: July 28 – August 3

Pricing
$425 – Early registration (April – April 30)
$445 – Normal registration (May 1 – May 30)
$465 – Late registration (June 1 – June 30)

A $25 discount is offered for each additional child in the same family.

Through a generous grant from Leadership 100, scholarships will again be available this year for families seeking financial assistance. Information is forthcoming so check back to the website.

Early registration is now available. Take advantage of discounted pricing by registering online today.

For questions or additional information please contact Paul Gikas, Director, Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, 415-814-1186, pgikas@sanfran.goarch.org.

2013 Greek Village Online Registration Now Open

2013-04-04T01:59:51+00:00

Camper Online Registration and Staff Applications Available Now!

www.ourgreekvillage.org

The Greek Village Immersion Camp is a successful and growing ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. Now in its fourth year, the Greek Village Immersion Camp, “To Elliniko Horio”, will be held June 22 – 29, 2013 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA, for children ages 7 through 14.

The Greek Village Camp offers a creative and educational immersion program which brings children closer to their ancestral heritage through instruction in language, customs, traditions and the Orthodox faith. With the guidance of skilled instructors, campers will participate in classes including: language, cooking, geography, mythology, music, dance, theatre and more. The children will attend worship services daily and also have an opportunity to observe the monastic life at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring which is adjacent to Saint Nicholas Ranch. Arts and crafts, swimming, basketball, volleyball and canoeing are also just a few of the many extracurricular activities included in the campers’ daily schedule, plus evening campfires, storytelling, folk dancing and singing.

The 230-acre Saint Nicholas Ranch is nestled in the foothills of the Sequoia National Park. Its hiking trails, apple orchards, historic barn and lake provide the aura of a traditional Greek Village to further enhance a truly cultural experience.

The Greek Village Camp is now offering a convenient and secure way to enroll your child with online registration! Special discounts are available for families sending more than one child. Enrollment is limited so reserve your space today!

Take advantage of the early registration pricing until April 30!

Download the Flyer

For questions contact Theodora Kounalakis, Director of Greek Village and Chair of the Hellenic Education and Culture Committee of the Metropolis of San Francisco, 650-594-9585, ourgreekvillage@yahoo.com.

Schedule For Metropolitan Gerasimos Mar 29 – Apr 20, 2013

2013-03-29T14:27:44+00:00

Friday, March 29, 2013
Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church – Novato, CA
6:00 p.m. Salutations to the Theotokos – Second Stanza

Saturday, March 30, 2013
“Hope for the Caregiver” Retreat presented by Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church – Belmont, CA
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church – Vallejo, CA
8:30 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

Monday, April 1, 2013
Northern California Clergy Synaxis
“The Difficulties in Dealing with Guilt” presented by Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church – Belmont, CA
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Friday, April 5, 2013
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – San Francisco, CA
7:00 p.m. Salutations to the Theotokos – Third Stanza

Saturday, April 6, 2013
Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center Board Meeting
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Metropolis Office – San Francisco, CA

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – San Jose, CA
Greek Independence Day Celebration
6:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 7, 2013
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church – Belmont, CA
Sunday of the Holy Cross
8:30 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

Hellenic Cultural Parade – San Francisco, CA
2:00 p.m.

Monday, April 8, 2013
Northern California Clergy Synaxis
“Why Religion? Why Be Orthodox?” presented by Dr. Aristotle Papanikolaou
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – San Francisco, CA
12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 16 – Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Meetings of the Holy Eparchial Synod
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
New York, NY

Friday, April 19, 2013
Saint George Greek Orthodox Church – Fresno, CA
7:00 p.m. Akathist Hymn

Saturday, April 20, 2013
Metropolis Oratorical Festival
Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center – Dunlap, CA

Metropolis Of San Franciso Inaugural Gala Raises $1 Million

2013-03-19T12:37:42+00:00

State and National Leaders in Attendance to  Honor the Work of the Metropolis

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco held its inaugural Gala on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco. This event was designed to both honor the extraordinary leadership of Theofanis “Fanis” Economidis, Archon Ekdikos, a dedicated volunteer of the Metropolis for over 30 years, as well as celebrate the diverse ministries and programs of the Metropolis which provide for the spiritual, educational and cultural needs of its members in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Fanis Economidis and His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos.

The Gala was co-chaired George Marcus, church philanthropist and businessman, and Jeannie Ranglas, president of the Metropolis Philoptochos Society. Marcus and Ranglas led a committee which planned an elegant and entertaining evening to a sold-out crowd which enthusiastically filled the Ritz Carlton Ballroom in San Francisco. The proceeds from the Gala initiated support for an endowment for the ministries of the Metropolis, with $1 million being raised at this inaugural event. Major contributors for the event included “Premier Sponsors”: George and Judy Marcus Family Foundation, Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas, and The Kallins Family Foundation; along with “Illustrious Sponsors”: George and Vickie Demos, and Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis.

The 420 guests attending the sold out Gala included: Governor Jerry Brown; Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul; San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee; Congresswoman Anna Eshoo; recently retired State Senator Elaine Kontominas Alquist; Consul General of Greece in San Francisco, His Excellency Ioannis Andreades; Honorary Consul of Cyprus Nicolaos Theophanous; and former President of ABC and former Chairman of United Artist pictures, Tony Thomopoulos. Several local religious leaders were also present including recently retired Archbishop George Niederauer from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco; Bishop William Swing, retired bishop of the Episcopal Church; and Bishop William Justice, Auxiliary Bishop for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco; Rita Semel, Chair of the San Francisco Interfaith Council; and Monsignor John Talesfore from St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. 

Dr. Kenneth Frangadakis; California Governor Jerry Brown; George Marcus; Paul Pelosi.

Masters of Ceremonies Jenni Pulos and Chris Spheeris.

The program featured numerous and deserving accolades for Economidis, who has served as the Metropolis chief volunteer officer for several years, and has supported initiatives of the Greek Orthodox Church at the local, national and international levels. A special tribute video from His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was shown during the Gala in honor of Economidis’ tireless support of the religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. A letter of commendation was also received by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America. Representing the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, National Archon Council Member Constantine G. Caras presented a recognition award on behalf of the Archons, as well as special greetings and recognition from the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund.

Serving as the Masters of Ceremonies for the evening were Jenni Pulos, star of Bravo! TV’s “Flipping Out” and internationally acclaimed musician, Chris Spheeris. Pulos, who is preparing to release a children’s rap album, customized a rap to honor Economidis and the work of the Metropolis, which brought enthusiastic cheers from the audience. Guests were also entertained by a musical program which included classics such as “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, “Largo ad Factotum” from Rossini’s Barber of Seville, and “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot performed by soprano Michele Patzakis, baritone Constantine Pappas and Rev. Fr. John Bakas. The program closed with an emotional performance of “God Bless the USA” by Fr. John Bakas. This song was a special request by Economidis as it expresses the love he has for the United States and the many opportunities afforded to him throughout his life and career.

This event inaugurated the Theofanis Economidis Award, named in honor of its first recipient and presented to a distinguished individual in honor of their leadership, inspirational vision, hard work, and service to the Greek Orthodox Church.

The Economidis family: Cynthia, Fanis and Roberta.

Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis, Maria and Isidoros Garifalakis, Fanis Economidis, Michael and Katina Koulakis, Jeannie and Gerry Ranglas.

