Assembly Resources
Presenter | Schedule | Documents | Youth Safety | Videos
The clergy and lay leaders of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco will have the opportunity to gather at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA for the 2023 Clergy-Laity Assembly. This annual meeting provides a forum for the leadership of all our communities to deliberate on important matters for our Metropolis and our Archdiocese and engage in dialogue and fellowship to enrich our common ministry. The Assembly will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 24, and will conclude at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. The Metropolis Clergy Retreat will begin immediately following the conclusion of the Assembly and will continue through Wednesday, April 26.
The theme for this year’s Assembly is “Let Your Light Shine”, and will feature guest presenter Katrina Bitar who will be discussing what it could look like for our churches to have no walls and how can we cultivate vibrant, intergenerational communities that are engaged with the greater community outside our doors. We will consider, together, how to approach the world with only love, not fear...to welcome the stranger as Christ, bringing His love and healing to every person we encounter. There will also be the annual review of the Metropolis finances, the presentation and approval of the 2023 Metropolis Budget, along with presentations by our Metropolis Ministries to share the important efforts they are offering to our parishes and faithful.
Featured Speaker
Katrina Bitar
Katrina Bitar has been involved in youth ministry for over 20 years. She was led to youth ministry through her own experiences in the youth programs that formed her heart for ministry.
Her parents, Fr. Elias and Joanne Bitar, blessed memory, were
instrumental in demonstrating what a life given to Jesus Christ looks
like. They were her first examples of what it looks like to truly serve
God and others.
Katrina has been the YES (Youth Equipped to Serve)
Program Director since May of 2009, following her graduation from St.
Vladimir’s Seminary. Katrina previously served as the Camp Director at
Camp St. Nicholas in Frazier Park, CA from 2003- 2021 and the Parish
Youth Director at Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Phoenix, AZ from 2001-2007. She also served OCF as the West Coast
College Conference Advisor. Through the YES Program, Katrina has
embraced the opportunity to share her heart for both those in need and
young people.
She has also embraced her love for singing, cooking, and creative writing. Katrina is grateful to create formative opportunities that equip youth and young adults to serve each person as the Image of Christ.
Schedule
Monday, April 24, 2023
- 10:00 A.M. Registration Opens
Ministry Pavilion - 12:00 P.M. Lunch
- 1:00 P.M. Opening Prayer Service
Appointment of Presiding Officer and Secretary
Archpastoral Message from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Keynote Address: His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos
Featured Presentation: Katrina Bitar - What could it look like for our churches to have no walls? How can we cultivate vibrant, intergenerational communities that are engaged with the greater community outside our doors? We will consider, together, how to approach the world with only love, not fear...to welcome the stranger as Christ, bringing His love and healing to every person we encounter. - 5:00 P.M. Great Vespers at the Monastery
Dinner
Youth Safety Update
Metropolis Ministries Circuit
Ministry Pavilion and Reception
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
- 8:00 A.M. - Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring
Feast of Saint Mark the Apostle and Evangelist
Nineteen-Year Memorial for Metropolitan Anthony
Brunch
Clergy-Laity Assembly Resumes
Archon Presentation – Update on the Ecumenical Patriarchate Hellenic College Holy Cross: President George Cantonis
Second Presentation: Katrina Bitar
Approval of Minutes from the 2022 Clergy-Laity Assembly Metropolis Council Report
Total Commitment and Pension Benefits Funding
2022 Metropolis Financial Report
Review Engagement
2023 Budget Presentation and Approval - 4:00 P.M. Adjournment and Closing Prayer
- 5:00 P.M Clergy Retreat Begins
Videos
- His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America Archpastoral Message
- His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco Keynote Address
- President George Cantonis Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
- Katrina Bitar Guest Presenter – Section 1
- Katrina Bitar Guest Presenter – Section 2
- Katrina Bitar Guest Presenter – Section 3
- Metropolis Ministries Presentations – Section 1
- Metropolis Ministries Presentations – Section 2
- Business Meeting – Section 1
- Business Meeting – Section 2
Download: 2023 Clergy-Laity Assembly Flyer
