“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

Dearly Beloved,

Today we rejoice because the Lord has set us free. In His Resurrection, death and its hold over mankind has been defeated. As we see in the icon of the Resurrection, Christ lifts Adam and Eve out of their tombs and through them lifts all of us from the bonds of corruption. The doors of Hades have been broken forever and death himself has been bound, rendered powerless before the omnipotent God. As Moses led the Hebrew people from slavery and death in Egypt to life in the Promised Land, Christ has led us from the tyranny of death and corruption into a new reality of life with God. As we hear in the praises of Pascha, “Paradise has been opened for us.”

We have labored throughout our Lenten journey to bring us to this point. We have observed the practices and ascetic disciplines of our Tradition so that we would be prepared physically, intellectually, and spirituality for this moment. We have spent Holy Week sharing in the Passion of the Lord so that we might enter that blessed and empty Tomb and bear witness to the reality that, “He is not here. He is risen” (Matthew 28.5).  To paraphrase St. Epiphanius of Cyprus, the sixth century father of our Church, we have descended with Him so that we may rejoice together.

And so, my beloved sisters and brothers, today, we can put our asceticism aside and celebrate. As we hear in the Paschal homily attributed to St. John Chrysostom, “O rich and poor … dance for joy! O you ascetics and you negligent, celebrate the day! You that have fasted and you that have disregarded the fast, rejoice today! The table is rich-laden; feast royally, all of you! The calf is fatted; let no one go forth hungry!”

Yet, not all are able to feast at the table as we do today. Not all are able to celebrate in freedom. The Christian community in the Middle East and Africa still yearn to be free from persecution, merely for calling themselves Christian. They long to be able to walk through the streets of their cities and share the Good News that Christ is risen and “in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15.22). But out of fear of persecution and martyrdom, the message of the Resurrection must only beat in their hearts. So, for them, let us chant the hymns of Pascha with greater strength and joy, proclaiming “God has put all things under his feet” (1 Corinthians 15.27). For them, let us raise our lit candles high because “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15.554). For them, let us share the Good News with our neighbors.

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

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

Saturday – April 4, 2015
St. John the Baptist - Las Vegas, NV
5:00 p.m. Great Vespers

Palm Sunday – April 5, 2015
St. John the Baptist - Las Vegas, NV
8:45 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
7:00 p.m. Nymphios/Bridegroom Service

Holy Monday – April 6, 2015
St.  Anna Greek Orthodox Church – Roseville, CA
6:00 p.m. Nymphios/Bridegroom Service

Holy Tuesday – April 7, 2015
St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church - Elk Grove, CA
7:00 p.m. Nymphios/Bridegroom Service

Holy Wednesday – April 8, 2015
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church – Sacramento, CA
4:00 p.m. Sacrament of Holy Unction
7:00 p.m. Matins of Holy Thursday with Anointing

Holy Thursday – April 9, 2015
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church- Sacramento, CA
10:00 a.m. Vespers and Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church - San Francisco, CA
7:00 p.m. Holy Passion of our Lord/Twelve Gospels

Holy Friday – April 10, 2015
Annunciation Cathedral - San Francisco, CA
10:00 a.m. Royal Hours
1:00 p.m. Apokathelosis
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church - San Jose, CA
7:00 p.m. Epitaphios

Holy Saturday – April 11, 2015
Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church - San Jose, CA
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil, The First Resurrection
Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Oakland, CA
11:00 p.m. Paschal Vigil and Anastasis

Holy Pascha – April 12, 2015
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church – Belmont, CA
11:30 a.m. Agape Vespers

We were expelled of old, O Lord, from the Garden of Eden, for wrongly eating from the tree. But, O my God and Savior, you once again have restored us through Your Cross and Your Passion. Thereby, 0Master, fortify and enable us purely to finish Lent and to worship Your holy resurrection, Pascha our saving Passover, by the prayers of Your Mother. 
Exapostelarion of the Feast of Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday. As this Holy Week unfolds, I shall be reflecting on the Lenten Season, not only for this year, butfor the past 82 years that have gone before me.  Why has the Lord granted me so many years?   Are there some things Istill must do?   While I await answers, I would like to share with you my hopes for the future of our world:

I have great HOPE in the Resurrection and the promise of life eternal!

I have great HOPE that many marvelous and positive events will yet take place in the world to benefit all ofmankind.

