May 28, 2009
LAKE DEDICATION - Metropolitan Gerasimos, with (L) Deacon Niko Bekris and (R) Bishop Anthimos of Olympos at the Agiasmos service at the lake. More photos below...
Over 160 clergy and lay delegates attended the Metropolis of San Francisco Clergy Laity Assembly from May 4 - 5, 2009 at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. The theme for this year's gathering was based on the scripture verse "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" Romans 8:18. This theme was selected in response to the current economic crisis facing our society which has brought forth significant spiritual and mental stress amongst the faithful of the Metropolis.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos presented his keynote address "The Role of the Church in Challenging Times" following Vespers and dinner on Monday evening. His Eminence pointed out that since last year we have gone "from excitement and energy...to anxiety and at least psychological depression, if still only economic recession. From the carefree attitudes of budgetary growth and increasing wealth, we are now stressed over the worry about shrinking revenues and potential deficits." Metropolitan Gerasimos went on to say, "This is a time when our Church should be doing more to build up the body of Christ, to serve her people. The measure of our progress as a church today will not be mosaic tiles, and new icons, or even yards of concrete poured - as needed as they are in parish life. We have a far more challenging task: caring for the people in the parishes, which is a much more difficult 'building program', but a far more rewarding one." Metropolitan Gerasimos concluded his remarks by stating, "We are certainly at a challenging time in the life of our Church and Metropolis. The economic situation has brought many of them to light - and is obligating us to face them directly. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the challenges. It is easy to become depressed or negative about our future. We should recall that immediately after the crucifixion of our Lord, the disciples hid themselves, because they were afraid. I would suspect that they figured their movement was over. However, in death and apparent defeat, our Lord triumphed by rising from the dead and destroying the forces of darkness. As we proclaimed at our Paschal vigil: 'Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate him flee before him! As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before fire, let the wicked perish before God' Psalms 67:1-2. When we light our paschal candles, a simple act that we do every time we enter a church, we proclaim our faith that God's light - the light of Christ's resurrection - cannot be overcome by darkness - it does not fade and cannot be extinguished."
Following His Eminence's Keynote Address, Metropolis Council Vice President Fanis Economidis presented a summary on his trip to Warsaw, Poland to represent the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle to discuss the plight of the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Economidis made two presentations to the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in October 2008. The OSCE is comprised of 56 European nations including the US, Canada and the Vatican and meets annually with the Ambassadors of each nation, their staff and officials from all over the world to review the state of Human Rights and Religious Freedom in Europe as part of the Helsinki Accords.
The Assembly continued on Tuesday with a panel presentation led by four respected leaders:
The panel offered a brief overview focusing on the following two areas: "How to Manage your Investments", and "Health and Wellness - Mental, Physical and Spiritual", following which the delegates spent.
Economopoulos and Demetropoulos advised the delegates to "go back to the basics" - follow a personal budget, reduce and eliminate debt, use the services of a reputable financial advisor, control credit card spending, and save by paying yourself first each month. In their presentation they also suggested churches currently involved in capital campaigns review the timing of their project and consider extending the duration of the campaign to allow people more time to fulfill their pledges based on the current economic trends.
Papageorge and Fr. Savas shared their thoughts with the delegates on maintaining mental, physical and spiritual wellness during these difficult times. Papageorge encouraged stress management through a balanced life that is especially plentiful in prayer. Fr. Savas talked about the disciples walking on the road to Emmaus and how their stress and anxiety mirrors what we are going through today. They were alone, confused and despondent; yet, like many of us, they were looking for Christ, not realizing he was walking along side of them. We must remember that even through the darkest of times, the Lord is with us and gives us strength to endure.
Following the panel presentation and the approval of the Metropolis budget, the delegates of the Clergy Laity Assembly walked to the lake where His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos led an Agiasmos service. Due to damages sustained in a storm over three years ago, the signature lake on the Ranch property was destroyed as the dam gave way and all the water was lost, leaving a large barren area where once was a place for reflection and serenity. Through the generosity of Peter and Thelma Karagines, the lake restoration was recently completed following three years of extensive work to return it to its natural beauty. The celebration culminated with the naming of the lake and surrounding area which will now be known as the Peter and Thelma Karagines Recreation Area. Following the service, Metropolitan Gerasimos, along with His Grace Bishop Anthimos of Olympos, released hundreds of fish into the lake. A traditional Greek barbecue was held at the lake complete with lamb on the spit and live music in a true Greek village atmosphere.
St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center one of many vibrant ministries within the Metropolis of San Francisco. Spanning over 300 acres, the Ranch is a full-service retreat and conference center which hosts many groups throughout the year including Elderhostel, Family Camps, retreats for Clergy, Youth, Presvyteres and Philoptochos, as well as serving as home of the Metropolis Summer Camp for over 25 years. Plans are presently being developed for a Hellenic Heritage Center to be constructed at St. Nicholas Ranch which will serve as an educational facility as well as provide for the preservation of historic archives, cultural artifacts, and a collection of Liturgical items from the estate of Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory.
FISH - Metropolitan Gerasimos releases fish into the newly restored lake.
KARAGINES FAMILY (L-R seated): Thelma and Peter Karagines with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, surrounded by members of the Karagines family.
LAKE BBQ - Metropolitan Gerasimos serves lunch to the Clergy Laity Assembly delegates.
WORKSHOP 1 - Father Anthony Savas (St. Nicholas - Northridge, CA) presents during the Clergy Laity Assembly.
WORKSHOP 2 - Father Luke Palumbis (St. Basil - Stockton, CA) asks a question during the Clergy Laity Assembly.
4th Thursday after Pascha
