The administrative work of the Church is never completed or finished. The nature of administration is one of on-going process and commitment. With that being said, the Metropolis of San Francisco is realizing a new vision of ministry. On a daily basis, the Metropolis administers issues involving clergy and their families, and seeks to ensure effective communication and coordination between the parishes, the ministries, and the Metropolis Office. But beyond that, the Metropolis is implementing a long-range plan of growth and development with a new emphasis of the spiritual and emotional health of the faithful and their families.
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
The Metropolis Council actively suggests and offers guidance by way of dedicated and devoted clergy and lay members, men and women, who have offered their time, talents and resources to assist the Metropolitan and his vision for the Metropolis of San Francisco. In the pages ahead you will see growth, activity and life.
METROPOLIS AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee reports that the Metropolis financial statements and budget comparison reports continue to be prepared and reported on a monthly basis to the executive committee. This assists the Metropolitan and the Metropolis Council in making informed financial decisions.
STEWARDSHIP AND TOTAL COMMITMENT MINISTRY
The Stewardship and Total Commitment Ministry has a two-fold purpose: 1) To develop and improve the giving culture in the local parishes in order to increase the financial resources for the mission of the Greek Orthodox Church of America at the parish, Metropolis and Archdiocesan levels; and 2) To implement effective transparent procedures to reach annual Total Commitment financial goals in support of our national ministries.
The 2007 Total Commitment results were accomplished! With fifty-six parishes participating, we exceeded our goal of $1,784,138. This is a first. Approximately $46,000 will be returned to the Metropolis from the Archdiocese as a "bonus." Our clergy and lay leaders must be encouraged to make their best gift in support of our national ministries, based not only on their respective ability, but on their willingness to give.
PARISH AND MINISTRY AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Parish and Ministry Audit Committee was formed in the latter part of 2007. The Committee has a two-fold purpose: To verify fair, reasonable and proper participation of parishes of the Metropolis of San Francisco in the Archdiocese of America Total Commitment Program by: 1) auditing financial statements and 2) reviewing the work of parish audit committees.
In addition, this Committee is charged with preparing financial audits for all Metropolis of San Francisco Ministries unaffiliated with parishes and for Mission communities. Parish representatives by consensus, agreed to a goal of ten (10) parish audits per year.
CLERGY SYNDESMOS
The first-ever Clergy Couples' Wellness Retreat was held in May 2007. Participating in this retreat were 27 couples from throughout the Metropolis who spent three productive days in various seminars and workshops which were aimed at strengthening their marriages and interpersonal communication. It is our belief that the love a couple shows between one another serves as a living icon of Christ's love for His Bride, the Church. This witness is one that we want our clergy couples to bear with truth, humility and joy. Our hope is that they will serve as an encouragement and witness to the parishioners that strong marriages are something worth striving towards.
In 2007, Metropolitan Gerasimos instituted Regional Syndesmos meetings in addition to our semi-annual meetings. The local Brotherhoods have responded with joy to have a more intimate gathering with their Hierarch and the local clergy.
REGIONAL VICARIATES
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos has been placing more responsibility and higher expectations upon the Vicars of the Metropolis. They are charged not only with the oversight of the Spiritual Tribunals which concern the dissolution of marriages, but also with communication and oversight of the parishes within their area of responsibility.
The Vicars are as follows:
ORDINATIONS
Jason Roll was ordained to the Holy Deaconate on September 8, 2007 at St. Katherine's Church of Elk Grove, CA by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos.
PARISH ASSIGNMENTS
Fr. Timothy Pavlatos has been assigned to San Bernardino, CA
Fr. Gerasimos Markopoulos has been assigned to Eugene, OR
Parishes without a full-time permanent priest:
PRESVYTERA SISTERHOOD
In 2007, the 4th Annual National Sisterhood of Presvyteres held their annual gathering in the Metropolis of San Francisco at a retreat center in Burlingame, CA. The theme of the Retreat was "One Thing Is Needful" based on Luke 10:42. A total of forty-five presvyteres came from around the United States to participate in this most successful event.