I have great HOPE that we fortunate individuals, who have enough food on our tables every day, will make everyeffort in our own communities to see that no child or elderly ever go to bed hungry. 
  
I have great HOPE that precious safe drinking water is made available to all people in our Third World countries.

I have great HOPE that all of us will clean out our closets of clothing that is not being used and bring it to one of themissions or shelters in our communities to clothe the poor.  

I have great HOPE that in cities and towns people will help develop and establish, with other community leaders, affordable housing for the poor and homeless.

I have great HOPE that not one person who is sick will be denied medical care, and that the ill are always comfortedfrom visits by family or members of their community. 

I have great HOPE that research scientists will find answers to the mysteries of cancer cells, AIDS, diabetes, and all other life-threatening diseases.
    
I have great HOPE that discrimination, bigotry, and intolerance will be replaced with respect, patience andunderstanding.

I have great HOPE that our Orthodox Christian Church will reach back into its vast history and bring forward to ourpresent day and age the ministry of PHILANTHROPIA.

I have great HOPE for peace and goodwill throughout the world among all people.

I have great HOPE that we can learn to forgive and love one another as God first loved us.

I have great HOPE that all of us will find it in our hearts the desire to implement just one of the above!

Dearly Beloved,

The Feast of the Annunciation is a celebration of freedom. It is a Feast of God's promise to deliver His people from the chains of mortality. When the angel Gabriel told the young Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah of the world, the angel said that her son would sit on the throne of David and rule forever (Luke 1:32-33).

Mary understood this to mean that Israel would be restored and that the people would be free from their captivity. She assented to the message, "let it be to me according to your word."(Luke 1:38), and the process of salvation of the world began.

As Christians, we see more in the Annunciation than political freedom for an oppressed people. In Christ's ministry, He proclaimed that the Messiah would bring liberty to captive people when He read from the scroll of Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4: 18-19).

Fifty years ago, on March 21, 1965, our beloved Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory marched with Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, demonstrating our Church's commitment to freedom and civil rights within American life. His participation in the march reflected a statement he made just a year earlier, that, "the church in America must place itself in the center of American life." But Archbishop Iakovos knew the Civil Rights Movement was more than just a "political move" for the Church for greater visibility. He knew that freedom and justice were core principles of the Gospel. He knew that the Greek people had proclaimed their freedom from oppression on March 25, 1821. He knew the pain of being denied basic human rights first hand from his life and experience in Turkey.

Fifty years later, freedom and human rights are still the challenges of our age, especially for our persecuted and martyred fellow Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East and parts of Africa. We who live in freedom must proclaim and become agents of freedom for those who live in captivity. This great Feast of the Annunciation, this feast of freedom, calls us to act on their behalf.

In that spirit, I invite you to begin every church meeting you attend from now on until Pentecost (May 31,2015) with a conversation around the question: "How shall what we are doing here now advance the cause of freedom in our world today?" Use a few minutes to study the issue of freedom, especially religious freedom, its philosophical and theological foundations, its consequences, and the challenges it poses to our attitudes and actions in the world. Hopefully, the discussion will bear long-term fruit, because the true measure of our efforts will be found in the months and years ahead. Use the Feast of the Annunciation-our feast of freedom from the bondage of death - as the springboard for beginning a new level of reflection and action.

Wishing you and your beloved families the blessings of God's Grace and Mercy, I remain

With Love in Christ,

+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco

As we once again find ourselves in the season of Great Lent, the 40 day journey to Holy Week and Pascha, we are reminded of another journey – one taken by a young man who had wandered far away from his homeland and who was returning there once again. I am speaking of the story told to us by Christ in the Gospel of Saint Luke, the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This story is a beautiful one that holds layers of meaning. It is a story of repentance, return, and healing. 

At the crucial point in this story, the younger of the two sons finds himself destitute, hungry, and living as a beast among the beasts. He has left his father and travelled to a “far away country” where he has wasted his inheritance in licentious living, injuring himself through sin. When he finally “comes to himself”, and realizes that he is living a debased life with the pigs that he has been charged to feed, his heart laments for his former life – a life of dignity, stability, and love. It is in this moment that he makes a critical choice! Though he believes himself unworthy of full son-ship, he will return to his father as a penitent and ask to be taken on as a hired servant. As we can see, the heart of this young prodigal son has been humbled. He so desperately longs for his former life that he is willing to labor and to endure humiliation to gain it once again. His journey will be a long one, for he had gone to a faraway country, and he will toil along with the rest of the hired servants in order to be restored to the household.

