The Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos hosted two luncheons to benefit the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund. “Light the Path – A Christmas Luncheon” was held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church is Castro Valley, California, and on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Long Beach, California. These events raised more than $100,000 to provide scholarships for seminarians and students from the Metropolis of San Francisco currently enrolled at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.
These elegant and festive celebrations were well attended, with over 600 guests combined at both events, at which His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos remarked, “What we are doing today is much more than buying pretty Christmas trees and holiday decorations. We are making an investment in the future of the church. Do not let the giving stop today, because the needs are greater than what is in this room. Through your generosity, let us light the path for our seminarians and students at Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology as they prepare to serve the Church.”
At the luncheon in Castro Valley, Matthew Jouthas spoke to the attendees about his experiences at Hellenic College Holy Cross and how his journey has been enriched through his interaction with the clergy, his professors and fellow students. Jouthas also spoke about the support he receives from the Metropolis Philoptochos and how it has eased his journey to the priesthood knowing that he has both the financial and emotional support as he devotes himself to his studies and his future service to the Church. Jason Ivey, in his remarks at the luncheon in Long Beach, talked about the many opportunities and challenges as a seminarian and how meaningful the Adopt a Student program has been to him, lifting his spirits and providing encouragement during his intense studies and the cold and snowy days of winter, knowing that the Metropolis Philoptochos sends a ray of light through their care packages, notes of encouragement and friendship. Ivey also commented on the family aspect of the school and how everyone looks out for one another, and that the relationship between the students from the Metropolis of San Francisco is especially strong.
“The opportunity to come together to celebrate the beautiful Christmas season with our seminarians and students truly is a gift,” stated Metropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie Ranglas. “These young men and women are so inspiring and we look forward to celebrating their many achievements in their future service to the church.”
The festive events were adorned with themed Christmas trees donated by Philoptochos Chapters and individuals throughout the Metropolis. The proceeds from the Christmas trees and Christmas boutique added to the success of this event. In addition, this year Secret Santa created shopping excitement among our guests, along with photo opportunities with Santa Claus enjoyed by young and old alike. The angelic voices of the San Francisco Girls Chorus shared festive music for the season at the event in Castro Valley, while the No Square Singers from Laguna Beach performed Christmas Carols and led the guests in holiday favorites at the luncheon in Long Beach.
The Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos is committed to many ministries, but especially to providing substantial support for our future priests and the perpetuation of our Orthodox faith. Through his creative vision, His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, remains a beacon of hope and love for our seminarians and students who can now graduate with peace of mind, knowing that the Metropolis Philoptochos is committed to reducing their school debt.
The Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund was established over 25 years ago, and has since distributed over $1 million in scholarships to students from the Metropolis of San Francisco studying for the holy priesthood. In 2016, the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos awarded over $140,000 to 22 students.
Photos courtesy of Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos.