On Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa in Huntington Beach, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco will celebrate its ministries and honor the extraordinary leadership of Dr. James and Virginia Kallins. Under the guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, the Gala is being led by co-chairs Demo and Chrissie Zeppos. The committee is working diligently to plan an entertaining and inspiring event which will promote the vision of the Metropolis, and its future growth and development.
“James and Virginia Kallins exemplify stewardship as they have devoted many years in service to the Church. They have also passed down to their children and grandchildren the importance of giving to others, and this example is more powerful than words, for it demonstrates their faith in action,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “They are most deserving of the Theofanis Economidis Award and we congratulate them on this honor.”
Proceeds from the Gala will support the ongoing development and expansion of the Metropolis ministries which provide for the meaningful spiritual development of our clergy and faithful. This includes visionary programs in Family Wellness, Missions and Evangelism, Clergy Continuing Education, Church Music and Youth Ministry.
This year’s honorees, Dr. James and Virginia Kallins, are two people of indelible character who possess the exceptional ability to share their accomplishments with the world through philanthropy. Dr. Kallins, born in Arcadia, Greece, came to Chicago for medical school. He worked in Obstetrics, Gynecology, Surgery and Pathology. He also taught Ob-Gyn at the University of Illinois. He met Chicago native Virginia Mannos whom he married in 1957. Virginia, who earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology, taught Junior High School and continued studying toward her Ph.D. until they relocated to California in 1958.
Dr. Kallins had a successful career in medicine from 1959 until his retirement in 1997. He and Virginia raised three successful children: Barbara Kallins Matty, an attorney, and her husband Dr. David Matty; Dr. George Kallins, a physician, and his wife, Bettina; and Nicholas, an attorney who tragically passed away in 2000. They are proud grandparents to Anastasia and Evgenia Matty, and Dimitri, Nicholas and Eston Kallins.
As stewards of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles; Saint George in Downey; and Assumption in Long Beach; the Kallins’ are always generous supporters of the church. Virginia worked closely with other parents at Saint Sophia Cathedral when her children were younger to rejuvenate the GOYA ministry to provide a place for them to learn and grow in their faith and heritage. Dr. Kallins was a member of the Cathedral’s Parish Council. He also founded the Greek Orthodox Memorial and Cultural Foundation of Southern California which includes the Saint Nicholas Chapel at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, CA; the Hellenic Medical and Dental Society; and the Alpha Beta Society (Greek School) in Downey, CA.
The Kallins’ have also demonstrated extraordinary philanthropy to the Metropolis, Archdiocese and Ecumenical Patriarchate. As an Archon in the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Dr. Kallins serves as Regional Archon Commander. He has also been a member of the Metropolis and Archdiocesan Councils, and served as Supreme President of the Pan-Arcadian Federation. Dr. and Mrs. Kallins are also members of Leadership 100. The ministry of Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center was especially blessed by the generosity of the Kallins family as they donated two full-size basketball courts which have added many opportunities for expanded sports programs. In addition, the family has been a major benefactor of the Our Greek Village camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch since its inception in 2010. In 2013, Dr. and Mrs. Kallins were also honored with the Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award at FDF.
Dr. and Mrs. Kallins have been chosen as this year’s recipients of the Theofanis Economidis Award in honor of their leadership, inspirational vision, hard work, and humble service to Jesus Christ and His Holy Church. This award was inaugurated at the 2013 Metropolis Gala and was named after its first recipient, Theofanis Economidis, who has been a model of selflessness, devotion and dedication in his commitment to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, as well as to the Archdiocese and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Celebrate the ministries of the Metropolis, honor the accomplishments of these outstanding individuals and enjoy a wonderful evening with friends! Individual tickets are $250 each, and several sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting the Metropolis Office at 415.753.3075. Hotel accommodations for the Gala weekend can be secured online or by calling 800-233-1234 (Group Name: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of SF).
For more information on the vibrant ministries of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, please visit sanfran.goarch.org/ministries