We are familiar with the rest of this story: The Father, in His generous love for His son, runs to meet him on the road – not in order to scold, but to embrace, to heal, and to rejoice. The Prodigal Son is restored to his former life, not merely as a servant, but to the greater glory as a son.

This parable strikes a chord in our hearts as we travel through the journey of Great Lent. We can relate to the prodigal son, in that we have also strayed into a “far away country”, wasting the inheritance given to us by using our free will and powers of the soul to join ourselves to things unworthy of our dignity as human beings. Like the Prodigal Son, we find ourselves sometimes living as beasts among the beasts, feeding on inferior food rather than the medicine of eternal life, the Body and Blood of Christ.

Great Lent affords each of us the opportunity to make the journey back to the Father. It is toilsome, and it can seem long, but it is worth the effort! At the end of our journey awaits the joy of the Resurrection; At the end of our journey awaits true healing for our soul and body; At the end of our journey awaits God Himself, the loving Father Who seeks to remind us of our true worth as sons of daughters of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let us embrace this journey of Great Lent, entering into its services, fasting, and prayers so that we can arrive with joy into the loving embrace of our Father and be restored to the dignity in which we were created. Amen!

June 1, 1927 – February 27, 2015

It is with great sadness the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco announces the passing of Presbytera Sophia Thanos, who fell asleep in the Lord on February 27, 2015 in the comfort of her home. Presbytera Sophia was the wife of the Rev. Fr. Vasilios Thanos, who has served his entire priesthood at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, CA.

Presbytera Sophia Thanos was born to Konstantinos and Angeliki Kostopoulos on June 1, 1927 in the village of Paliohouni, Arcadia, Greece.  She was the fifth of ten children and came to the United States in 1955 where she lived with her uncle, George Phillips.  

In 1959, she went back to Greece to marry Vasilios Thanos.  Presbytera and Father Thanos returned to the United States and had two daughters, Niki and Connie. Presbytera Sophia spent the last 55 years of her life as a loving wife and mother, and faithful servant of God at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge.

Presbyter Sophia will lie in state at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge on Tuesday, March 3. Her viewing will begin at 6:00 p.m. and a Trisagion Service will begin at 7:00 p.m.

The Divine Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4 at Saint Nicholas Church, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco will preside at both the Trisagion and Funeral services, with area clergy assisting.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 9501 Balboa Blvd, Northridge, CA 91325.

May her memory be eternal!

Dear Reverend Clergy and Esteemed Parish Council Members,

“Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.” - Proverbs 16:3

This year the clergy and lay leaders of the Metropolis of San Francisco will have the opportunity to come together at the 2015 Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly to be held on April 27 – 28, 2015 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, California. 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, April 27 and will conclude by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28.

The theme for this year’s Clergy-Laity Assembly is “Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3. Those of you who attended last year’s Assembly learned the details of the Metropolis Strategic Plan and the work of our 11 Task Forces and 37 Strategic Objectives. This year Mr. Steve Tibbs and Mr. Gerry Kamilos, who have been serving as our Strategic Plan Program Managers, will make a presentation on the current implementation phase of the plan. Our Strategic Plan Coordinators will also make short presentations on the progress of their particular Task Force.

We will also have a special guest and presentation by the Rev. Fr. Christopher Metropulos, Dmin, Pastor of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Executive Director of the Orthodox Christian Network, (O.C.N.). Fr. Chris will make a very engaging presentation entitled, “The Digital Media / The Great Commission: Can They Intersect for the Good of the Faithful?”  

As this year marks the ten-year Anniversary of the falling asleep of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory, will shall also honor his pioneering vision for the Metropolis of San Francisco and explain how his legacy is being carried on through the work of the Strategic Plan.      

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.
-Two members of the Parish elected by the Parish Assembly.

The agenda and registration materials are enclosed or you can register online at: www.sanfran.goarch.org/CLA. Your timely response is requested by April 14, 2015.  Please plan your schedules accordingly and plan to arrive promptly, coming with an open mind and heart, ready to learn and willing to share.

As we have entered Great and Holy Lent, I wish you every strength from above as we re-focus our attention on the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our salvation in Him. 