CONSECRATIONS AND PARISH CELEBRATIONS
CONSECRATIONS
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Long Beach, CA - April 29, 2007
PARISH CELEBRATIONS
30th anniversary of St. Demetrios Church, Camarillo, CA - October 26-28, 2007
50th anniversary of St. Katherine's Church, Redondo Beach, CA - November 9-10, 2007
60th anniversary of St. Barbara's Church, Santa Barbara, CA - December 2, 2007
90th anniversary of Ascension Cathedral, Oakland, CA - December 7-9, 2007
100th Anniversary Holy Trinity Church - Portland, OR - May 5-6, 2007
Elevation to Cathedral - Holy Trinity, Portland, OR - October 21, 2007
ARCHONS - ORDER OF ST. ANDREWS
The Archons of our Metropolis have launched a strong campaign to educate the citizens of the seven Western States about the threats presented by Turkey against the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Order of St. Andrews has assigned specific Archons to work with our local politicians. In this way, we strive to for every State of our Metropolis to pass a resolution urging the Federal Government to exercise pressure on Turkey with respect to the religious rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Good progress has been made to date.
PHILOPTOCHOS
CONFERENCES AND RETREATS
In 2007, the Metropolis Philoptochos presented four Fall Conferences: 1) Holy Trinity Cathedral in Portland, OR; 2) Annunciation Church in Sacramento, CA; 3) St. Haralambos in Peoria, AZ; and 4) SS. Constantine and Helen in Cardiff- by-the-Sea, CA. These conferences address both practical needs of Philoptochos and offer spiritual nourishment in an environment of love and commitment.
The Annual Lenten Retreat and Conference at St. Nicholas Ranch was very well attended.
11th NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS CHILDREN'S MEDICAL FUND LUNCHEON
For the first time, this National Luncheon was hosted by the Metropolis of San Francisco in Newport Beach, CA on November 10, 2007. Through the generosity and support of all of Philoptochos chapters throughout this entire country, close to $500,000 was raised.
Over 400 guests attended the weekend at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach. Metropolitan Gerasimos was the official host for the weekend and Archbishop Demetrios was delighted with the hospitality and our achievements. "Let us Rejoice and Embrace the Children" was the theme for the Medical Luncheon and was created by our Metropolis and will be used in the future as the National Children's Medical Fund Luncheon theme.
KID'S ‘N' CANCER
Our Kid's ‘N' Cancer program continues to soar beyond all expectations!
In July, the Philoptochos will be opening a new camp in Lakeside, AZ. Also newly established is the Oncology Transportation Program in San Diego with the Emilio Nares Foundation (Ride with Emilio).
The Philoptochos of the Metropolis of San Francisco is now supporting five camps as well as the Oncology Transportation Program. The camps are:
1) St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, Dunlap, CA;
2) Camp Angelos, Portland, OR;
3) AGAPE Camp Northwest, Seattle, WA;
4) AGAPE Camp Marston, San Diego, CA; and
5) The new AGAPE Camp in Lakeside, AZ, which will begin in 2008.
BISHOP ANTHONY-PHILOPTOCHOS SEMINARIAN/ STUDENT AID ENDOWMENT FUND
Enrolled in both Hellenic College and Holy Cross for the 2007-2008 academic year, the Metropolis of San Francisco has a total of 21 students of which 13 are seminarians. The Metropolis offers financial support to these seminarians and students through the Bishop Anthony-Philoptochos Seminarian/Student Aid Endowment Fund which was originally established in 1986. Over $200,000 will be awarded this year in scholarships.
VOLUNTEER HOURS FOR SEMINARIANS AND STUDENTS
Under the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Seminarian/ Student Aid Endowment Fund, all Seminarians and Students must give 100 hours to Metropolis Ministries each academic year in order to receive financial support from the Fund. On a practical basis, this means that for the 2007-2008 academic year, there were a total of 2,100 available hours to go towards the work of our Metropolis. Under this program, the Metropolis has a new website, which will have the ability to produce pod-casts and will be producing materials that parishes will be able to utilize at local levels. Additionally, some students have assisted in the development of an extensive media data base to provide heightened visibility for our parishes and ultimately our Orthodox Faith.