Isidoros Garifalakis; Dr. Kenneth Frangadakis; Gerontissa Markella – Abbess of the Monastery of the Theotokos, the Life Giving Spring in Dunlap, CA; Fanis Economidis; Georgia and Nikiforos Valaskantjis.

George Marcus; Jeannie Ranglas; His Excellency Ioannis Andreades, Consul General of Greece in San Francisco.

Rita Semel, Chair of the San Francisco Interfaith Council; Monsignor John Talesfore from St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco; Fanis Economidis.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee; Cynthia Economidis; Fanis Economidis.

Master of Ceremonies Jenni Pulos (third from left) with her sister, Diakonissa Krisann Kontaxis; mother Alice Pulos; and husband, Dr. Jonathan Nassos.

His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas of the Dardanelles; Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi; His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.

Angelo Tsakopoulos, Nancy Pelosi, Tony Thomopoulos.

All photos by Drew Altizer Photography.

Mario Frangoulis To Perform Benefit Concert For Public Television

2013-03-18T23:24:56+00:00

Renowned international singer Mario Frangoulis will be performing at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. in a benefit concert for KVCR public television. This is the first of a series of concerts offered by public television stations throughout the United States in support of Frangoulis’ new public television program “Mario Frangoulis Live with the Boston Pops”.

Frangoulis is a classically trained tenor who grew up in Athens where his musical talent was evident from a young age. He began performing in musicals and concerts at the age of 11, and had featured roles in Cabaret and West Side Story as a young teenager. During this same time, Frangoulis studied violin for eleven years at the Athens Conservatory from where he graduated in 1984. His talent rewarded him with the Onassis Scholarship which allowed him to continue his studies at the Juilliard School of Music. His career has continued to flourish for the past two decades, including performing at Covent Garden, Palace Theatre, Royal Albert Music Hall, and working with such distinguished individuals including Placido Domingo, Montserrat Caballé, Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber, Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hatzidakis, and Alkistis Protopsalti. He was recognized as the Best Male Crossover Artist in 2011.

Frangoulis will be joined by the young and talented George Perris, a singer of French and Greek descent. His creativity, lyrical voice, and his passion for both performance and composition make his talent especially unique and he will be a wonderful addition to this concert.

The Greek Orthodox community in southern California is encouraged to attend this event and show their support of both these talented artists, celebrate their deep ties to our Hellenic heritage and their ongoing commitment to promoting excellence in musical performance. In addition, the role of public television in this country is vital for ongoing educational and cultural programming, thus your support of KVCR will make ongoing events like this accessible to the greater community, bringing heightened visibility to the arts.

For more information, please visit www.kvcr.org or www.mariofrangoulis.com.

Download the Flyer

Bay Area Sunday of Orthodoxy 2013

2013-03-16T00:22:12+00:00

Please Join Us for an Evening of Prayer, Fellowship and Discussion in the Spirit of the Sunday of Orthodoxy! See here for details.

San Francisco Clergy-Laity Assembly Introduces Metropolis Strategic Plan

2013-03-16T00:14:49+00:00

The 2013 Clergy-Laity Assembly for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco was held on February 25 – 26 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. Nearly 170 clergy and lay delegates from through the Metropolis were in attendance and enthusiastically participated in two days of discussions and deliberations for the growth and advancement of the Metropolis.

The theme for this year’s Assembly was “I know that whatever God does endures forever” (Ecclesiastes 3:14). During his keynote address, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos challenged the parishes to “continually look to God to lead us, to nurture us, to challenge us to inspire us, and to fill us with His Holy Spirit.” Metropolitan Gerasimos also related this passage from the Old Testament to the current focus of developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide the efforts of the Metropolis. His Eminence concluded his keynote address by saying, “Let us use this brief time together to work together as the clergy and the laity of this Metropolis to lay out our plans and then offer them to the Most High God, invite His guidance and His Spirit upon them and us so that as co-workers with God, we may build up His Church, which will endure forever.”

This year’s featured guest speaker was Mr. Bill Marianes, who has been leading the Metropolis Strategic Planning efforts for the past eight months. A committee comprised of 50 clergy and laity representing the broad geography of the Metropolis has gathered for two different retreats, and maintained close communication through email and teleconferences during the planning process since the summer of 2012. Bill presented the fruits of the intensive work of this committee, sharing with the Assembly the SWEEPing vision of the Strategic Plan:

We will grow the Orthodox Christian Church in the  Western United States through Christ-centered:

Stewardship
Worship
Education
Evangelism
Philanthropic outreach

Each of the eleven Strategic Task Forces has been working on their respective action plans, and the Assembly listened attentively to a summary presentation on their work, and had the opportunity to provide valuable feedback prior to the drafting of the final plan which will be completed by the summer of 2013. The work of the Task Forces is focusing on: Education, Liturgical Life, Mission and Evangelism, Philanthropic Outreach, Stewardship, Youth, Communications, Finance, Metropolis Organization and Development, Parish Organization and Development, and Specialized Ministries/Wellness.

Following the deliberations of the Assembly, the delegates joined in prayer and celebration at the groundbreaking for the Alex and Faye Spanos Faith and Heritage Center which will be built later this year at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. This new facility will include conference and meeting space, administrative offices, the Metropolitan Anthony Gallery, the Saint Photini Chapel, the Elios Gallery, and a room dedicated to the work of Philoptochos. Mrs. Faye Spanos attended the groundbreaking ceremony, accompanied by Natalia Orfanos, Director of Public Relations for the AG Spanos Companies.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos leads the Opening Prayer Service for the Clergy-Laity Assembly, assisted by Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, Chancellor. (photo by Kristen Bruskas)

Bill Marianes presents an overview of the Metropolis Strategic Plan to the Assembly. (Photo by Kristen Bruskas)

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos leads the clergy and faithful in an eight-year memorial service at the grave of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory. (Photo by Cliff Argue)

Mrs. Faye Spanos breaks ground for the Alex and Faye Spanos Faith and Heritage center, assisted by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. (Photo by Kristen Bruskas)

Schedule For Metropolitan Gerasimos March 15 – 25, 2013

2013-03-15T20:24:21+00:00

Friday, March 15, 2013
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco, CA
Greece: Crisis and Necessary Structural Reforms
Presentation by Professor Nicholas Economides and Dr. Alex Papalexopoulos
6:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 17, 2013
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – San Jose, CA
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Two-Year memorial for Fr. John Asimacopoulos

Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church – Belmont, CA
2:00 p.m. Greek Independence Day Program

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco, CA
6:00 p.m. Vespers Service of Forgiveness

Monday, March 18, 2013
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco, CA
4:00 p.m. Service of the Great Compline

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church – Castro Valley, CA
6:30 p.m. Service of the Ninth Hour and Presanctified Liturgy

Friday, March 22, 2013
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco, CA
7:00 p.m. First Salutations to the Theotokos
GOYA Family Night

Saturday, March 23, 2013
Pan-Orthodox Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers
Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church – San Francisco, CA
5:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 24, 2013
Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Oakland, CA
Sunday of Orthodoxy
8:45 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Procession of Icons

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco, CA
7:00 p.m. Great Vespers for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary

Monday, March 25, 2013
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco, CA
Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary
9:00 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

4:00 p.m. Flag Raising in Honor of Greek Independence Day
San Jose City Hall

Encyclical for Great Lent 2013

2013-03-14T16:13:57+00:00

Dearly Beloved,

Great Lent is upon us once again. Our annual journey to the empty tomb of Christ has begun. This year, because of the late date for Pascha, the season may be more difficult. Spring is upon us and our minds will turn to plenty of other activities; our fellow Christians will have celebrated Easter even as we are still just entering the Great Fast. While we cannot expect society to understand our dedication to our ascetic disciplines, or to understand why we celebrate Pascha so late this year, this should not deter us from making every effort to observe the Fast, to attend the divine services, to partake in the educational offerings of our parishes, and to devote more personal time to prayer and to philanthropy.

