PHOTO CAPTION: His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos (center) is surrounded by Acolytes and Clergy who participated in the Altar Boy Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. This picture was taken outside the Katholikon of the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring where the group worshipped during the retreat.
Acolytes of the Metropolis of San Francisco gathered together for the first Metropolis regional Altar Boy Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, in Dunlap, CA from January 2 – 3, 2008. The event, open to all Acolytes in California who were in the 5th through the 12th grade, was attended by thirty-two young men representing St. Nicholas of Northridge, St. Prophet Elias of San Bernardino, St. Demetrios of Camarillo, St. Spyridon of San Diego, and St. George of Fresno. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco was in attendance and addressed the participants, reminding them about their important and sacred service in the altar. Fr. Anthony Savas and Fr. Bob Fox of St. Nicholas in Northridge, and Fr. Michael Prevas of the Resurrection in Castro Valley, and Pete Sotiras, the Metropolis Youth and Family Ministries Director, led and coordinated the event. The clergy each led a discussion concerning the role of acolytes and their place in the life of the Church. Activities, including football, capture the flag, ping-pong, and icebreakers were interspersed throughout the retreat to allow opportunities for fellowship. Acolytes also visited the beautiful Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring and had an opportunity to ask one of the nuns questions about her life. The retreat was enjoyed by all, and served its purpose of reminding and inspiring those in attendance of the honor of serving in the altar.
4th Thursday after Pascha