ADOPT A STUDENT
Above, it is stated how the Metropolis of San Francisco offers strong financial support to the young men and women in the pursuit of higher education and training to be either clergymen or Church Lay Leaders. Additionally, through the local Philoptochos Chapters, the Adopt a Student Program assists in fostering relationships between one student and one parish that provide encouragement and emotional support to those students attending Hellenic College or Holy Cross School of Theology. The women of Philoptochos send the students notes and cards of encouragement as well as an occasional "care package." This program is proving to be meaningful to both the students and the women of Philoptochos.
A NEW ENDEAVOR
Through the generous support of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, a new and groundbreaking endeavor began in 2007. The Metropolis of San Francisco has established the Family Wellness Center which is developing programs and ministries to serve specific needs of the Orthodox faithful throughout the Metropolis. Our faithful face many challenges of living in a largely secular society rife with marital breakdown, compromised morals, substance abuse, and confusion about the purpose of life. The essential intent of the Family Wellness Center is to strengthen the marriages and family lives of our clergy and faithful. It is more than a ministry program, more than a committee, more than a building. Rather, it seeks to offer a new and holistic way of looking at all the ministries and activities of the Church.
FIRST TWO YEARS OF OPERATION
In the first two years of operation, the Family Wellness Center is focusing on strengthening marriages, providing youth development services, and gaining a clear understanding of the needs of the faithful so as to develop relevant programming. Long-term, the Family Wellness Center will develop sustainable programs addressing the most pressing needs of clergy and laity-emotionally, physically, and spiritually-and ongoing training and development programs for their facilitators. These ministries will target parishioners in various life phases including youth, singles, single parents, men, women, married couples, the elderly, and families, and will provide a safe environment to address challenges such as divorce, social isolation, behavioral and substance addictions, a place to turn in personal and family crisis, and to nurture spiritual growth.
The Metropolis is proud to report that Kristen Bruskas has taken the position of the first Executive Director the Family Wellness Center, bringing with her substantial administrative experience.
PATRIARCH ATHENAGORAS ORTHODOX INSTITUTE SURVEY
In collaboration with the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute, the Metropolis of San Francisco recently conducted a study of parish life, needs, challenges and opportunities entitled: The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco at the beginning of a New Millennium: a Study Report. This study is divided into six sections, with one that especially focuses on family ministries and family issues. The complete study will be further analyzed by our evaluation and program consultants. It will be of tremendous value for the clergy and for developing the next level of programming for the Family Wellness Center.
YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
The Youth and Family Ministries Department has been very active in the last year with ambitious plans to meet the needs of the children, young adults and families of the Metropolis. Listed below are a variety of events.
FOLK DANCE AND CHORAL FESTIVAL
The Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) continues to be a great success with nearly 1,500 dancers from 100 dance groups participating in the 2008 weekend event. It was not only filled with dancing and singing, but worship, spiritual workshops, social activities, and fellowship. The ministry of FDF has grown into one of the largest youth gatherings in the Archdiocese of America. The level of skill and intricacy of the dances, music, costumes and every aspect of the performance is an amazing sight to behold and is a genuine expression of the love and pride for our Hellenic culture. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 17, 2008 was celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. Also present were: His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas of Dardanelles, and His Grace Bishop Anthimos of Olympos.
METROPOLIS ALTAR BOY 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. The event, open to all Acolytes in California who were in the 5th through 12th grade, was attended by thirty-two young men representing St. Nicholas, Northridge, CA; St. Prophet Elias, San Bernardino, CA; St. Demetrios, Camarillo, CA; St. Spyridon, San Diego, CA; Ss. Constantine and Helen, Lancaster, CA and St. George, Fresno, CA.
