The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry invites all couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates marriage program. Presented for the fifth time, this powerful relationship series is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Date 4
The topic for Thursday, October 15, 2026 is THE COST OF LOVE Work and Money. Presenter: Joe Borgonia, M.F.T.
❦ Money issues aren’t about money. They’re about what money means to each partner in a relationship. Discovering what money means to both of you will go a long way in resolving the conflicts you may have around money.
More information on Eight Dates, visit the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry website.
https://familywellnessministry.org/eight-dates/... show moreThe Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry invites all couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates marriage program. Presented for the fifth time, this powerful relationship series is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Date 4
The topic for Thursday, October 15, 2026 is THE COST OF LOVE Work and Money. Presenter: Joe Borgonia, M.F.T.
❦ Money issues aren’t about money. They’re about what money means to each partner in a relationship. Discovering what money means to both of you will go a long way in resolving the conflicts you may have around money.
More information on Eight Dates, visit the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry website.
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach will host a Byzantine Chant Workshop on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, 2026, led by Archon Mousikodidaskalos Georgios Theodoridis, Director of the School of Byzantine Music of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
The two-day workshop will offer participants an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the rich tradition of Byzantine music through chant instruction and practical workshops, along with participation in Great Vespers, Orthros and the Divine Liturgy. The workshop is open to clergy, chanters and all faithful interested in learning more about Byzantine chant.
Archon Theodoridis is a distinguished chanter and educator who serves as Protopsaltis... show moreSaint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach will host a Byzantine Chant Workshop on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, 2026, led by Archon Mousikodidaskalos Georgios Theodoridis, Director of the School of Byzantine Music of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
The two-day workshop will offer participants an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the rich tradition of Byzantine music through chant instruction and practical workshops, along with participation in Great Vespers, Orthros and the Divine Liturgy. The workshop is open to clergy, chanters and all faithful interested in learning more about Byzantine chant.
Archon Theodoridis is a distinguished chanter and educator who serves as Protopsaltis at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Washington, D.C., in addition to directing the Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music. He has taught and performed Byzantine music throughout the United States and internationally.
The registration fee is $50 per person and includes continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday. The workshop will be held at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 722 Knob Hill Avenue in Redondo Beach. For additional information or assistance, please contact the Saint Katherine parish by email or call 310-540-2434.
St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary on the 17th of October, 2026. It is both an exciting and humbling experience to look back over the years and imagine the future. In 1986, a small group of dedicated men and women envisioned establishing a Greek Orthodox Parish in southern Santa Clara County to better serve a community of the faithful who were moving to Morgan Hill and Gilroy.
Commuting to St. Nicholas from these outlying small towns took hours as the 101 extension had not yet been built. Their fervent belief in the importance of a place of worship not only for themselves but especially for their young families motivated them to embark on the path of building a church.
Creating a new... show moreSt. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary on the 17th of October, 2026. It is both an exciting and humbling experience to look back over the years and imagine the future. In 1986, a small group of dedicated men and women envisioned establishing a Greek Orthodox Parish in southern Santa Clara County to better serve a community of the faithful who were moving to Morgan Hill and Gilroy.
Commuting to St. Nicholas from these outlying small towns took hours as the 101 extension had not yet been built. Their fervent belief in the importance of a place of worship not only for themselves but especially for their young families motivated them to embark on the path of building a church.
Creating a new parish was a challenging endeavor with many hurdles. However, that early initiative and tenacity laid the foundation for today's St. Basil's, a vibrant and diverse Greek Orthodox parish. We are a community of many nationalities with different religious backgrounds. While many of our members were born into Orthodoxy, others have found a path to our doors through their own unique spiritual journeys. Each generation has faced its challenges, contributed to the parish's growth and evolution, and found fulfillment and joy. Our 40th Anniversary event will be an evening to commemorate that history and to envision and celebrate its future.
Leading us in the celebration of our 40th Jubilee will be our hierarch and spiritual leader, His Eminence Metropolitan Tarasios; former priests; parish members who have moved out of the area but have always been an integral part of our identity; and all of you, our invited guests. We are planning a festive evening with a wonderful Greek Dinner, music, and dancing. A host of speakers tied to our history will help us reflect on the past and challenge us to consider the future's potential. Please join us.
