The 2025 Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Clergy-Laity Assembly will be held Monday, May 5 – Tuesday, May 6 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. This year’s Assembly theme is “Our Faith Can Move Mountains” and is derived from this passage, “. . . for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
We are honored that His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America will be with us again, to share in this gathering and offer his Archpastoral support and love for our Metropolis. The featured speaker at the Clergy-Laity Assembly will be Rev. Father Martin Ritsi, Executive Director of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), who will bring to the group his years of experience in ministry overseas and address the growth of the Orthodox faith both internationally and domestically.
Parishes in the Metropolis are reminded to have full representation as specified in the 2019 Uniform Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, with four delegates in attendance comprised of the following:
- The Parish Priest.
- The President of the Parish Council, and in his or her absence the Vice President, or in his or her absence any member of the Parish Council designated by it.
- Two members of the Parish elected by the Parish Assembly.
Register today through April 17, 2025.
Featured Presenter
Rev. Father Martin Ritsi
Father Martin is a 1987 graduate of Holy Cross School of Theology, earned his Master of Divinity, and then obtained a Master of Theology in missiology from Fuller School of World Missions. He also completed coursework in philanthropy and fundraising at Indiana University. Following his ordination, he and his family served for four years in Kenya, where he taught at the Makarios III Orthodox Seminary, ministered across East Africa, served as parish priest of St. Anargyroi Cathedral, and oversaw Archdiocesan finances. He then spent six years in Albania, helping rebuild the Orthodox Church after decades of persecution. His work included catechizing and baptizing hundreds, founding the country’s first Orthodox youth group, teaching at Ngjallja Seminary, and leading Diaconia Agape, the Church’s relief and development office. Since 1998, Fr. Martin has served as Executive Director of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), where he has expanded the organization’s impact to over 50 countries. Under his leadership, OCMC has developed a career missionary program, built a missionary training and administrative center in St. Augustine, Florida, supported hundreds of mission clergy, and distributed millions of dollars for philanthropic and development projects. With over 35 years of global missionary experience, Fr. Martin remains deeply committed to spreading the Gospel, strengthening Orthodox communities, and sharing Christ’s love with the world. He and his wife, Presvytera Renee, reside in St. Augustine, Florida.
Agenda
Monday, May 5, 2025
- 10:30 a.m. Registration for Clergy Laity Assembly
Ministry Pavilion - 12:00 p.m. Lunch
- 1:00 p.m. Convening of Assembly – His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco
- Opening Prayer Service – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
- Designation of Presiding Officer and Secretary – His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco
- 1:15 p.m. Archpastoral Message – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
- 1:30 p.m. Keynote Address – His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco Celebrating 20 Years of Ministry on the West Coast
- 2:15 p.m. Break
- 2:30 p.m. Our Faith Can Move Mountains (Part 1) – Rev Fr. Martin Ritsi (Executive Director, OCMC)
- 5:30 p.m. Great Vespers at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner
- 8:00 p.m. Ministry Pavilion and Outdoor Reception
- 9:00 p.m. Beauty First Films Screening – Amphilochios: Saint of Patmos in Saint Peter Conference Room (Optional)
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
- 8:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Twenty-One Year Memorial for +His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony
Brunch - Group Photo
- Continuation of Assembly
- Report from Metropolis Philoptochos
- Approval of Minutes from the 2024 Clergy-Laity Assembly
- Report of Metropolis Council
- Metropolis Financial Report for 2024
- Review and Approval of Metropolis Budget
- New Business
- Saint Nicholas Ranch Strategic Plan Presentation
- Our Faith Can Move Mountains (Part 2) – Rev. Fr. Martin Ritsi
- Closing Remarks
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America - 4:00 p.m. Adjournment
Download: Clergy-Laity Assembly 2025 Flyer