3RD ANNUAL YOUNG ADULT SKI RETREAT
Those that participated in the 3rd Annual Young Adult Ski Retreat responded with praise and appreciation for the weekend. Fifty-four young adults came from different areas of the Metropolis including Seattle, Portland, Northern California, Southern California, and even from the Metropolis of Pittsburgh and the Archdiocesan District.
LENTEN RETREATS
The Lenten Retreat for Southern California was a success. Along with workshops designed to strengthen the relationship of our youth to the Church, workshops will be offered that center on survival skills and wisdom from the Orthodox Church for different teenage issues.
ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
The Metropolis of San Francisco is very proud of the young adults who make the finals of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival held annually at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. With His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos present, seventeen participants along with family, friends and clergy attended this 2007 event.
The two finalists advancing to the National Oratorical Festival representing the Metropolis of San Francisco were both from the parish of St. Nicholas in Northridge, CA. The Junior Division winner was Haroula Kyriakou who spoke on the topic of "How does the life of St. Katherine inspire you". The Senior Division winner was Caroline Youlios whose presentation was on "Prophet Elijah's obedience, power of prayer, and faithfulness to God". These two articulate young ladies traveled to Miami, FL and participated in the National Oratorical Festival.
SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM
Summer Camp for children ranging from ages 10 to 18 is held annually for the Metropolis of San Francisco at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. The theme for the 2007 Metropolis Camp was "Embrace Your Faith". Over 230 children attended the three one-week camp sessions held during July. The Metropolis was well represented with campers coming from throughout the state of California, as well as youth from Arizona, Nevada, and even 13 from Hawaii.
Each camp day began with Orthros, followed by a variety of daytime sessions including: Orthodox Challenge, Swimming, Archery, Theater, and Arts and Crafts. During the week, campers had the opportunity and blessing to visit the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring and enjoyed a conversation with Abbess Markella. Campers marked the setting of the warm California sun with a Vespers service each evening, which was followed with a variety of evening activities including a campfire, skit night, sports activities, and the traditional "Night with God" in preparation for the weekly Divine Liturgy. The campers were encouraged to participate fully in the worship services and it truly was a "leitourgia", a work of the people.
The young people that availed themselves of this experience truly learned to "Embrace their Faith" and they are undoubtedly sharing it with others.
MONTHLY MESSAGES REGARDING YOUTH
Each month, a message is being sent to the parishes for inclusion in their monthly publication.
ST. NICHOLAS RANCH & RETREAT CENTER
The Metropolis of San Francisco and the Board of St. Nicholas Ranch are both proud to announce that Michael Pappas is the new Director of St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center starting in the Fall of 2007. Under this new leadership and under the continuing leadership of the Ranch Board, the Ranch continues to provide a place of retreat and growth for all the parishes of the Metropolis as well as other organizations who utilize the property. Much attention is being given to renovations and repairs. The Kitchen facilities and the lodge rooms have been upgraded and this process will continue throughout 2008. The entire cafeteria has had a facelift with new hardwood flooring. Much of labor involved in these upgrades has been generously donated. While we lost the dam for our lake due to flooding, we hope to see the construction of a new dam begin sometime this year.
MUSIC MINISTRIES
The Church Music Federation of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is a thriving ministry dedicated to perpetuating the rich musical traditions of our Church. With nearly 1,000 active adult and youth choir members, chanters, and organists in our Metropolis, our Federation maintains regular contact with its members through a newsletter, regional Church Music Institutes and other educational opportunities offered throughout the Metropolis.
CONDUCTOR'S TRAINING ACADEMY
The 2007 - 2008 Conductors' Training Academy has been redesigned to better serve the geographic diversity of the Metropolis. Rather than requiring students to travel monthly for classes, the program now consists of individual instruction with a qualified church musician mentor in their local area. Additionally, lecture and discussion topics including liturgics, roles and responsibilities of choir directors, the 12 Great Feasts, and rehearsal techniques, are held monthly via teleconference.