If you have questions about the event or how to book tickets, please reach out to Natasha Hyndman at 408.838.5240.
Cappella Romana, John Michael Boyer, Interim Music Director
Composed in 1915, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil stands as one of the most beautiful choral masterworks ever written—a luminous bridge between ancient Slavic spiritual traditions and late-Romantic expression, with bass notes so low they challenge the limits of the human voice.
Drawing deeply from ancient Russian Orthodox chants, Rachmaninoff weaves the timeless melodies of Russian plainsong into works of transcendent beauty. Cappella Romana presents the Vigil as intended, with unadorned Russian chants filling out the Vigil — palate cleansers between Rachmaninoff’s sumptuous courses.
This is music that transforms—an outpouring of profound emotional and spiritual... show moreCappella Romana, John Michael Boyer, Interim Music Director
Composed in 1915, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil stands as one of the most beautiful choral masterworks ever written—a luminous bridge between ancient Slavic spiritual traditions and late-Romantic expression, with bass notes so low they challenge the limits of the human voice.
Drawing deeply from ancient Russian Orthodox chants, Rachmaninoff weaves the timeless melodies of Russian plainsong into works of transcendent beauty. Cappella Romana presents the Vigil as intended, with unadorned Russian chants filling out the Vigil — palate cleansers between Rachmaninoff’s sumptuous courses.
This is music that transforms—an outpouring of profound emotional and spiritual vision that finds beauty in darkness. This performance won’t last all night, but you’ll wish it did.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church San Francisco
999 Brotherhood Way
San Francisco, CA 94132
The Orthodox Parish Leadership (OPL) ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to announce the continuation of the 2026 OPL webinar series, with an engaging presentation on “To Support: Welcoming & Engaging” in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Rev. Father Barnabas Powell and Mr. George Ekizian.
Across parishes throughout the country, we are witnessing a remarkable movement as more people than ever seek the depth, truth, beauty, and spiritual grounding found within Orthodoxy. Many are arriving with sincere questions, curiosity, and a desire for an authentic Christian community.
As... show moreThe Orthodox Parish Leadership (OPL) ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to announce the continuation of the 2026 OPL webinar series, with an engaging presentation on “To Support: Welcoming & Engaging” in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Rev. Father Barnabas Powell and Mr. George Ekizian.
Across parishes throughout the country, we are witnessing a remarkable movement as more people than ever seek the depth, truth, beauty, and spiritual grounding found within Orthodoxy. Many are arriving with sincere questions, curiosity, and a desire for an authentic Christian community.
As this opportunity continues to grow, so does our responsibility to welcome others with warmth, clarity, and intentionality. A visitor’s first interaction with a parish, whether online, in conversation, or at their first Divine Liturgy, can have a lasting impact on their spiritual journey.
This webinar will explore practical ways parishes can effectively prepare for and receive seekers, helping them feel informed, comfortable, and genuinely embraced from their very first encounter with the Church. Together, we will discuss how to create a welcoming culture that not only invites people through the doors but also guides them toward deeper connection, understanding, and life in Christ.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat, taking place October 22–25, 2026, at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center in Dunlap, California. Orthodox young adults ages 18–35 from all Orthodox jurisdictions—including those who are new to Orthodoxy or simply exploring the Orthodox faith—are warmly invited to join us for a weekend of prayer, fellowship, hiking, meaningful discussion, service, and spiritual renewal in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains.
This Year’s Theme: Food as Medicine: What Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science Teach Us About Nourishing the Whole Person
Our featured speaker, Dr. Pericles Ioannides, will explore food as medicine through the lens of modern medical science and the wisdom... show moreRegistration is now open for the 2026 Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat, taking place October 22–25, 2026, at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center in Dunlap, California. Orthodox young adults ages 18–35 from all Orthodox jurisdictions—including those who are new to Orthodoxy or simply exploring the Orthodox faith—are warmly invited to join us for a weekend of prayer, fellowship, hiking, meaningful discussion, service, and spiritual renewal in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains.
This Year’s Theme: Food as Medicine: What Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science Teach Us About Nourishing the Whole Person
Our featured speaker, Dr. Pericles Ioannides, will explore food as medicine through the lens of modern medical science and the wisdom of ancient traditions, examining how what we eat can influence health, longevity, and the prevention of chronic disease. Together, we’ll consider not only what nourishes the body, but how our relationship with food, moderation, and fasting can shape the whole person.