With Love in Christ,

+Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco

CLA Agenda Document    CLA Registration Form 

Sunday, March 1, 2015
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension – Oakland, CA
8:30 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Sunday of Orthodoxy Great Vespers
Protection of the Holy Virgin / St. Seraphim Orthodox Church – Santa Rosa, CA
5:00 p.m. Theological and practical discussion on the Fresco Program of the Church
6:00 p.m. Lenten Vespers with reception to follow

Friday, March 6, 2015
Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church – San Diego, CA
7:00 p.m. Salutations to the Theotokos           

Saturday, March 7, 2015
Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church – San Diego, CA
10:30 a.m. Clergy Synaxis – Area Clergy
5:30 p.m. Vespers

Sunday, March 8, 2015
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church – Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
8:30 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

Thursday, March 12, 2015 
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church – Belmont, CA
12:00 noon Clergy Synaxis 

Friday, March 13, 2015
Christ the Nativity Greek Orthodox Church – Novato, CA
6:00 p.m. Salutations to the Theotokos
7:30 p.m. Dinner

Saturday, March 14, 2015
Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center – Dunlap, CA
Metropolis Young Adult Lenten Retreat

Sunday, March 15, 2015
Veneration of the Holy Cross
Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring – Dunlap, CA
7:00 a.m. Orthros
8:30 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

Monday, March 16, 2015
Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center – Dunlap, CA
10:00 a.m.       Saint Nicholas Ranch Board Meeting

Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church – San Francisco, CA
10:00 a.m. Pre-sanctified Liturgy

Friday, March 20, 2015
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – Northridge, CA
7:30 p.m. Salutations to the Theotokos

Saturday, March 21, 2015
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church – Northridge, CA
11:30 p.m. Clergy Synaxis

Sunday, March 22, 2015
Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church – Pasadena, CA
8:45 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church – Sacramento, CA
7:00 p.m. Great Vespers

Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church – Sacramento, CA
8:30 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Sacramento State Capital, CA
2:00 p.m. Greek Flag Raising Ceremony for Greek Independence Day

Friday, March 27, 2015
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church – Belmont, CA
7:00 p.m. Akathist Hymn

“Open to me the gates of repentance, O Giver of Life: 
for early in the morning my spirit seeks Your Holy Temple...”

Dearly Beloved,

As we commence our annual journey through the Great Fast, the words of this hymn should resound within us. We began chanting them at the first Sunday of the Triodion and we will continue to hear them throughout our Lenten journey as a continual reminder of the purpose of this holy season: repentance or metanoia. During the Lenten season our Orthodox Faith places the tools of repentance in our hands, inviting us to use them to deepen our relationship with God.
The hymn tells us that repentance is found in the holy temple of the Most High God. Naturally when we hear “temple” we think of our church and the many Lenten services and programs that are set before us. We can find repentance when we partake of the spiritual banquet of Lenten services and educational opportunities offered in our parishes and participate in them, listen to them, and heed their counsel.

During Great Lent, the banquet of holy services replaces, or is intended to replace, the banquets and parties that dominate the rest of the year. Our diets will change so that we may focus on the other changes that are needed in our lives. A hymn from Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera) says it best, “May this first day of the fast, be for you, my soul, a time of abstinence from sin, of turning towards God and drawing near to Him.”

Turning toward God also happens in the temple, to be sure, but when we hear “temple”, we can also understand it to mean the Body of Christ, our fellow parishioners, and our neighbors. Turning toward God and turning away from sin involves turning toward our world and increasing our acts of philanthropy and charity. As we hear on theSunday of the Last Judgment, 

“Knowing the commandments of the Lord, let this be our way of life: let us feed the hungry, let us give the thirsty drink, let us clothe the naked, let us welcome strangers, let us visit those in prison and the sick.”

Increasing our philanthropic and charitable activity as individuals, parishes, and as a Metropolis, are just as important during Great Lent as observing the fast. How does replacing a hamburger with shrimp in our diets brings us closer to God or inaugurate His Kingdom when we observe hunger and poverty in our communities? Financial donations, but more importantly, person-to-person, face-to-face support, care, and assistance is the command of the Lord. Our Metropolis Strategic Plan calls for an increase in our works of philanthropy and charity. Great Lent places this challenge before us – on a daily basis. And whom shall we assist? Our prayers during Lent place no limits on our philanthropic acts and concerns. The Anaphora of the Liturgy of Saint Basil, which we will hear for the next five Sundays, offers the gifts for all humanity and concludes with the phrase, “and unite us all to one another….”  The prayer connects us and invites us to identify with all the people that have been named. The prayer is a prayer of catholicity and solidarity for all, no matter their status in life, and with no conditions upon their worthiness for such mention or for our solidarity with them.

