Connect was the theme of the 2014 Metropolis of San Francisco Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) held February 13 – 17 at the Anaheim (California) Marriott.  Now in its 38th year, FDF attracts youth and families from throughout the Metropolis, as well as dancers and spectators from across the Archdiocese. During the weekend, 108 dance and choral groups joined together in faith, dance and fellowship accompanied by their parents, grandparents, priests, friends and supporters, with an estimated 3,000 people in attendance. From early in the morning until late in the evening, the sights and sounds of virtually every region of Greece was represented during competition.

At the Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and over 30 clergy from the Metropolis led an Agiasmos service to begin the weekend. Metropolitan Gerasimos commented that this weekend is not about winning, but rather it is an opportunity to connect with each other and with Jesus Christ.

The Metropolis of San Francisco was honored to welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidophoros of Bursa to FDF for the first time. Metropolitan Elpidophoros is a Metropolitan of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and is also the Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of the Holy Trinity on the island of Halki. He is the Dean of the Halki Theological School, founded in 1844 by Patriarch Germanos IV, which has provided for the education of 12 Ecumenical Patriarchs, as well as numerous other hierarchs and clergy throughout the world, and has been a pivotal presence in Orthodox Theological education. Halki was forcibly closed by the Turkish government 42 years ago and Metropolitan Elpidophoros has been a strong voice for the reopening of this important theological institution.

His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas of the Dardanelles also attended FDF. Metropolitan Nikitas is a Metropolitan of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and previously served as the first Metropolitan of Hong Kong from 1997 – 2007. He grew up as a dancer in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and he has tremendous knowledge, respect and love for the preservation and perpetuation of our Hellenic culture. Metropolitan Nikitas serves as the Director of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute in Berkeley, CA.

The Metropolis of San Francisco is comprised of seven states and this year, each state had representation. This was no small accomplishment for the groups from Alaska and Hawaii who worked hard throughout the year to raise funds so they could make the trip to Anaheim. The Aloha Youth Choir from Honolulu, Hawaii received a First Place award in the Division II Choral Competition, and the Asteria Tou Vora from Anchorage, Alaska received the Second Place and Costume Awards in the Advanced Primary Division. This year the Hellas Dancers traveled from Clearwater, Florida to compete in FDF, and took home the Fourth Place award in the Advanced Senior Division.

Greek singing sensation Glykeria visited FDF and offered a private concert on Friday night in support of the FDF Endowment Fund. Attended by about 200 people, Glykeria interacted with the guests at each table while she performed. On Saturday night, Glykeria entertained a standing-room-only crowd of 2,500 people at FDF for a thrilling glendi with people singing and dancing in every corner of the room. Fans from South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York and Canada came to FDF not only for the fellowship, but also to see Glykeria perform.

When the participants weren’t dancing or singing, a variety of interesting workshops were offered for all age groups and included such topics as: The Orthodox Avengers; Living Life Inside Out; Relationships in the Orthodox Faith; Back Pew Dude; and Using Faith, Trust and Communications to Help Your Dance Program Flourish. These workshops provide an opportunity to connect to our faith and learn practical ways to apply Christ’s teachings to our everyday lives.

The Archons of the Metropolis of San Francisco hosted a dinner in honor of His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidophoros of Bursa, showing their support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the needs of the Mother Church. Over 100 people were present for this event and heard a compelling presentation from Metropolitan Elpidophoros regarding the challenges he faces in his Metropolis and his efforts to reclaim historic church properties and make them once again places of prayer and worship.

The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday was concelebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidophoros of Bursa, and His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas of the Dardanelles. Clergy from throughout the Metropolis gathered in prayer, including Rev. Father Nicholas Anctil, President of the Archdicoesan Presbyters Council. Students from Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology chanted the Orthros service, while a Youth Choir sang the hymns and responses during the Liturgy.

The weekend also brought together the Metropolis Philoptochos Board who held a meeting and a luncheon to welcome Metropolitan Elpidophoros and Metropolis Nikitas, and they also hosted a brunch for the clergy and their families following the Divine Liturgy.

Sunday afternoon’s Advanced Senior competition maintained its high standards, with nine very highly skilled dance groups competing for top honors. A full house cheered these groups on and we enthralled with their exquisite performances, the precision, athleticism, and stylistic interpretation.

The Awards Banquet and Ceremony was attended by 2,400 people and held at the adjacent Anaheim Convention Center. The Elios Charitable Foundation presented a $10,000 grant to FDF for the continuing development of their choral programs. They also honored Christ Kamages with the Elios Award of Excellence for his devotion to his faith and culture.

The Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award was presented by Metropolitan Gerasimos to Jeannie and Gerry Ranglas in recognition of their devoted service to the church – their local parish, the Metropolis, Archdiocese, and Ecumenical Patriarchate. Jeannie is now in her fourth year as Metropolis Philoptochos President, and Gerry is a distinguished business leader in the community, great benefactor of the Mother Church, as was recently appointed to the Board of Trustees for Leadership 100. They have been exceptional stewards and philanthropists of the church.

At the end of evening over 70 awards had been given out to the dance and choral groups, but the anticipation was building for the announcements of the Sweepstakes winners. Metropolitan Gerasimos congratulated all the groups for their achievements and remarked on their dedication, discipline, and encouraged their continued participation in this important ministry.

The Fotisi Youth Choir from Saint George in Fresno, CA took home the Sweepstakes trophy in the Choral Competition. The Spartiates dance group from Saint Demetrios in Seattle, WA was the Division II Sweepstakes winner. And the Veryina group from Saint George in Downey, CA captured the coveted title of Sweepstakes winner in the Division I category.

FDF is led by a Board of Trustees under the guidance of His Eminence Metroplitan Gerasimos, with Father Gary Kyriacou serving as Chairman of the Board, assisted by Vice-Chairman Spiro Beckas, and Director of Finance Michael Syrengelas.  The Management Team was comprised of over 30 young adults from throughout the Metropolis who took responsibility for coordinating registration, logistics, vendors, events, workshops, judges and competition scheduling under the leadership of Managing Director Christine Alexopoulos from Long Beach, CA.