The retreat will explore the Orthodox understanding of food as a gift and fasting as a spiritual discipline, inviting us to consider how the way we eat can cultivate gratitude, self-control, and a deeper hunger for God.
Oct 24th, 2026
● 7:30am Registration at City Beach in Fremont, CA
● 8am Games begin promptly at City Beach and continue until finished
● 7pm Doors open for Awards Banquet / Dinner at St Nicholas Community Center
● 9pm Live Entertainment by SoTiri
Oct 25th, 2026
● 1pm Championship Games at St Nicholas Community Center
Individual Participant Registration Price: $140 per person
Any questions or concerns, please reach out to the St Nicholas Volleyball Chairman, George Spilios 408.806.1699 cell or email at georgespilios@gmail.com
Hosted by St. John the Evangelist Antiochian Orthodox Church & the IOCC Metropolitan Committee of Northern California
ST. JOHN'S FELLOWSHIP HALL - 501 Moraga Way | Orinda, CA 94563
Tickets:
$60, through Oct. 15, includes food and unlimited wine pours
$70, after Oct. 15, includes food and wine
$50, includes food only
$35, student ticket
$25, children 6-12 (free 5 and under)
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry invites all couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates marriage program. Presented for the fifth time, this powerful relationship series is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Date 5
The topic for Thursday, November 5, 2026 is ROOM TO GROW Family. Presenters: Fr. Daniel, M.Div., and Presvytera Michelle Triant
❦ Approximately two-thirds of couples have a sharp drop in relationship satisfaction shortly after a child is born, and this drop gets deeper with each subsequent child. To avoid this drop in relationship happiness, conflict needs to be low and you need to maintain your sexual relationship.
More information on Eight Dates,... show moreThe Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry invites all couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates marriage program. Presented for the fifth time, this powerful relationship series is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Date 5
The topic for Thursday, November 5, 2026 is ROOM TO GROW Family. Presenters: Fr. Daniel, M.Div., and Presvytera Michelle Triant
❦ Approximately two-thirds of couples have a sharp drop in relationship satisfaction shortly after a child is born, and this drop gets deeper with each subsequent child. To avoid this drop in relationship happiness, conflict needs to be low and you need to maintain your sexual relationship.
More information on Eight Dates, visit the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry website.
Gerontissa Markella and her Sisterhood joyfully, with hope and thanksgiving for your constant support and many years of commitment, invite you to join us again for a Benefit Dinner. The Monastery of the Theotokos of the Life Giving Spring Fund-raising Dinner will be on Sunday, November 8th at the St. Nicholas Community Center at 5:00pm.
Donation for tickets for adults $75, children 12 and under $35. All proceeds go to Monastery for essential support to the operation of the Monastery facility.
For details or to RSVP, please contact Evagelia at: (408) 499-3939, email eva.niktas@gmail.com.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will host a Youth Worker Workshop on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland, California.
Designed as a practical day of formation, the workshop will equip and encourage those who serve the youth of the Church through meaningful presentations, hands-on learning, practical resources, and opportunities to collaborate with fellow ministry leaders from throughout the Bay Area.
The workshop is open to all who are involved in parish youth ministry, including clergy, youth directors, GOYA advisors, Sunday Church School teachers, volunteers, athletic coaches, dance directors, and others who work closely with children... show moreThe Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will host a Youth Worker Workshop on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland, California.
Designed as a practical day of formation, the workshop will equip and encourage those who serve the youth of the Church through meaningful presentations, hands-on learning, practical resources, and opportunities to collaborate with fellow ministry leaders from throughout the Bay Area.
The workshop is open to all who are involved in parish youth ministry, including clergy, youth directors, GOYA advisors, Sunday Church School teachers, volunteers, athletic coaches, dance directors, and others who work closely with children and young people in the life of the Church.
Throughout the day, participants will hear from experienced presenters on a variety of topics relevant to youth ministry, engage in interactive learning sessions, develop practical skills, and receive resources they can immediately implement in their home parishes. In addition to the educational sessions, the workshop will provide opportunities to build relationships with others who share a commitment to nurturing the faith of the next generation.