This year I encourage you to accept the discipline of Lent with the depth of faith that they are intended to foster. We often treat the ascetic disciplines of Great Lent as if they were religious New Year’s resolutions, saying, “This year I will fast more strictly or attend more church services.” Like January 1st, we observe the resolution with great enthusiasm for a few days, but then we fall back into the usual routines. This is because piety alone is not enough for spiritual fulfillment, but rather, piety combined with good works. A hymn for the first week of Great Lent offers us the approach that we should have: “Let us begin, O people, the pure fast that is our soul’s salvation. Let us serve the Lord with fear; let us anoint our heads with the oil of alms giving and let us wash our faces in the waters of purity; let us not use vain repetitions in our prayers but as we have been taught, so let us cry: Our Father, who art in heaven, forgive us our trespasses in Your love for mankind.” (Apostichon, Tuesday Matins).

Notice how the hymn connects our spiritual life with our daily life. Ascetic disciplines are to be connected to our daily lives and to the world around us. When we reflect on our lives, when we look to the dysfunctions in our families and in our society, we cannot expect that lighting a few more candles or abstaining from certain foods on their own make a difference. The hymn calls us to combine inward piety with outward actions directed toward our neighbor.

Our religious practices are meant to lead us to better relationships with God, with ourselves, with our community, and with the world around us. The two must go together. Our Lenten goal should be to light a candle for our families and then work to reconcile any broken relationships in them. Our Lenten goal should be to participate in the Sacrament of Confession and then work to bring health and wholeness to our lives. Our Lenten goal should be to offer a prayer for the sick and the suffering in our communities and then volunteer our time to visit them. Our Lenten goal should be to abstain from certain foods and then offer a charitable gift to a homeless shelter or food pantry for those who live in poverty.

This combination of inward piety and outward acts has always been a struggle. Society encourages us to avoid what is hard; instead we continually send messages that everything can be easy. This can affect even our religious lives. Inward pious actions are often easier. Working to heal relationships, to care for the outcast, to give generously to charity is always harder. Combining them is the hardest of all. Yet, when we struggle – and askesis means struggle – we open ourselves to meeting Christ, in our prayer, in our service to our neighbor. And this is the purpose of Great Lent, a Holy Season that is upon us: meeting Christ, journeying with Him to Jerusalem, listening to His teachings, sitting at the table in the Upper Room, seeing Him betrayed, rejected, buffeted, crucified and buried; and finally witnessing for ourselves the empty tomb and the joy of His Resurrection.

Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, may His Mercy and Grace guide you to experience a most fruitful and meaningful Great Lent!

With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco

Hope for the Caregiver

2013-03-13T17:08:46+00:00

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Proverbs 13:12

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, in cooperation with the Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care, is presenting a one-day retreat for Orthodox Christian healthcare workers entitled, “Hope for the Caregiver”. This workshop will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, California. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the Service of Great Vespers will follow the conclusion of the retreat.

The keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas, Coordinator of the Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care. Fr. Kofinas received his theological training at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA, and his Doctorate of Ministry and in Clinical Psychotherapy and Psychiatric Pastoral Care at Andover Newton Theological School.

Other featured speakers include: His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America; Dr. Tania Spirtos, Gynecologist and Clinical Faculty at Stanford University School of Medicine; and Kristen Azar, RN, MSN/MPH who is a Nurse Researcher at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute.

One of the main tasks of the caregivers is to provide a sense of hope to the sufferer. One of the difficulties in caregiving is to maintain a sense of hope for one’s self. This retreat is an opportunity for Orthodox Christian health caregivers to reflect on hope, its meaning, the difficulties in maintaining it, instilling it in others, and discovering ways in enriching it. This event will provide the opportunity for Orthodox Christian healthcare providers to come together and form a bond of fellowship.

While this retreat is open to anyone desiring to attend, it is especially relevant for doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, and people whose role is to provide direct support of patients in their care and treatment. This is the first such retreat that is being organized by a Metropolis in cooperation with the Patriarchal Network. The Patriarchal Network hopes that such events will be organized by other Metropolises in the future.

So that proper arrangements can be made for both materials and meals, please submit your registration by Friday, March 22, 2013. For further information and assistance, please contact the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, 650-591-4447.

Download the Registration Packet

Greece: Crisis And Necessary Structural Reforms

2013-03-10T11:22:57+00:00

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco and the Annunciation Cathedral invite you to a presentation and town hall meeting “Greece: Crisis and Necessary Structural Reforms”. This event will be held on Friday, March 15, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in Korinthias Hall at the Annunciation Cathedral, 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco. The featured presenters will be Professor Nicholas Economides and Dr. Alex Papalexopoulos. They will address such questions as: how did Greece get to bankruptcy and social crisis; what reforms are necessary; and what does the future hold. The event is free of charge and will be followed by a complimentary reception.

Professor Economidis is Professor of Economics at Stern School of Business, NYU, and Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley. His fields of specialization and research include the economics of networks, financial markets and payment systems, law and economics. He has advised or is currently advising the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the government of Greece. The Economist ranked his web site on the economics of networks as fourth in the world in economics.

Dr. Papalexopoulos is a renowned energy market expert and CEO and founder of ECCO International. Alex has designed some of the most complex energy markets in the world including North and South America, Western and Eastern Europe and Asia. He has advised many governments on energy issues, including Greece. He is the 1992 recipient of PG&E’s Wall of Fame Award and a Fellow of the International of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Society. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

So that proper arrangements can be made for materials and refreshments, please RSVP your attendance to the Annunciation Cathedral, 415-864-8000.

Download the Event Flyer

FDF 2013 Filled With Inspiration

2013-02-27T00:27:32+00:00

“Inspire” was the theme for the 37th Annual Folk Dance Festival (FDF) which was held February 14 – 17, 2013 in Anaheim, California. Over 3,000 people attended FDF as dancers, singers and spectators who were overwhelmed with the level of professionalism, authenticity and creativity presented by 95 dance and choral groups, including the Neolea Dance Group from Sao Paolo, Brazil, and the George Alexandrakis Dance Studio from Cyprus. Joining His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco were His Eminence Metropolitan Tarasios of Buenos Aires and His Grace Bishop Anthimos of Olympos.

Following the traditional parade of dance groups at Opening Ceremonies was the Agiasmos Service, led by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. To emphasize the theme “Inspire” the FDF audience welcomed Matthew Stutzman, a motivational speaker and inspirational athlete known as the “armless archer”. Matt was born with no arms, and has learned to excel in many different activities including playing the guitar, working on cars, driving and archery. He won the silver medal in Archery representing the United States at the Paralympic Games in London in 2012. At the conclusion of the Opening Ceremonies, a special video message was offered to the FDF participants by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. His All Holiness’ message offered hope and encouragement for our youth, emphasizing the faith and fellowship shared by Orthodox Christians, and the important ties of our ancestral lineage.

Friday and Saturday were filled with dance competition, with groups performing dance suites from many different regions and islands in Greece. The elaborate dances, traditional songs and costumes inspired thunderous applause, cheers of jubilation and well-deserved praise for the perseverance of these groups to have achieved such a level of perfection in their performances.

The Choral Competition on Friday afternoon was another inspiring aspect of the weekend, with ten groups competing. Their performances featured traditional folk music, choral Liturgical music and Byzantine chant. This year’s choral competition included first time competitors from Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Honolulu, Hawaii and Prophet Elias Church in San Bernardino, California. A special choral group, the “Papadopaidia” was comprised of the children of the Metropolis priests and presvyteres, and they offered an uplifting performance of intricate chant and beautiful melodic singing.

For the third consecutive year, Friday night at FDF featured “Greeks Got Talent” and there was plenty of talent on display. The performers filled the room with their songs and instrumental performances, inspiring the crowd who voted for their favorite act. The winners were the Stavros Brothers from the Assumption Church in Long Beach, California who comprised a three-piece band of keyboard, drums, guitar and vocals. Upon winning first place, including a $500 cash prize and tickets to Disneyland, the boys announced they would take their winnings and donate it back to the FDF ministry, which in turn offered it to the group from Sao Paolo, Brazil. This was a true demonstration of Orthodox Christian stewardship.

Saturday afternoon featured 14 young groups participating in the non-competitive Division III exhibition. Many of these children, generally under the age of 6, are attending FDF for the first time, and took to the stage with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos leading them in a traditional Kalamatiano.

The Sunday Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Tarasios of Buenos Aires. Members of area youth choirs sang the hymns and responses for the Liturgy, while students from Hellenic College/Holy Cross served as chanters for the Orthros and Liturgy.

His Eminence Metropolitan Tarasios offered an inspiring homily where he addressed important points such as, “how can we make the Orthodox Church – our faith – the center of our lives?” He also challenged the youth to “put in the same time and energy as they give to dance and give your heart and soul to Christ and to the Church.”

The Advanced Senior Competition is the most popular of the weekend. Nine groups participated in this division, and their skill and expertise would rival the best dance groups in the world. The capacity crowd cheered enthusiastically for each group, and the judges certainly had a difficult decision in determining the winners, not just for this group, but for the entire weekend.

The Awards Ceremony brought everyone together for one last evening of Faith, Dance and Fellowship. In addition to the dance and choral awards, two other special awards were presented: the Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award was given to Dr. James and Virginia Kallins; and the Elios Award was presented to Phil Economopoulos.

The Choral Sweepstakes Awards were given to: Aloha (Division II) from Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Honolulu, Hawaii; and Papadopaidia (Division I) comprised the “PK’s” (priest’s kids) from the Metropolis of San Francisco. The Dance Sweepstakes Awards were given to: Sinefakia (Division II) from Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA; and the Olympians (Division I) from Assumption Church in Long Beach, CA.

FDF continues to be a leading youth ministry, not just for the Metropolis of San Francisco, but for the Archdiocese. The success of this annual gathering, now 37 years strong, is a testimony to its strength, vision, and the desire of our youth to not only come together in a positive environment as Orthodox Christians, but to celebrate our cultural heritage and preserve our ancestral lineage.

Faith, Dance, Fellowship. An inspirational weekend!

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos blesses the FDF faithful at the Agiasmos Service during Opening Ceremonies.

The Neolea Dance Group from Sao Paolo, Brazil.

The St. Spyridon Youth Choir from San Diego, California.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos with the young Division III dancers.

“Spitha” from Saint Anthony in Pasadena, CA perform their final round of dances.

Greek Letters Day Celebration With Metropolitan Gerasimos In San Jose, California

2013-02-16T00:02:22+00:00

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco the Metropolis Hellenic Education and Culture Committee (HECC) organized the second annual Greek Letters Day Celebration in honor of the Feast of the Three Hierarchs – Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian and Saint John Chrysostom. This event was held on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose, California.

The day began in prayer with the Hierarchical Divine Litugy celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, as well as an Artoklasia Service at the conclusion of the Liturgy. His Eminence prayed for the founders and the current and former teachers, students and administrators of the Greek language schools in the Metropoplis of San Francisco and extended his blessings to all those that support and serve the schools.

A luncheon was held following the Liturgy, with the parish hall being decorated with artwork provided by the Greek school students from the Annunciation Church (Sacramento, CA); Holy Cross Church (Belmont, CA); and Saint Nicholas Church (San Jose, CA). Mrs. Theodora Kounalakis, chair of HECC, adressed the audience, welcoming them to this annual event, and congratulating everyone on their outstanding participation.

Students from the area Greek schools captivated the audience with their poems, essays and artwork, demonstrating their proficiency in the Greek language, and their knowledge, understanding and appreciation for the Hellenic culture. Two guest speakers were featured, and their presentations were enriching to those in attendance. Dr Leonidas Petrakis delivered a speech on the subject “The Three Hierarchs: Conjunction of Hellenism and Christianity” and Mrs. Demetra Rassia-Andreades, wife of San Francisco Consul General His Excellency Ioannis Andreades, addressed the topic: “Οι Τρεις Ιεράρχες και οι Διαχρονικές τους Απόψεις για την Παιδεία” (The Three Hierarchs and their timeless opinions on education).

A special PowerPoint presentation was prepared by Maria Pantsakis from Holy Cross in Belmont which featured photographs of the 150 students that participated in the writing and drawing contests, along with displays of the essays from the nearly thirty students from the Bay Area Greek Schools and the Saint Sophia Hellenic Academy of Los Angeles that participated in the writing contest on the subject “Τα ελληνικά στην ζωή μου” (“The greek language in my life”). First prize went to Marina Andreadis from Holy Cross in Belmont, second prize was given to Alexandra Panagiotopoulos from Holy Cross in Belmont, and third prize was presented to Stavroula Demertzis from Saint Nicholas in San Jose.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos leads the faithful in prayer at Saint Nicholas in San Jose, CA, for the celebration of the Feast of the Three Hierarchs.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and the Hellenic Education and Culture Committee of the Metropolis, along with instructors from several Greek schools in northern California.

Artwork prepared by a student in celebration of the Feast of the Three Hierarchs.

Registration Deadline Approaches For Clergy-laity Assembly

2013-02-10T12:27:01+00:00

IMPORTANT NOTE: Online registration will close this Friday, February 15. Please visit sanfran.goarch.org/CLA to register today!

“I know that whatever God does endures forever…”
Ecclesiastes 3:14

Once again the clergy and lay leaders of the Metropolis of San Francisco will have the opportunity to come together at the 2013 Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly to be held on February 25 – 26, 2013 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. This annual gathering provides a forum for the leadership of all our communities to deliberate on important matters for our Metropolis and engage in dialogue and fellowship to enrich our common ministry. The Assembly will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 25 and will conclude by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26.

The theme for this year’s Clergy-Laity Assembly, “I know that whatever God does endures forever…” (Ecclesiastes 3:14) reinforces the current and important work of our Metropolis pertaining to the development of our Strategic Plan. All our work in the name of God is for His glory and is everlasting in His honor. A designated and enthusiastic group of 50 clergy and lay leaders from throughout the Metropolis have been working diligently since July 2012 to develop a Strategic Plan that clearly articulates our mission, vision, and core values, while identifying the major Strategic Task Forces necessary to elevate the work of our Metropolis and involve more people in our important work as the Body of Christ. We have been blessed by the dynamic leadership of Mr. Bill Marianes who has been facilitating this process. Bill will be with us at the Clergy-Laity Assembly as our featured speaker and will present the main elements of the Strategic Plan, seeking input from our delegates as this plan takes its final form in the next few months.

It is important that we have full representation from each of our parishes which includes:

The Parish Priest
The President of the Parish Council, and in his or her absence the Vice President, or in his or her absence any member of the Parish Council designated by it; and
Two members of the Parish elected by the Parish Assembly.

Visit sanfran.goarch.org/CLA for online registration today!

Please plan your schedules accordingly and plan to arrive promptly, coming with an open mind and heart, ready to learn and willing to share.

Falling Asleep of Rev. Fr. Demetrius T. Dogias

2013-02-05T10:44:54+00:00

Demetrius T. Dogias
March 9, 1939 – February 4, 2013

It is with great sadness that the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces the passing of Rev. Fr. Demetrius T. Dogias, who fell asleep in the Lord on February 4, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Father Demetrius was a distinguished priest in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, having been ordained nearly 50 years ago, on March 10, 1963 by His Eminence Metropolitan Germanos Polyzoides in Troy, NY.

“Father Demetrius was a priest whose entire life emulated his love for the Lord. He was fully devoted to his ministry, and joyfully shared his faith with the people he served, always striving to lead them on the path of eternal salvation in the Lord,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “Father Demetrius’ departure from this life leaves a tremendous void for his family, his parishioners and all those whose lives he touched during his ministry. It is my fervent prayer that God will comfort their grieving hearts and grant eternal rest to our most worthy brother in the Lord.”

Father Demetrius was born on March 9, 1939 in Elizabeth, NJ and raised in Poughkeepsie, NY. He was the first of four sons born to Thales and Mary Dogias, originally from Andros, Greece. After completing his elementary and secondary education in Poughkeepsie, Father Demetrius was accepted into the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology in 1963, ranking among the top three in his class. Through the Taylor Scholarship granted by the Archdiocese, Father Demetrius continued his studies at Fordham University in the Bronx, NY earning a Master of Arts degree in Medieval History with an emphasis on Byzantium in 1971.

Among the parishes served by Father Demetrius were: Saint Paul – Hempstead, NY from 1963 – 1965; Saint George – Oklahoma City, OK from 1965 – 1968; Assumption – Danbury, CT from 1968 – 1971; Saints Constantine and Helen – Washington, DC from 1971 – 1974; Saint George – Albuquerque from 1974 – 1981; and the Annunciation – Sacramento, CA from 1981 until his retirement in 2006. He also nurtured the establishment and growth of the nearby parishes of Saint Katherine in Elk Grove, CA and Saint Anna in Roseville, CA. Always with a zeal for serving the Lord, Father Demetrius continued to offer his leadership during his retirement by serving as interim Dean of Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral – Honolulu, HI from 2007 – 2008, and substituting at parishes throughout the Metropolis whenever there was a need.

A noted scholar, researcher and avid reader, Father Demetrius taught numerous classes at the many parishes he served, sharing his love of learning and his passion for the faith with people of all ages. A gifted musician, Father Demetrius excelled in his musical studies as a chanter, and also served as the choir accompanist under the famed choral conductor and composer, Dr. Christos Vrionides during his time at Holy Cross. In each of his parishes, Father Demetrius was especially supportive of the music ministry, encouraging the choir and chanters in their participation in the Liturgical life of the church. During his 26-year tenure at the Annunciation Church in Sacramento, Father Demetrius was at church every Thursday evening, joining in praise and song with the choir at their weekly rehearsals.

Father Demetrius is survived by his beloved wife, Presvytera Eleutheria (Tsakiris) Dogias, with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just one day prior to his passing. He is also survived by his children Amalia Dogias; Tom (Eleni), Maria (Thanasi) Preovolos; and Peter (Dimitra), along with his six adoring grandchildren. Additionally, Father Demetrius is survived by his two brothers, George and Alexander, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, and brother Nicholas.

A Trisagion Service will be prayed at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 7. The Orthros and Divine Liturgy will also be prayed at the Annunciation Church beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 8, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco will officiate at these services. Father Demetrius will lie in state earlier in the day at the Saint Anna Church in Roseville, CA beginning at 2:00 p.m., concluding with a Trisagion at 6:00 p.m.

The family requests that donations in memory of Father Demetrius be made to either the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 3022 F Street, Sacramento, CA 95818; or to the Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 Stone Canyon Drive, Roseville, CA 95661.

May his memory be eternal!

Gala To Celebrate Metropolis Ministries, Honor Extraordinary Leadership Of Theofanis Economidis

2013-02-01T15:09:34+00:00

DO YOU NEED HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE GALA?

We have confirmed our room block with the Ritz Carlton for the upcoming Metropolis Gala to be held on Saturday, March 2. Please contact: 1-877-266-2050 (reference the group name “Greek Orthodox” when making reservations).

On Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco will celebrate its ministries and honor the extraordinary leadership of Theofanis Economidis. Under the guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, the Gala is being led by co-chairs Archon George Marcus, grand benefactor the Church; and Jeannie Ranglas, President of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos. The committee has been working diligently for several months to plan an entertaining and inspiring event which will promote the vision of the Metropolis, and its future growth and development.

“I welcome this opportunity to gather together as a Metropolis in celebrating the work of our ministries and honoring Fanis Economidis for his more than 30 years of distinguished leadership to the Metropolis, Archdiocese and Ecumenical Patriarchate,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “I am grateful to have distinguished people like George Marcus and Jeannie Ranglas share in this vision of our Church in the west coast and offer their talents to plan this inaugural Gala. This will truly be a special evening and will offer valuable insight into the current work of the Metropolis, our plans for growth, and the bright future we have through the commitment, generosity and stewardship of our faithful.”

The evening will be hosted by Bravo! TV star Jenni Pulos and renowned musician Chris Spheeris. A thrilling musical program will be presented by Fr. John Bakas, Dean of the St. Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, a devoted priest and gifted musician; soprano Michele Patzakis with her angelic voice who has performed internationally in the operatic world; and Constantine Pappas, a rising star with his rich baritone voice who is pursuing a career in opera.

Proceeds from the Gala will benefit the development of the broad and diverse ministries of the Metropolis to benefit the more than 150,000 faithful in the western region of the United States. Some examples of the significant work of the Metropolis include:

The world-renowned Folk Dance and Choral Festival is one of the largest gatherings of Greek Orthodox youth in the nation.
Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center provides a gathering place for fellowship, spiritual renewal, cultural enrichment and environmental education for over 35 years.
The Kids ‘n’ Cancer program of the Philoptochos o five camps throughout the Metropolis which support children afflicted with cancer and their families.
Summer Camp has been a vital youth development program for over 30 years positively impacting thousands of children.
The Greek Village Immersion Camp, established in 2010, is the first of its kind in our Archdiocese.
As part of its ongoing commitment to missions and evangelism, the Metropolis has established over 25 new parishes since 1979 to minister to the growing needs of the faithful.
Clergy have been actively engaged in continuing education, including special retreats, regional gatherings, and clergy couples’ wellness programs to strengthen them in their ministries.
The Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry has developed programs including  marriage preparation and enrichment, grief support, parenting and addiction recovery.

