+Pachomios the New Martyr of Patmos
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
Christos Anesti!
It brings me great joy each year to attend FDF and see the abundant talent of our youth and young adults who perform with such grace and precision. I am in awe of the dedication of the instructors and parents who sacrifice countless hours to bring their children to this annual event. Most importantly, I give thanks to God for entrusting this ministry to me, as it has been and will continue to be an integral part of our Metropolis for many more years to come.
Plans are underway for the 2009 Folk Dance and Choral Festival which is confirmed to be held February 12 - 15 in Ontario, California. I have every confidence that this will continue to be a successful event, filled with cultural pride as well as a living example of our Orthodox faith.
I am excited to announce a new leadership team who has shown tremendous commitment to this ministry through their years of involvement as dancers, youth advisors, parents, and faithful stewards of our Metropolis. The 2009 Board of Trustees is working very diligently to maintain the high standards of FDF, but also looking for ways to improve the overall experience - from an easier online registration process, to streamlining the long lines for the on-site registration at FDF. A new, more informative, and interactive website is being developed which will be another great resource for directors, dancers, and parents. We appreciate your patience on all these wonderful advancements and we will contact you as soon as these elements are in place and available to you.
An integral part of the FDF leadership is the Management Team, comprised of young adults who work on the operational aspects of the FDF weekend. Management Team applications are currently being accepted through May 25, 2008. Applicants must be 21 years of age, and a recommendation form from the parish priest is also required. Applications may be downloaded on the Metropolis website (www.sanfran.goarch.org) or can be obtained by emailing sffolkdance@sanfran.goarch.org. Additional volunteer opportunities for high-school and college-age youth will also be available as the event draws near.
I encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas with the new Board of Trustees, as we welcome all ideas which support an improved FDF experience for all who attend. A roster of the new board is enclosed for your reference. These board members share a vision for FDF that will maintain the faith, culture, and spirit that has been so abundant over the last 32 years. I am confident they will bring new life and energy to the program that will continue to promote the Greek Orthodox faith, love for dance, and the fellowship that is so vital to the development of our youth, our communities, and our Metropolis.
With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco
Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival
2009 Board of Trustees
- His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos - Executive Chairman
- Father Gary Kyriacou - Chairman, Pastor at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Camarillo, CA
- Peter Preovolos - Chairman Emeritus
- Spiro Beckas - Vice Chairman
- Katia Bakas Boudouvas - Operations Officer
- Michael Syrengelas - Director of Finance
- John Boudouvas - Director of Marketing/Public Relations
- George Spilios - Director of Logistics
- Nick Delis - Director of Technology
- Bill Bobolis - Director of Choral Festival
- Kathy Loukatos-Meck - Choral Festival Coordinator
- George Demos - Director of Endowment
- Liana Bekakos - Secretary
- John Buzas - Legal Consultant
- George Nickols - Scholarships Manager/Judge Coordinator
- Anne Sirota - Judge Consultant/Judge Coordinator
- George Papangellin - Board Member
- Christa Barbas - Management Team Coordinator
- Father Bob Fox - Chaperone Coordinator at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Northridge, CA
- Father Peter Stratos - Diakonia Project Coordinator at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, Pasadena, CA
- Father John Hondros - Liturgical Coordinator at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Las Vegas, NV
- Pete Sotiras - Metropolis Youth Director
- Maria Barbas - Parent Representative/North West
- Laurie Sahines - Parent Representative/North
- Vacant - Parent Representative/South
- Dennis Sourvanos - Director Representative/South
- Danny Staveris - Director Representative/ North