The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral, located at 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, California. Meals and refreshments will be provided throughout the day. The group will also join in prayer beginning with Orthros in the morning, and concluding with Great Vespers, followed by dinner on the Platea at the Ascension Cathedral.
Registration will open in September 2026.
For additional information, please contact Anna Teodosiadis, Metropolis Parish Youth Ministry Advisor, at ateodosiadis@sanfran.goarch.org.
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension
4700 Lincoln Ave
Oakland, CA 94602-2535
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos invite the faithful to gather for Light the Path – A Christmas Reception, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Centre, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California. The annual event will benefit the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, which provides financial assistance to seminarians and students from the Metropolis of San Francisco attending Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Make your reservations and donations here! (https://donate.onecause.com/light-the-path-2026)
Established in 1984 through the vision of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of blessed... show moreHis Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos invite the faithful to gather for Light the Path – A Christmas Reception, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Centre, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California. The annual event will benefit the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, which provides financial assistance to seminarians and students from the Metropolis of San Francisco attending Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Make your reservations and donations here! (https://donate.onecause.com/light-the-path-2026)
Established in 1984 through the vision of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory and the Metropolis Philoptochos, the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund has provided vital assistance to generations of students preparing to serve the Church. Today, 60 students from the Metropolis of San Francisco are enrolled at Hellenic College Holy Cross, making continued support of this important ministry especially significant.
“Supporting our seminarians and students is an investment in the future of our Church,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “Through Light the Path, we have the opportunity to encourage these dedicated young men and women as they pursue their education and prepare for lives of service. I remain deeply grateful to our Metropolis Philoptochos and to the faithful throughout our Metropolis whose generosity continues to strengthen this important ministry.”
Over the past decade alone, the Metropolis Philoptochos has contributed over $2 million toward the educational expenses of Metropolis students. Philoptochos chapters also personally support students by “adopting” them throughout the academic year, maintaining connections through encouraging messages, care packages and gifts. Members of the Metropolis Philoptochos Board travel annually to Brookline, Massachusetts, to celebrate the students and their achievements at Hellenic College Holy Cross Commencement.
The financial demands facing students are substantial. Annual tuition is currently $21,940, with additional expenses for housing, meals, books and student fees. Light the Path helps ease these burdens so students may remain focused on their education, spiritual formation and preparation for service to the Church.
“Light the Path is about more than financial assistance. It is about letting our students know that their Metropolis family believes in them and is walking beside them,” stated Metropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie Ranglas. “We are blessed by their commitment to the Church, and it is our privilege to help them pursue the calling God has placed before them.”
The 2026 Light the Path gathering will offer an afternoon of fellowship while raising awareness and support for this enduring ministry of the Metropolis Philoptochos. Sponsorships and donations are encouraged, providing individuals, families, parishes and Philoptochos chapters with an opportunity to directly support the education of the future clergy and lay leaders of the Church.
For additional information about Light the Path, sponsorship opportunities or donations, please visit the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos website (https://www.sfphiloptochos.org/), call 415-431-2600, or email office@sfphiloptochos.org.
The Orthodox Parish Leadership (OPL) ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to announce the continuation of the 2026 OPL webinar series, with an engaging presentation on “To Prepare: Healthy Catechism for Newcomers” in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Rev. Father George Parsenios and Dr. Don Khouri.
This webinar is hosted by the Metropolis of Boston Thriving Congregations Initiative (TCI) and responds to a growing reality across Orthodox parishes in the United States: increasing numbers of inquirers and converts, many of whom arrive after self-directed online learning. The... show moreThe Orthodox Parish Leadership (OPL) ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to announce the continuation of the 2026 OPL webinar series, with an engaging presentation on “To Prepare: Healthy Catechism for Newcomers” in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Rev. Father George Parsenios and Dr. Don Khouri.
This webinar is hosted by the Metropolis of Boston Thriving Congregations Initiative (TCI) and responds to a growing reality across Orthodox parishes in the United States: increasing numbers of inquirers and converts, many of whom arrive after self-directed online learning. The session will explore how parishes can offer catechism that is not only a transfer of information but an opening of Orthodox spiritual practice. With limited clergy and a shortage of trained catechists, the webinar will highlight sustainable models that involve lay leaders, peer support, and integration into the liturgical and communal life of the parish. Emphasis will be placed on moving newcomers from knowledge to participation, helping them develop relationships, spiritual practices, and a lived experience of Orthodoxy. Drawing from TCI parish examples, this session will equip communities to form newcomers in a way that is scalable, relational, and deeply rooted in the life of the Church.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry invites all couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates marriage program. Presented for the fifth time, this powerful relationship series is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Date 6
The topic for Thursday, November 19, 2026 is PLAY WITH ME ~ Fun and Adventure. Presenters: Fr. Tom, M.F.T., M.Div., and Presvytera Pat Tsagalakis
❦ Play and adventure are vital components to a successful and joyful relationship. It’s okay if you and your partner have different ideas about what constitutes play and adventure. The key is for you to respect each other’s sense of adventure and what it means to that partner.
More information on Eight... show moreThe Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry invites all couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates marriage program. Presented for the fifth time, this powerful relationship series is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Date 6
The topic for Thursday, November 19, 2026 is PLAY WITH ME ~ Fun and Adventure. Presenters: Fr. Tom, M.F.T., M.Div., and Presvytera Pat Tsagalakis
❦ Play and adventure are vital components to a successful and joyful relationship. It’s okay if you and your partner have different ideas about what constitutes play and adventure. The key is for you to respect each other’s sense of adventure and what it means to that partner.
More information on Eight Dates, visit the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry website.
Do you lead a young adult ministry at your parish? Join our calls every other month to create community, overcome challenges, grow and connect with the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministries from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco.
Email Anna Teodosiadis to receive an invitation and link to the meetings.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry invites all couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates marriage program. Presented for the fifth time, this powerful relationship series is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Date 7
The topic for Thursday, December 3, 2026 is SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN ~ Growth and Spirituality. Presenter: Fr. Vasili Hillhouse, M.Div.
❦ The only constant in a relationship is change. The key is how each person in the relationship accommodates the growth of the other partner. Relationships can be more than just two individuals coming together—they can be stories of transformation and great contribution and meaning to the world.
More information... show moreThe Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry invites all couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates marriage program. Presented for the fifth time, this powerful relationship series is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Date 7
The topic for Thursday, December 3, 2026 is SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN ~ Growth and Spirituality. Presenter: Fr. Vasili Hillhouse, M.Div.
❦ The only constant in a relationship is change. The key is how each person in the relationship accommodates the growth of the other partner. Relationships can be more than just two individuals coming together—they can be stories of transformation and great contribution and meaning to the world.
More information on Eight Dates, visit the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry website.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry invites all couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates marriage program. Presented for the fifth time, this powerful relationship series is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Date 8
The topic for Thursday, December 10, 2026 is FINAL SESSION – A LIFETIME OF LOVE ~ Dreams Presenter: Dr. Nikki Frousakis
❦ When dreams are honored, everything else in the relationship gets easier. Honoring each other’s dreams is the secret ingredient to creating love for a lifetime.
More information on Eight Dates, visit the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry website.
The Orthodox Parish Leadership (OPL) ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to announce the final segment of the 2026 OPL webinar series, with an engaging presentation on "To Embrace: Building the Orthodox Mindset & Adult Religious Education for the Newly Illumined" in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Rev. Father Thomas Zaferes and Dr. Eve Tibbs.
Becoming Orthodox is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of a lifelong path of spiritual growth, learning, and transformation in Christ. Ongoing adult religious education is essential for continually deepening our... show moreThe Orthodox Parish Leadership (OPL) ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to announce the final segment of the 2026 OPL webinar series, with an engaging presentation on "To Embrace: Building the Orthodox Mindset & Adult Religious Education for the Newly Illumined" in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Rev. Father Thomas Zaferes and Dr. Eve Tibbs.
Becoming Orthodox is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of a lifelong path of spiritual growth, learning, and transformation in Christ. Ongoing adult religious education is essential for continually deepening our understanding of Holy Scripture, the teachings of the Church, the Divine Liturgy, and the Orthodox way of life. Through consistent learning, discussion, and reflection, we strengthen our faith, grow in spiritual maturity, and better equip ourselves to live as faithful Orthodox Christians in today’s world.