During the Great Fast we are thus given two interrelated commands: to look inward through the services and ascetic disciplines, and to look outward through acts of philanthropy and charity to our neighbor. Our inward Lenten journey is meant to be an outward Lenten reach to all in need, restoring our proper relationship to all.

May these Holy Days of the Great fast which are upon us, be filled with the understanding  of God’s precepts provided for us during this period, for the salvation of our souls as we prepare to navigate the great ocean of the fast and reach the joy of His Holy Resurrection.

With Love in Christ,

+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Folk Dance and Choral Festival is being held this weekend, February 12 – 15, 2015at the Marriott Anaheim Hotel. Over 3,000 people are expected to participate in these four days of festivities celebrating Faith, Dance and Fellowship. Now in its 39th year, FDF is the largest gathering of Greek Orthodox youth in the America.

This year, we are pleased to announce that live-streaming will be available for the following FDF events and activities:

Sunday, February 15, 2015 – Watch Online at www.yourfdf.org
7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. PST Archieratical Divine Liturgy
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. PST Advanced Senior Competition Finals
7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. PST Awards Ceremony

“We are grateful to the Department of Internet Ministries at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for making this possible,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “This is a wonderful opportunity to share this ministry with the faithful from across our Archdiocese and celebrate the accomplishments of our youth.”

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, assisted by over 30 clergy from throughout the Metropolis. The afternoon will feature the Advanced Senior Competition Finals during which the final eight dance groups will compete with some of the most complex dances and music from numerous regions in Greece.  The evening’s Awards Ceremony will mark the concluding event at which the winners in the various categories in dance, music and choral singing will be announced.

Be sure to visit www.yourfdf.org to watch this exciting live coverage of the 2015 Folk Dance and Choral Festival.

Friday, February 6, 2015
Metropolis Commission for Orthodox Missions and Evangelism Board Meeting
12:00 p.m. Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church – Seattle, WA

Saturday, February 7, 2015
Museum of History and Industry – Seattle, WA
3:00 p.m. Opening of Greek Culture Exhibition
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church – Seattle, WA
5:00 p.m. Great Vespers6:00 p.m. All Saints Camp Fundraiser Dinner

Sunday, February 8, 2015
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church – Seattle, WA
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Ordination of Deacon Daniel Triant to the Holy Priesthood
1:00 p.m. Ordination Luncheon

Thursday, February 12 – Sunday, February 15, 2015
Metropolis Folk Dance and Choral Festival   
Anaheim Marriott Hotel - Anaheim, CA

Sunday, February 22, 2015
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church – Scottsdale, AZ
8:00 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
1:00 p.m. Capital Campaign Luncheon
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral – Phoenix, AZ
6:30 p.m. Service of Forgiveness Vespers

Monday, February 23, 2015
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church – Chandler, AZ
10:30 a.m. Orthros

Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church – Belmont, CA
6:00 p.m. Pre-sanctified Liturgy

Friday, February 27, 2015
Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church – Salinas, CA
6:00 p.m. Service of Salutations to the Virgin Mary

From 1969 to 1974 the T.V. series entitled, Love: American Style ran on ABC. It was a comedy featuring episodes of people falling in love and being swept off their feet over some external beauty or character trait, while working out some petty issues which always seemed to get resolved by the end of the show, leaving everyone being happy ever after. People remember it as a fun show but the truth is that it was all fantasy.

Tragically, fantasy too often seems to become a part of our “reality” in our present culture. We have our ideals about the way things should be and, when they are not what we expect them to be, we become disappointed. Too often, disappointment turns into anger—and anger can lead to tragic results. Truth be told, anger never solves anything. From road-rage to domestic violence — and on to violent protest demonstrations, anger is be-coming an ugly “normal” for a nation that would otherwise prefer to celebrate even a single day of romance.

February 2015 finds us celebrating Valentine’s Day on one week and entering the holy season of Great Lent soon afterward. There are few things “American Style” about Great Lent. At the same time, there are also few things “American Style” about the Sacrament of Holy Marriage. In many ways, living the Sacramental life-style of Holy Marriage requires the spiritual discipline and effort that Great Lent imposes upon all of us.