The Metropolis Award recipient at the Gala is Theofanis “Fanis” Economidis, a man of stellar character, a tireless steward, and an extraordinary leader who has selflessly given of himself for the betterment of the Church. His wisdom and guidance have been integral to the significant progress of the Metropolis. Fanis has served on the Metropolis Council for over 30 years, including the last 20 years as Vice-President. He oversees the management of Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. As an Archon of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Fanis has been a champion of religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, having represented the Mother Church numerous times at international meetings and conferences. He also serves as a member of the Archon National Council and as the Metropolis Regional Archon Commander. Fanis’ exceptional involvement in the Church includes his current role as a member of the Archdiocesan Council and a member of the Executive Committee of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Fanis co-chaired the Clergy-Laity Congresses for the Archdiocese in 2002 (Los Angeles) and 2012 (Phoenix), resulting in some of the most memorable and successful gatherings for the Archdiocese. Because of his exemplary leadership and accomplishments in service to the Church, Fanis has received numerous awards including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Cross of Axum from the Patriarch of Ethiopia, along with many distinctions from local and national Greek American organizations for his philanthropic accomplishments and commitment to Hellenic ideals. Fanis is a proud member of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose, California. 

Fanis’ extraordinary leadership, dedication and achievement will serve to inspire future honorees for the Metropolis. In recognition of his exemplary service, this award will now be known as the “Theofanis Economidis Award”.

Celebrate the ministries of the Metropolis, honor the accomplishments of an outstanding individual and enjoy a wonderful evening with friends! For more information or tickets call (415) 753-3075.

Download the Press Release
Download the Gala Invitation

Update On Fire At Parish In El Cajon, CA

2013-01-29T01:59:44+00:00

“As the Saint Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church in El Cajon, CA labors to provide for the immediate needs of their parish following an arson fire on Sunday, January 27, 2013, the Metropolis of San Francisco continues to extend its prayers and support for the faithful of this beloved community during these challenging days,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.

Several individuals and parishes have come forth offering their generosity to the Saint Gregory of Nyssa, for which the parish is very grateful. At the request of the parish priest, Fr. Simeon Corona, donations are being coordinated through the Metropolis Office. Contributions should be made payable to: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, Memo: Saint Gregory Fire Relief Fund; 245 Valencia Street; San Francisco, CA 94103. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos will work with Fr. Simeon to distribute the funds for the restoration of their facilities and furnishings so they may continue their ministry to the faithful of El Cajon.

El Cajon Church Damaged By Arson

2013-01-28T11:49:30+00:00

The Saint Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church in El Cajon, CA was the target of arson in the early hours of Sunday, January 27, 2013. The fire originated on the patio area and spread into the attic, causing significant smoke damage to the church and its contents. The church was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were sustained.

A neighbor reported the fire to authorities which took approximately 45 minute to extinguish. The garage on the church premises was quickly converted to a temporary church for this morning’s Divine Liturgy. The damage to the church appears to be primarily structural, but the extent of smoke damage to the iconostasis, Liturgical items, vestments and Liturgical books is not yet known.

“We are grateful to God for keeping free from danger the faithful of Saint Gregory of Nyssa. It is my hope and prayer that the church facilities and furnishings may be restored in the very near future, allowing the congregation to once again convene for worship in their church home,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “The firefighters are to be commended for their swift action, and we are thankful for their safety.”

The parish was established in 1992, and has been at its present location for six years, under the leadership of Rev. Father Simeon Corona. The community has approximately 80 families and uses a renovated house as their current church facilities. The parish is seeking a temporary location for worship until such time the necessary repairs and remediation to the church have been completed.

The police have arrested an individual who was under the care and counseling of the parish priest. He was apprehended and charged with arson, hate crime and burglary. Investigators preliminarily estimate the damage to be at least $250,000.

We urge our priests and communities to contact Fr. Simeon and the leadership of the Saint Gregory of Nyssa to find out their immediate needs to continuing functioning as a parish. As more information becomes available after a more thorough investigation and reports from the insurance company are obtained, the Metropolis will provide follow-up communication with regard to any additional needs of the parish.

Schedule For Metropolitan Gerasimos Jan 25 – Feb 10, 2013

2013-01-25T11:43:42+00:00

Friday, January 25, 2013
7:00 p.m. Annual Crab Feed benefiting Philoptochos Ministries
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco

Saturday, January 26, 2013
1:00 p.m. Annual Vasilopita
Modern Greek Studies Foundation
San Francisco State University

7:00 p.m. Roumeli Society of the Bay Area 31st Annual Dinner
Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Oakland, CA

Sunday, January 27, 2013
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Artoklasia
Celebration of Greek Letters Day
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – San Jose, CA

Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Elios Society Lecture presented by Dr. Peter H. Diamandis
San Francisco, CA

Wednesday, January 30, 2013
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco, CA

Thursday, January 31, 2013
Welcome luncheon at the Metropolis House in honor of
His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone
of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco

Friday, February 1, 2013
8:00 p.m. Cappella Romana Concert
From Constantinople to California
Stanford University – Bing Hall

Saturday, February 2, 2013
Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco, CA
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, February 5 – 6, 2013
Synaxis of Hierarchs
Laguna Niguel, CA

Thursday, February 7 – Saturday, February 9, 2013
22nd Annual Leadership 100 Conference
Laguna Niguel, CA

Sunday, February 10, 2013
8:45 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Hellenic American Professional Society (HAPS) Luncheon
Featuring guest speaker Dr. Linda Katehi, Chancellor – UC Davis
Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Oakland, CA

Metropolis To Sponsor Greek Letters Day Celebration

2013-01-15T17:10:48+00:00

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos invites you to attend the Greek Letters Day Celebration presented by the Hellenic Education and Culture Committee of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. This event will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 986 Chapman Street in San Jose, California. The celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Artoklasia.

Following the services, a luncheon will be offered featuring special guest speakers, as well as the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita. In addition, students from the Bay Area Greek Language Schools have been invited to participate in a writing contest, with awards being given for the best story or poem. These awards will also be presented at the Greek Letters Day Celebration in honor of the Feast of the Three Hierarchs – Saint Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian, and Saint John Chrysostom – and their tremendous contributions as teachers, writers and theologians for our Orthodox faith.

Please RSVP your attendance by contacting the Metropolis (metropolis@sanfran.goarch.org or 415-753-3075).

Download the Announcement

Confessing the Creed

2013-01-02T03:06:55+00:00

Do you know what you believe? Every Sunday, millions of Orthodox Christians around the world recite the Creed. When we say the Creed, do we realize what a remarkable thing it is that we’re doing? Do we realize how different this makes us from the world around us? In a society that celebrates individuality above all else we are doing something together as a community; in an age where the avoidance of commitment has been elevated to a virtue, we are pledging ourselves to a very specific set of convictions and to one another; in a culture that celebrates novelty, we are using words written long ago; in a throwaway, consumerist world we preserve the tradition of the “faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) for nearly two millennia; in a society where the accepted wisdom changes from minute to minute, we insist that some truths are so critical that they do not change and must be repeated over and over again. Reciting the Creed during the Liturgy is a counter cultural act and goes against the grain of many of the values espoused by contemporary American culture.

