The sights and sounds of the 41st Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival will fill the Town and Country Resort in San Diego from February 16 – 19, 2017. This exceptional ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco will bring together over 3,000 people in celebration of Faith, Dance and Fellowship during four days of festivities, dance and choral competition, workshops, and ministry outreach. FDF is honored to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, who will once again join this celebration of faith and culture.

The theme for this year’s FDF is “All For One” and emphasizes teamwork and unity, both of which are important aspects of this ministry. This theme is being further exemplified through a new and exciting partnership with the Metropolis Philoptochos focusing on community service and outreach. While the Diakonia Projects at the parishes have been very successful and meaningful in their local communities, it is also important for FDF to make a collective impact by helping those in need. On Thursday, February 16 during registration and team line-ups for the Opening Ceremony, the entire FDF family – dancers, singers, parents, grandparents, and friends – are invited to give of their time to package 41,000 meals to benefit “Feeding Children Everywhere”, a national nonprofit organization working to combat childhood hunger in America. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the FDF family to work together as a team in an organized, energetic, fast-paced effort and to ensure that no child goes without food. More details on how to sign up and participate in this Hunger Project will be forthcoming.

“I eagerly anticipate bringing together nearly all corners of our Metropolis at FDF. To witness this ministry in action and see the vibrancy of our faith and culture through the enthusiastic participation of our parishes is indeed a joyful experience,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “The added opportunity for FDF to expand its efforts through this exciting collaboration with Philoptochos to address childhood hunger makes us not just believers but doers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Nearly 100 dance and choral groups have registered for the 2017 FDF with participants from Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Enjoy two full days of competition on Friday and Saturday, culminating in the exciting Advanced Senior competition round on Sunday afternoon. The choral competition will be held on Friday immediately following lunch and will feature Youth Choirs from around the Metropolis. You won’t want to miss the Division III exhibition on Saturday afternoon featuring the youngest dancers taking to the stage for the very first time. This year will include 19 groups in this category, which demonstrates the excitement for this ministry and the promise of its future.

Under the leadership of the FDF Board of Trustees and Management Team, countless hours of planning have gone into making this an enriching, educational and inspiring weekend of Christian unity and fellowship.

This year’s Opening Ceremony will feature Alexandros Malagaris from Samos, Greece, who is president of the Samos Divers Association (SDA), a nonprofit organization founded seven years ago. Malagaris is one of the few certified public safety divers operating in the Aegean. His work with the SDA includes diving, search and rescue, environmental protection and community service. They also work closely with marine conservation organizations and museums in Greece to protect the natural marine habitat and share its fragile beauty with the greater public.

Workshops offered during FDF have developed into a very popular component of the weekend. Be sure to take advantage of the great topics and speakers covering issues pertinent to living out one’s faith in today’s society, raising emotionally and spiritually healthy children, Orthodox parenting, and much more. The workshops are open to all FDF attendees free of charge!

The Archons of the Metropolis will host a dinner on Saturday evening inviting Metropolis clergy and special guests to join them for a presentation by Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, focusing on the ongoing struggle for religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

In between dance and choral competition, visit the exhibit area and learn more about the ministries offered by the Metropolis of San Francisco including Family Wellness, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the Greek Village Immersion Camp and Missions and Evangelism. A special entertainment area designated for younger FDF participants will be available during the weekend and includes movies, games, and other fun activities.

Be sure to check out FDF on social media for the latest updates and don’t miss out on “Feeding Children Everywhere.” All For One – FDF is making a difference!

• Website: yourfdf.org
• Facebook: facebook.com/FolkDanceFestival
• Twitter: twitter.com/yourfdf
• Instagram: instagram.com/yourfdf
• Snapchat: @your_fdf