“American Style” is soon changing our dictionary, however. Terms such as forgiveness, repentance andresponsibility, if they are not fading from the vocabulary altogether, their meanings seem to be changing.Forgiveness is now something others need to ask from us, rather than the other way around. Repentance now means, at best, “self-improvement, or, “being sorry.” Responsibility is viewed as the other person’s job to be accountable. Such “love” may be “American-Style,” but it is far from Christian love.

For Orthodox Christians—especially as we study the mentality of the Saints—forgiveness, repentance andresponsibility are all defined by our relationship with Jesus Christ our God. Forgiveness is granted by our Lord“as we forgive others who trespass against us.” It is impossible to define the word repentance without having God in mind—repentance is not simply “change of heart,” “self-improvement,” or “being sorry.” It is turning to God and willingly seeking to put on the Image of Christ within us. The word responsibility can best be defined in the con-text of the glorious Second Coming of Christ, Who will call us all to account for our lives on the Awesome Day of Judgment. So, you see that without God, words that should turn us on to becoming a loving people are actually empty of their meanings.

Hence, Great Lent is the season for forgiveness, repentance and responsibility. Holy Marriage is the stage on which forgiveness, repentance and responsibility are played out. Valentine’s Day needs to translate into more than flowers, boxes of chocolate and lots of alcohol.

In a world in which online sites such as Christian Mingle and E-Harmony, serve as vehicles for “proxenia” (προξενιά), call it “old-fashioned,” but the best place to meet a perspective spouse is in Church. That is where those words that make the world go around take on their real meanings. Too often a young man and a young woman come to apply for the Sacrament of Marriage, only to discover that, in their dating relationship, the topic of religion hasn’t even been raised, as if the issue of one’s religious values is some “secondary issue.” My advice: forget “Love: American Style” and talk about God while dating. Put Christ into the relationship and keep Him there. Then, words such as forgiveness, repentance and responsibility no longer remain “just words,” but become a fruitful and rewarding lifestyle, filled with God’s grace—where the words, “I love you,” have true value.

Holy Marriage and Great Lent go hand-in-glove. They are paths that lead us to God’s Kingdom. We are left with the “House Church.” Let’s pay attention to the final words of the Divine Liturgy: “Let us go forth in peace!” We are not supposed to simply “leave church”; we are supposed to “go forth” — to take the Church with us. Our cars are to become the Church; our homes are to become the Church; our businesses are to become the Church and “every good and perfect gift comes from God, the Father of Lights.” 

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Folk Dance and Choral Festival will be held February 12 – 15, 2015 in Anaheim, California at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel. Now in its 39th year, FDF will welcome over 95 dance and choral groups from throughout the Metropolis who will participate in three days of friendly competition, while enjoying fellowship and developing lifelong friendships. This year, FDF welcomes a group traveling from Charlotte, North Carolina who will also participate in the weekend festivities.

This year’s FDF theme, “Vision”, brings us together as Orthodox Christians through participation in religious services, prayer, dancing, singing and serving. FDF provides a multi-faceted way for thousands of Orthodox Christians to share Vision of faith, culture, and sharing God’s love through our actions and service to one another. The weekend will also commemorate the 10th anniversary since the passing of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, whose vision for the future of the church – and especially our youth – was brought to reality with the establishment of this ministry, which is still going strong after 39 years.

“I always look forward to FDF as it truly represents the future of our church. I am inspired by the vibrancy of our youth and the promise of a bright tomorrow through their faith, leadership and commitment to the Lord,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “It is appropriate that Vision is this year’s theme, because Vision will help us achieve new heights in our personal and professional lives, and most especially, in our church as we set our sights on higher goals to achieve greater things for the Glory of God. We also pay tribute to Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory for his vision to create FDF, and for his broader vision for the growth of our church to enrich the spiritual loves of the faithful in our Metropolis.”

The weekend begins by bringing the participants together at Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, February 12 as a family in Christian celebration.  It will feature the traditional parade of parishes, the Agiasmos service, and the presentation of scholarships.

Dance Competition will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and the Choral Competition will be featured on Friday afternoon. Workshops will be offered on Friday and Saturday for all dancers and singers. These have become very popular in more recent years, with Metropolis Clergy and Youth Workers leading fun, interactive, and engaging discussions for all age groups. New this year are interactive symposia being offered to all attendees on topics such as, Leaning How to Chant, and How to Build a Youth Choir. Complete details on the workshops and symposia will be available when you arrive at FDF so be sure to attend as many as you can.

