His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed Katherine Orfanakos Demacopoulos to the Archdiocese of America on October 5, 2023, to re-appoint her as National Chairperson of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.  This ecclesiastical year marks the 40th anniversary of this beautiful ministry of our Church, which was created by Ernest Villis, then director of the Department of Religious Education, and Minerva Stergianopoulos. Katherine’s parents, Fr. John and Presvytera Margaret Orfanakos served as National Chairpersons of the Oratorical Festival from 1986 through 2018. Also in the meeting was His Grace Bishop Athenagoras, Director of Religious Education for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. 

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America is pleased to announce that he will be leading pilgrimage which will include visits to Mouth Athos, Thessaloniki and the Monastery of Ormylia.

After an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting, Bob Born was asked if he would like to also volunteer at the first faith-based prison unit in the United States, the Carol Vance Unit in Texas. He was reluctant at first, but he said ‘yes’ anyway. Bob’s ‘yes’ 23 years later has grown into one of the most successful local Orthodox prison ministries in the country, OCPM-Houston, which today boasts leadership from priests, laity, and monastics from Antiochian, Greek, and ROCOR archdiocese—a truly pan-Orthodox ministry.

Amid extensive, catastrophic floods across Greece, IOCC invites our friends and supporters to pray for everyone affected by the recent storm named Daniel.

The Young Adult League Conference does it again! As another resounding success, over 450 young adults came from 32 states to FULFILL their faith, vocations, and lives through Christ. FULFILL was the theme for the 2023 Young Adult League (YAL) Conference hosted by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco over Labor Day 2023 weekend in Orange County, California.

Established by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco in 2013, the Theofanis Economidis Award is presented to a distinguished individual in honor of their leadership, inspirational vision, hard work, and humble service to Jesus Christ and His Holy Church. The award is dedicated to its inaugural recipient, Theofanis Economidis, who faithfully served the Metropolis as a distinguished layperson and exemplary leader for over 35 years. The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to honor His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco with the 2023 Theofanis Economidis Award, as he celebrates 19 years of visionary Archpastoral ministry on the west coast.

“ …then let them serve as Deacons…”1 Tim 3:10. In July the summer session of the Diaconate Program took place on the campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (HCHC) and was met with resounding success. This summer at HCHC 32 candidates in their first, second, or third year of the program were welcomed to campus for educational instruction, spiritual growth, and fellowship. The program was excited to welcome the V. Rev. Archimandrite Bartholomew Mercado as our Faculty Advisor as Dr. James Skedros took over the position of Interim Dean of the School of Theology. During the summer session, candidates took courses in Orthodox Theology, Sacraments of the Church, Scripture, Byzantine Music, and Teleturgics. 

Tuesday, October 3, 2023, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America offered the affirmation of Office for the new Archdiocesan District Executive Philoptochos Board.

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Stewardship Ministry invites you to the 2023 Monthly Ministry Series. Please join us on Monday, October 16, 2023 for a special presentation on “Engaging our Youth and Young Adults in our post-COVID Era," hosted by Johanna Duterte Carter, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Metropolis. She will be joined by three speakers who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this topic: Eva Konstantakos – Director of Youth and Young Adul Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; Anna Teodosiadis – Parish Youth Ministry Director; and Eva-Marie Kailas, Co-chair of the 2023 Metropolis of San Francisco YAL Conference.

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about the death of a widow’s son. What happened in those times when a woman lost her husband and her son? And what did Christ do for her? Also, what are the parallels between Christ’s death and His Mother? And how does Jesus renew our life from death to life?

Throughout our Archdiocese, camping ministries play a vital role in the spiritual growth and development of our youth. It is a sacred ground where our children and young adults encounter the teachings of our Orthodox faith, form lasting friendships, and forge a deeper connection with God and His Church. The experiences gained during their time at camp are invaluable and leave a lasting impact on their lives.

The Liturgical Arts Academy, a division of the Orthodox Christian Academy of Atlanta, has continued to grow and develop its program with another successful event this year. Offering intensive training in Byzantine Chant and Iconography, TLAA is held every year at the Metropolis of Atlanta Diakonia Retreat Center in Salem, SC during the month of August.

Presvytera Nikki Stephanopoulos, passed away at her home in Beachwood, Ohio on September 29, 2023 at the age of 90. Her husband, the Rev. Dr. Robert G. Stephanopoulos was by her side.  Born in Minnesota, Presbytera Nikki was a public relations dynamo and a mentor to many women, and men, who served the Church alongside of her.