CHURCH MUSC INSTITUTES
The Church Music Federation offered six concurrent Church Music Institutes on March 3 2007, throughout the Metropolis and drew nearly 175 participants. The focus of the 2007 CMI curriculum was the Annunciation, and included learning hymns, and a brief lecture by the local parish priest.
ANNUAL CHURCH MUSIC CONFERENCE
The 2007 Church Music Conference was held in Seattle, Washington from June 14 - 17, 2007. This was a most successful gathering of adult and youth choir members, chanter and organists. Nearly 150 adult choir members and 35 youth choir members participated together in singing the hymns and responses of the Divine Liturgy. A group of 15 chanters prepared the music for the Orthros service.
OFFICE OF GREEK EDUCATION AND CULTURE
In 2007, the Metropolis of San Francisco established a new Office of Greek Education and Culture with a redefined mission and role to better serve the needs of Hellenism. This is being accomplished by means of conducting a diligent assessment of needs and constructing the appropriate plans to serve these needs effectively throughout the Metropolis.
Current projects and initiatives under development by the Office of Greek Education and Culture of the Metropolis of San Francisco include the following: Review and standardization of the curriculum; the conduct of educational seminars that will be held in Northern California and Southern California in June 2008; and, the implementation of an informative survey which schools can complete and send to the Metropolis at the beginning of every school year.
The Metropolis is proud to report that Dr. Peter Nanopoulos has taken the new position of Director bringing with him substantial experience and commitment.
The new Office of Greek Education and Culture has already established a much stronger working relationship between the Consulate of Greece Education Office, the Ministry of Education in Greece, the Archdiocese Department of Education, and local schools.
Finally, the new Office of Greek Education and Culture will be an active contributor to the upcoming March 25th Cultural Week Program and other social events.
GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY AND CULTURAL PARADE
2007 was no exception to the tremendous turnout and event we hold in San Francisco to celebrate Greek Culture and Greek Independence. As usual, thousands of participants and spectators gathered in a mile long parade ending at City Hall. After the Parade, the people continued the celebration with two Lenten receptions hosted by the Greek Consul General and jointly between the Metropolis of San Francisco and the United Hellenic American Societies of Northern California (UHAS).
One new aspect added in 2007 was the "Hellenic Cultural Week" which brought the Bay Area a different cultural event each day of the week leading up to the Parade. One of the major concerts of the week was the beautiful and Christ-centered music of well known singer Petros Gaitanos. The Hellenic Cultural Week as well was accomplished under the leadership of the UHAS. All parishes in the Bay area are strongly encouraged to participate in all of the activities.
PATRIARCHAL YOUTH CONFERENCE
The Second International Orthodox Youth Conference, held July of 2007 in Constantinople, was attended by more than 1,000 Orthodox Christian youth from throughout the world. The Metropolis of San Francisco was represented by 10 outstanding young adults who chronicled their experiences at this historic event for the faithful of the Metropolis.
MONASTICISM
Our three Monasteries are thriving financially and, most importantly, spiritually. They are beacons to thousands of pilgrims annually. There are approximately 72 men and women who have been tonsured and have committed themselves to a monastic life at the monasteries of the Theotokos of the Life-giving Spring, Dunlap, CA: St. Anthony's, Florence, AZ, and St. John the Forerunner, Goldendale, WA
Our three Monasteries are thriving financially and, most importantly, spiritually. They are beacons to thousands of pilgrims annually. There are approximately 72 men and women who have been tonsured and have committed themselves to a monastic life at the Theotokos of the Life-giving Spring, Dunlap, CA: St. Anthony's, Florence, AZ, and St. John the Forerunner, Goldendale, WA.
One noteworthy retreat has been undertaken by the Goldendale Monastery. Their third annual girl's summer retreat was very successful. Nearly 100 girls participated from ages 8 to 18 in four different sessions.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND FORMATION
A Christian Education Advisory Committee has recently been formed to expand the base of ideas and resources for the support of parish Church School Religious Education for our youth, as well as providing resources to contribute to Adult Christian Education and Formation. The new committee held its first teleconference meeting in late October 2007 and it was clear to all participants that there is a wealth of knowledge and a variety of experiences waiting to be shared for the benefit of our Metropolis. One of the charters of this committee is to explore ways in which our Metropolis can offer workshops and seminars covering a wide variety of topics on a regular basis. Some of the educational activities that could take place under the umbrella of this ministry include:
SPIRITUAL RENEWAL ORGANIZATION
The work of spiritual renewal is ongoing and the main purpose of the committee is to encourage lay persons to assist their local Proistamenos in expanding and promoting Bible Studies, lectures, seminars, retreats, and membership retention programs. Every Proistamenos is encouraged to identify and appoint a layperson as Parish Spiritual Renewal Chairman.
The Parish SRO Chair will assist in organizing regional and Metropolis-wide retreats and seminars. Additionally, they will assist the clergy in motivating and encouraging parishioners to attend local and regional Spiritual Renewal events.
LAY LEADERSHIP IN CHRIST MINISTRY
In 2007, a lay leadership program, Leadership in Christ, was formed as a planning group. The purpose of this proposed ministry is two-fold: 1) to provide an opportunity for Greek Orthodox faithful to renew their individual commitment to our Lord and the Church; and 2) to develop and guide those faithful into leadership positions at the local parish, community and Metropolis level in accordance with their natural abilities and interests.
Planning will continue as we develop the men's and women's weekend retreats for fall of 2009.
ORTHODOX PARISH ADMINISTRATION
The first and on-going project of this newly formed group is a "Church Administration Guidelines" manual to assist the parishes of our Metropolis. The manual will be in loose-leaf format as it is intended to be a vital, constantly expanding resource for church office administrators, personnel and clergy. The main emphasis of this guidebook is to assist lay staff in addressing the many facets of church administration. It will include: 1) typical staff structures for the small, medium and large parishes; 2) samples of job descriptions which each parish can modify to meet their specific needs; 3) sample Metropolis forms, medical information and release forms; and 4) a sample letter verifying "steward in good standing" for the purpose of serving as sponsors for Sacraments. Other sections will cover the enlisting, training and sustaining of volunteers, human resources issues, office equipment and technology.
DEVELOPMENT
The Metropolis has implemented several new initiatives aimed at creating a culture of philanthropy amongst the faithful we serve. This has been accomplished through the distribution of Paschal and Christmas Appeals, as well as through the establishment of a new Metropolis stewardship program, "Faith Forward". The contributions realized through these efforts offer assistance in supporting the many ongoing programs and ministries in the Metropolis.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
During the last eight months of 2007, the Metropolis of San Francisco has put forth a diligent effort to increase the visibility of our parishes, ministries and various events throughout the Metropolis. This has been accomplished by regular distribution of press releases to Orthodox and Hellenic news agencies. The Metropolis has received regular and prominent coverage creating a heightened visibility for the many positive events and programs we offer.
The Metropolis website has had a complete re-design through the efforts of one of our seminarians. It features all new content and is a good source of news information pertaining to our Metropolis, as well as valuable information on our programs and ministries.
Additionally, through the volunteer efforts, we are working to develop a media database for each city served by a parish in our Metropolis. This includes contacts in print, television and radio. When completed, this project will be of tremendous assistance to the Metropolis staff, as well as to our parishes as they promote their events and programs to the greater community.
Regular distribution of news items to the Metropolis listserv. These announcements reach nearly 800 subscribers. We ask that parishes encourage their stewards to visit the Metropolis website and sign up to be on the listserv (www.sanfran.goarch.org).
PAROCHIAL & CHARTER SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The Parochial and Charter School Committee continues to strive to help parishes determine the feasibility of establishing a Parochial or Charter School as it continues to field questions, send out information and meet with inquirers. One of the biggest challenges parishes seem to face in establishing a school is envisioning the school's purpose. Is the school's purpose to serve as a ministry and as a way to promote Orthodoxy or is it just being viewed as a source of revenue to fill the financial gap that stewardship numbers can't meet? It is the belief of the committee that if the parish envisions the school as a ministry, there will be more energy spent in helping the school establish itself and become successful. This vision of the school as a ministry can be accomplished either as a parochial or charter school.
ORTHODOX SCOUTING PROGRAM OF AMERICA
Currently the Metropolis of San Francisco has nine units throughout the Metropolis. Additionally, there are two Orthodox Venture Crews sponsored by parishes for their teens. In 2007, one of our boys, Zachary LaGasse, received the Honor Medal for Heroism from the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, for saving his three younger brothers from a house fire. This is the first time any Orthodox Scout in the country has received this high honor. The story of his heroic rescue was written up in the BSA's Boys' Life Magazine.
1,600TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
On November 13, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, His Grace Bishop Joseph (Antiochian), His Grace Bishop Maxim (Serbian), and His Grace Bishop Benjamin (OCA) attended Orthros and the Divine Liturgy in commemoration of the 1,600th Anniversary of the Repose of St. John Chrysostom. Also in attendance was His Grace Bishop Ilia of Philomelion, from the Albanian Diocese in the United States. This service, held at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles, drew over 500 faithful, including more than 40 priests, from all Orthodox jurisdictions. The celebrants at the Liturgy were the deans and deacons of the four Orthodox Cathedrals in the Los Angeles area. An inspirational homily was delivered by His Grace, Bishop Maxim, where he offered reflections on the life and teachings of St. John Chrysostom.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the clergy were invited to attend a luncheon hosted by the Ladies Philoptochos Society at St. Sophia Cathedral. A Pan-Orthodox Symposium was held at which Very Reverend Josiah Trenham, pastor of St. Andrew Antiochian Church in Riverside, California, gave a presentation on the life of St. John Chrysostom, and its relevance for Christians of the 21st century.
RELICS OF SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNA FIND HOME IN ROSEVILLE, CA
A journey that began 12 centuries ago has come to a joyous conclusion, as the relics of Saints Joachim and Anna, the Holy Ancestors of God, made their way to the parish of Saint Anna in Roseville, CA on September 8 - 9, 2007. The journey of these relics can be traced back to the 9th century when Charlemagne brought them to the Provence region in France from Jerusalem. From there, they traveled to Cologne, Germany where they were under the watchful care of Cardinal Joachim Meisner, until 1997 when he gifted a portion of these relics to the Theophileon Brotherhood of the Skete of Saint Anna on Mount Athos, Greece. The formal gifting of the relics was made by the Skete of Saint Anna to the Saint Anna Church of Roseville, CA.
A journey that began 12 centuries ago has come to a joyous and peaceful conclusion, as the relics of Saints Joachim and Anna, the Holy Ancestors of God, made their way to their new home at the parish of Saint Anna in Roseville, CA the weekend of September 8 - 9, 2007. The journey of these relics can be traced back to the 9th century when Charlemagne brought them to the Provence region in France from Jerusalem. From there, they traveled to Cologne, Germany where they have most recently been under the watchful care of Cardinal Joachim Meisner, until 1997 when he gifted a portion of these relics to the Theophileon Brotherhood of the Skete of Saint Anna on Mount Athos, Greece. The formal gifting of the relics was made by the Skete of Saint Anna to the Saint Anna Church of Roseville, CA.
Saints Joachim and Anna are an example of a couple devoted to God and devoted to having a family to glorify God. Metropolitan Gerasimos has now designated the parish as a "Shrine" dedicated to the Sanctity of Marriage and Family. The relics of the Holy Ancestors of God will be brought forth on the first of every month as the Supplication Service to Saints Joachim and Anna is prayed, as well as on their respective Feasts, and Feasts of the Theotokos.
IN CONCLUSION:
While this report only offers the highlights of the activities and ministries of the Metropolis of San Francisco; one can see that these accomplishments come from the hard work and dedication of many, many Orthodox Christians. We ask for your prayers on those who labor in the Lord's vineyard and for the continued guidance of the Holy Spirit as this Metropolis pursues her work to God's glory.
4th Thursday after Pascha