On Friday evening prior to the Glendi, FDF is honored to welcome a special guest speaker, S/SGT (Ret.) John Katsaros who served valiantly in the Air Force in World War II. He will share his inspirational story of survival which, up until recently, he was unable to tell as he was sworn to secrecy by the US government. A traditional Glendi will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings for everyone to dance the night away featuring some of the most talented musicians visiting FDF.

This year FDF is once again honored to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Archbishop Demetrios will lead the faithful in worship at the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy. He will also attend the Advanced Senior Competition on Sunday afternoon and the Awards Ceremony on Sunday evening. It is always a blessing to have Archbishop Demetrios visit the Metropolis of San Francisco and we know that all the participants at FDF will welcome the Archbishop with love and respect.

With over 3,000 people anticipated to attend throughout the weekend, and with so many spectacular events taking place, FDF is the place to be over President’s Day weekend. Come to Anaheim and be inspired by the amazing dancing and singing at FDF 2015. For more information, visit www.yourfdf.org. See you in Anaheim!

Beloved Clergy and Parish Councils of the Metropolis of San Francisco,

“Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.” 
Proverbs 16:3

Each year the clergy and leaders of our parishes gather for our annual Clergy-Laity Assembly which provides us with the opportunity to learn and grow in our faith, gain new insights into the ministries and programs offered by our Metropolis, and take an active role in the governance of our Church.

The 2015 Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly will be held April 27 – 28 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. As specified in the Uniform Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, each parish is expected to have four delegates in attendance, comprised of the following:

1.  The Parish Priest.
2.  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.
3.  Two members of the Parish elected by the Parish Assembly.

Please make sure this important item is placed on the agenda of your upcoming Parish Assembly Meeting so that you may elect these delegates to ensure full participation from your parish. A detailed agenda and registration materials will be provided no later than 60 days prior to the convening of the Assembly.

We are planning an enriching agenda that will include an update on the Strategic Plan and the many new opportunities it is providing for the enrichment of our parishes and our overall ministry as a Metropolis. We have been very fortunate to have enthusiastic leadership from our parishes for this effort and I know that you will be inspired by this God-pleasing work.

I look forward to the active participation of all our communities. Please come with an open mind and an open heart, ready and willing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be a beacon of God’s love in your parishes.

With Love in Christ,
+Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco

                                                                           Download The Flyer Here

The Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, established by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Religious Education in 1983, is an incredible opportunity for our Greek Orthodox children and teenagers to think about, research, write and speak publicly about their faith. Public speaking is a valuable skill that is beneficial throughout one’s life and professional career. Through this Festival, the Church provides a supportive and nurturing environment for our young people to become confident public speakers, and simultaneously give them the opportunity to learn about their faith. This is the second year that the Festival will also offer poetry and essay divisions. Junior and Senior Division participants may choose to prepare a poem or write an essay on one of the topics.

Every community in the Metropolis of San Francisco should plan for participation in this program, and host their parish festival before April 1, 2015. District Festivals will take place throughout the Metropolis in April. The Metropolis Oratorical Festival will be held on Saturday, May 9 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA.

This year our Metropolis is very proud to host the Archdiocesan Oratorical Festival which will be held June 5 – 7, 2015 at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena, CA. We are honored to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios who presides at the National Oratorical Festival each year.

Parishes should encourage their young people to write a speech, or a poem, or an essay. It is hoped that through this festival our young people will have another opportunity to learn about their Orthodox Christian Faith and Way of Life while they prepare and deliver their presentations.    

As a Church we are deeply concerned about the religious education of our young people, and the Oratorical Festival provides a wonderful and interactive educational opportunity for our youth. Therefore, every community should embrace the Festival for the benefit of our youth. Information packets will be sent to all communities to assist in organizing parish festivals.

Links for 2015 Oratorical Festival Manual, the list of official topics, and supporting information about the Festival, can be found: www.religioused.sanfran.goarch.org/oratorical.

Please see the Promotional Flyer attached. For more information or assistance, or if you would like this flyer personalized for your parish, please contact Dr. Eve Tibbs at religioused@sanfran.goarch.org, or Johanna Duterte at jduterte@sanfran.goarch.org.