Tonight’s session is designed to help parishes establish a practical and sustainable approach to ongoing adult religious education, one that fosters continual learning, strengthens discipleship, and supports the long-term spiritual growth of both newly illumined and lifelong Orthodox Christians alike.
Families from across the West Coast are invited to join us for Family Winter Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, December 27–30, 2026!
This special four-day camp, offered by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, is open to families of all ages and stages — from those with young children to college-aged and adult children, and even couples, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends. Everyone is welcome to come and be part of our greater Metropolis family.
Let’s come together this Nativity season to celebrate faith, family, and fellowship at our beloved St. Nicholas Ranch. Enjoy a wonderful weekend filled with fun, adventure, worship, and connection,... show moreFamilies from across the West Coast are invited to join us for Family Winter Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, December 27–30, 2026!
This special four-day camp, offered by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, is open to families of all ages and stages — from those with young children to college-aged and adult children, and even couples, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends. Everyone is welcome to come and be part of our greater Metropolis family.
Let’s come together this Nativity season to celebrate faith, family, and fellowship at our beloved St. Nicholas Ranch. Enjoy a wonderful weekend filled with fun, adventure, worship, and connection, as we grow closer to Christ and to one another.
We’ll have the opportunity to enjoy fellowship and fun winter activities at St. Nicholas Ranch, visit the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring, and take a trip up to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks to play in the snow or hike among the majestic giant sequoia trees.
With engaging activities for all ages, let’s ascend to the mountains and celebrate the final days of 2026 together at our beloved St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center — a time for joy, renewal, and family in the spirit of Christ’s Nativity.
● DATES: December 27-30, 2026
● LOCATION: St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, Dunlap, CA
● WHO: Open to the entire family! Youth under the age of 18 cannot attend without a parent or chaperon and must stay in a family room with their parent or chaperon over the age of 18.
● COST: $260 per person (includes 8 meals and program supplies). The price of your family lodging is an additional cost, which only one family member will need to pay for. Select from either a lodge or dorm room. Children 5 and under are free.
● REGISTRATION OPENS SOON: https://gosfyouth.org/family
Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot with a $100 deposit. ...show less
Do you lead a young adult ministry at your parish? Join our calls every other month to create community, overcome challenges, grow and connect with the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministries from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco.
Email Anna Teodosiadis to receive an invitation and link to the meetings.
FDF 2027 is the 50th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival! This milestone marks five decades of bringing generations together to celebrate our heritage, culture, and faith. We are committed to making this year memorable, while honoring this legacy and setting the stage for the next 50 years.
We are thrilled to announce that FDF 2027 will take place in Anaheim, CA, February 11-14, 2027, at the Anaheim Marriott!
Building on the record growth of recent years, we have further expanded our hotel footprint to include not only the Anaheim Marriott, where we will once again have the entire property, but also a consolidated block at the Hilton Anaheim, where we have significantly increased our overflow block compared to... show moreFDF 2027 is the 50th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival! This milestone marks five decades of bringing generations together to celebrate our heritage, culture, and faith. We are committed to making this year memorable, while honoring this legacy and setting the stage for the next 50 years.
We are thrilled to announce that FDF 2027 will take place in Anaheim, CA, February 11-14, 2027, at the Anaheim Marriott!
Building on the record growth of recent years, we have further expanded our hotel footprint to include not only the Anaheim Marriott, where we will once again have the entire property, but also a consolidated block at the Hilton Anaheim, where we have significantly increased our overflow block compared to prior years. Together, there will be nearly 1,500 hotel rooms at our special FDF rates across both hotels. This represents our largest FDF room block to date and positions us to welcome even more participants and families to the festival during this significant milestone year.
Booking Note: Hotel reservations and participant registration details will be shared in late summer 2026.
Travel Note: Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027, in Inglewood near Los Angeles. For those flying in, we encourage booking travel as early as possible. Orange County (SNA), Ontario (ONT), and Long Beach (LGB) airports are in closer proximity to Anaheim compared to LAX.
Thank you to everyone who completed the FDF 2026 survey, with over 500 responses received. Your insights are invaluable as we shape FDF 2027 and the future of the festival. We look forward to sharing key takeaways in the months ahead.
FDF is elevated by the participants and volunteers who give themselves to this ministry year after year. We are grateful for your continued trust and support, and look forward to celebrating together!