The Creed, which is also called the Symbol of Faith, is a brief summary of the essentials of the Christian faith written in the 4th century at the first two ecumenical councils: the Council of Nicea in 325AD and the First Council of Constantinople in 381AD. These councils, attended by bishops from all over the ancient Roman world, were called to clarify the Christian teaching about God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. In the ancient world – like today – many individuals and groups who claimed to be Christian - but were not - taught things about the Lord Jesus at odds with the authentic Christian faith.

The Creed is a summary of how we as Christians view God, the world and ourselves. It is, in fact, a very specific view of the world, a worldview that constitutes the lens through which we are to see everything and the structure by which we frame our thoughts, experiences and ideas. What we believe about the relationship between God and humanity, sin, redemption and forgiveness, good and evil, heaven and hell, as well as our responsibilities in this life, will affect what we do and determine how we live. For an Orthodox Christian to simply say the Creed by rote, without understanding what these words imply for our lives, is to stumble through life as if blindfolded, unable to see reality as it truly is. When we say “I believe” we are affirming that we see things as they really are and that we have a personal responsibility to live the vision contained in the words of the Creed. In the end, we are what we believe.

We believe that our God is the one God revealed in the book of Genesis as the utterly transcendent creator of everything, both visible and invisible – from whales and stars to mountains and grasshoppers, from photons and quarks to black holes and angelic hosts – and that in Jesus Christ we are able to address Him with intimacy as our Father. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah awaited by ancient Israel, the only-begotten and unique Son of God, of the same essence as the Father, being fully divine; and yet, in taking flesh from the Virgin Mary, becoming fully human. We believe that in the Word of God becoming human and being crucified for our salvation, we have been set free from sin; and in His rising from the dead, death has been conquered by God and the possibility of eternal life in His kingdom “that will have no end” is now open to us. We believe that the Holy Spirit is also divine and proceeds only from the Father and is to be worshipped by us together with the Father and the Son. We believe in the Church, the community of believers that the apostle Paul says is the Body of Christ and which the Creed describes as one, holy, catholic and apostolic – as possessing the fullness of faith and open to all; as being rooted in the teaching of the apostles and sent out into the world to proclaim the truth of God’s love for the human race. We believe in the necessity of the sacrament of baptism for the forgiveness of our sins and to fully participate in the death and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3-11). We believe that Christ will come once again and that the entire human race – both those who are alive and those who are dead – will be under His judgment for how they have lived (Matthew 25:31-46 and Romans 2:6). We look forward to that day when Christ will return in glory and we eagerly await the resurrection of all the dead, and the life of the age to come, that time “which no eye has seen nor ear heard, nor has the human mind even conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

If we live with this faith as the prism through which we view the world and our lives, we shall become what God has called us to be: His saints, a chosen and holy people and a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) that offers His love and the gift of immortality to a fallen world wrapped in evil and death.

Falling Asleep of Rev. Fr. E. Anthony Tomaras

2012-12-26T06:05:11+00:00

December 11, 1926 - December 25, 2012

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces with sadness the passing of Rev. Father Anthony Tomaras of Gig Harbor, WA, who fell asleep in the Lord at the age of 86 on December 25, 2012. Father Anthony passed from this world peacefully during the morning hours while Divine Liturgy was being celebrated for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, at his nearby beloved parish of Saint Nicholas in Tacoma, WA.

“Father Anthony was a strong man of deep faith, love for his family, and unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ. Though in his later years Father Anthony’s physical vision would become limited, he served Christ and His Church with great vision during his ministry and sought to bring people closer to the fullness and knowledge of the faith through his selfless service,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.

Born Euripides Demetrios Tomaras on December 11, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, he was active at Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, serving as an altar boy with Father Athenagoras Kokkinakis. He attended Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Pomfret, Connecticut, and continued his studies at the University of Athens where he graduated in 1958 with a Master’s Degree in Systematic Theology. Upon his ordination, he took his father’s name and would continue his ministry as Father E. Anthony Tomaras.  Following his ordination, Father Anthony served as the Assistant Priest of the Ascension Cathedral in Oakland, CA for 18 months, then served as priest at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Tacoma, WA from 1960 – 1979. Father Anthony also served as Director of the Northwest Orthodox Foundation from 1979 – 1990, overseeing the development of the All Saint Center on Raft Island, WA. During his ministry at the All Saints Center, Father Anthony also served as the interim priest at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Bellingham, WA. He also founded the Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Mission parish in Pasco, WA, where he served twice monthly from 1979 – 2000. Father Anthony once estimated that during his time serving the faithful of Saint Nectarios that he traveled over 350,000 miles driving across the state of Washington. Upon the establishment of the Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner in Goldendale, WA, Father Anthony also served the first Divine Liturgy when this new monastic community was founded in 1995.

Father Anthony is now reunited with his beloved Presvytera Sophronia, who preceded him in death in 2007. After her passing, he was once quoted as saying “we did everything together”, and her absence from his life left a void in his heart. In 2011, Father Anthony made a donation to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) in memory of Presvytera Sophronia to build a school in Lodwar, Kenya to include six classrooms for 30 students each, administrative facilities, and an area for religious services. This academy will provide an Orthodox-focused education and will be under the auspices of the local Orthodox church and clergy.

Father Anthony is survived by his son, Charles Anthony Tomaras of Seattle, WA; and Presvytera Irene Supica (Father Stephen) of Spokane, WA. He is also survived by two granddaughters: Sophronia and Elizabeth Supica.

The Trisagion Service will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. presided by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. On Thursday, January 3, Orthros will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by Divine Liturgy at 8:30 a.m. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Makaria. All services and the Makaria will be held at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1523 S. Yakima Avenue, Tacoma, WA. Interment will be held at the Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery in Seattle, WA.

May his memory be eternal!

Download the Announcement

Falling Asleep of Rev. Father James Diavatis

2012-12-24T14:10:17+00:00

August 8, 1936 – December 23, 2012

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco with sadness announces the passing of Rev. Fr. James Diavatis, from Yorba Linda, California. Father James served the parish of Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim, California from August 1, 1979 until his retirement on December 31, 2010. Father James also served the parish of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Waterbury, Connecticut from the time of his ordination in 1961 until he relocated to California in 1979.

“Father James was a devoted servant of the Lord whose nearly 50 years of active ministry was marked with a deep commitment to Jesus Christ and preaching His Gospel with love and determination. Over 30 years of his service in the Lord’s Vineyard was to the faithful of Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim, California. I know that this community especially mourns the passing of their beloved priest who lovingly cared for their spiritual needs and was their pastor, mentor and friend,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to Presvytera Helen and their children, Sperry (Spyridon), Stasi (Anastasios), and Joanna, seeking the Lord’s comfort upon their grieving hearts.”

Father James was a 1961 graduate of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He also earned two post-graduate degrees: a Masters of Sacred Theology from the Yale Divinity School, and a Masters of Religious Studies from the Hartford Seminary.

Father James was also known for his love of gardening, photography and fishing. He grew award-winning chrysanthemums, and took great care in cultivating beautiful flowers for the enjoyment and appreciation of others.

The Trisagion will be held on Wednesday, December 26 at 6:30 p.m. officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos at the Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 405 N. Dale Street, Anaheim, California. The funeral and burial will be on Friday, December 28 at 2:00 p.m. at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring in Dunlap, California. All clergy are invited and encouraged to attend both services and join in prayer for the repose of the soul of the Lord’s servant, Father James.

May his memory be eternal!

Download the Announcement

Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch 2013

2012-12-21T23:14:10+00:00

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is proud to announce the 33rd year of its Summer Camping Program at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. Starting this year the organization of this program has been brought under the auspices of the Metropolis Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. In order to continue to grow this ministry as much as possible, the Metropolis has established a Summer Camp Board of Directors and Management Team. Together they have already begun working and implementing new and exciting ideas for the 2013 camp program.

The theme for camp will be the directive of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to his disciples in John 13:34 – 35 to “Love One Another”.

The dates for the Metropolis Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch in 2013 are:

Counselor Orientation: July 2 – 6

Session I: July 7 – 13

Session II: July 14 – 20

Session III: July 21 – 27

Session IV: July 28 – August 3

This coming year the Camp Director will be Mr. Paul Gikas, Director of the Metropolis Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. The Program Director will be Mr. Jacob Saylor, Youth Director of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco, CA. Together, Paul and Jacob will be leading the group effort for a fun, faith-filled and memorable camp experience for youth and teens.

Staff Applications will be made available next week to be completed by January 31, 2013. Camper Registration will open on March 1, 2013.

For questions or additional information please contact Paul Gikas, Director, Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, 415-814-1186, pgikas@sanfran.goarch.org.

Igniting the Flame of True Orthodox Christian Stewardship

2012-12-20T00:05:24+00:00

You’re invited to attend a dynamic stewardship presentation on:

Sunday, January 13, 2013
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Seminar

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
986 Chapman Street
San Jose, CA 95126

Call 408-246-2770 to RSVP your attendance by January 7, 2013.

A Parish that practices true Orthodox Christian Stewardship is truly on fire and can achieve the unimaginable as it emulates the kingdom of God. It is the challenge of every Parish council, stewardship committee, ministry leaders and Priest to ensure that each Parish practices true stewardship and affords every parishioner the opportunity to maximize his or her commitment of time, talent and treasures to God’s work. The question is how best to implement a truly successful stewardship program?

Members of the National Stewardship Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America have created a unique and inspirational educational experience to help the Parish counsels, stewardship committees, ministry leaders and Priests implement a highly successful and new approach to stewardship. This program is a high energy, very entertaining and interactive four-hour program that includes ample time for very specific questions and answers tailored to the unique needs of each Parish. Participants will learn what true stewardship is and how to organize your Parish to maximize results through implementing 3 critical stewardship principles, 2 dynamic stewardship tactics and 3 effective communications strategies. It includes a 9-step process to re-organize and re-energize your Parish and its stewardship ministry. This training includes a comprehensive and detailed roadmap for a new Parish organizational paradigm that will allow you to organize the most effective Parish and its stewardship ministry.

The experienced facilitator is Bill Marianes of the National Stewardship Ministries and Archdiocese Council. This successful program was piloted in the Metropolis of Atlanta and then rolled out to rave reviews at the Archdiocese Clergy-Laity Congresses in Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA and Phoenix, AZ. Bill has traveled over 75,000 miles throughout the country energizing communities with this highly effective and spiritually based Christian stewardship approach that can substantially improve a Parish’s results. The conventional wisdom is that “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” Many Parishes have realized a degree of insanity with their unsuccessful or stagnant stewardship programs. This new stewardship paradigm will help break the chains that bind us to less effective (or ineffective) stewardship and organizational practices and will help create an environment that maximizes the results your community experiences.

To receive the most from this dynamic stewardship program, all members of the Parish council, stewardship committee, other ministry leaders and Priests of a Parish should attend so that they can all understand how to reorganize the local Parish and stewardship program to maximize its effectiveness. Please make every effort to attend this exciting and very entertaining program that will help you take your Parish to new levels of stewardship effectiveness as you learn how to ignite the flame of stewardship in your community as a part of our greater calling to serve God and His Holy Greek Orthodox Church.

“Much is required from the person to whom much is given;
much more is required from the person to whom much more is given.”
Luke 12:48

Save the Date! Inaugural Metropolis Gala

2012-12-19T03:31:04+00:00

Christmas Encyclical 2012

2012-12-18T00:07:19+00:00

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
Isaiah 9:2

Dearly Beloved,

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

The Christmas season is a season of light. We see the decorative lights that brighten the night skies and herald the coming of the light of Christ into the world. The light has returned; the light of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior has shattered the darkness of the world. While natural cycles cause the darkness of winter, the real darkness is human pride, cynicism, and isolation which tear apart our relations with God, our neighbor and the world around us. The Nativity of Christ penetrates this darkness in the most unlikely of ways, the birth of a child. We expect God to act dramatically and with might to correct our world, to put things right. In the Church we often sing, “Who is so great a God as our God? He alone does wonders.” But not at Christmas, because in His Nativity, Jesus Christ enters the world in humility and poverty, almost unnoticed, except for a great light that draws attention. As a hymn of Vespers for Christmas says, “When the Lord Jesus was born of the Holy Virgin, all the world was enlightened. The shepherds watched in the fields, the Magi adored and the angels praised in song.”

Most likely you will mark the coming of the light by decorating your Christmas tree with lights, placing lights in your home, or placing candles in your windows. Each one of these actions remind all who see them that yours is a Christian home and you have important news to proclaim: Christ is Born! and the world glorifies the Sun of Righteousness! The light has come into the world and his name is Jesus born of the virgin. Like the angles in the Gospels we will go to our churches and sing the doxology, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace among men” Luke 2:14.

Beloved brothers and sisters, do not let the darkness of our age overpower you. It is easy to be cynical and bitter at this time. The news is filled with ongoing war, financial disasters, endless political gridlock and widespread crime. But because we are Christians we know that God is with us. The Almighty God kept His promise to send a Savior of His people. Christ Jesus is Born. He is Emmanuel; He has entered our world and never left us. We are not alone. We know this in our hearts and we experience this is our churches, we are hopeful people. We can reflect the light of Christ in our workplaces, among our friends and neighbors, in our communities. We no longer live in darkness, because we have seen the light of Christ. We can overpower the darkness of our time through kindness and respect for all people. We can do this by our willingness to be generous stewards and philanthropists in our churches and in our society supporting the many needs of both.

Parents will, in these days, read storybooks to their children at bedtime. They may attend a Christmas show at a theater. These are wonderful family experiences that will create a lifetime of memories. But do not limit a child’s understanding of Christmas to television specials or sugary spectacles that avoid the real story of Christmas. This year, one night, open the Bible and read the story of Christ’s Birth. Tell your children you have a beautiful story to share with them, one that changed the world and changes lives. Tell them it is a love story, a story of God’s love for all of us.

May the light of the Star of Bethlehem, the light of Christ, illumine your path and shine in your hearts in these Holy Days of Light.

Wit,h Love in Christ the Newborn King,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco