For 40 years, Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA has been a gathering place for spiritual renewal, education, cultural enrichment and ministry development. Without the vision of the founders – Metropolitan Anthony, Nick and Sandy Kossaras, and Father John Bakas – the Ranch would still just be a dream. His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, held fast to his goal to provide a place for youth and families to experience their faith in an immersive way. Through the generosity of Nick and Sandy Kossaras, the 180-acre property they owned in the Sequoia foothills, known then as the historic Sally K Ranch, would be donated in 1979 and renamed Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. The first Executive Director of the Ranch was Father John Bakas, who shaped the direction of this ministry to provide for the needs of youth and young adults, parishes, clergy and community groups, all of whom have benefited from what the Ranch offers.
LEFT: Father John Bakas and his family RIGHT: Nick Kossaras and his family
Over 350 people gathered on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the Ascension Cathedral in Oakland, California at a beautiful banquet to celebrate this milestone and honor Nicholas Kossaras and Father John Bakas for laying the foundation 40 years ago which has grown into a thriving center and a cornerstone ministry of the Metropolis of San Francisco. The theme for the event, “A Nickel and a Nail – 40 Years Later” referenced two items found in the old barn by Father John Bakas 40 years ago. Those two simple items became symbolic of the foundation of the Ranch and what would be needed to bring this vision of Metropolitan Anthony to a shining reality. In his opening remarks event chairman Justin Bosl commented, “We celebrate the way that Saint Nicholas Ranch has become the spiritual center of our Metropolis – a place for the entire church to gather, pray, and learn. The Ranch has become a true spiritual oasis in the hills. Most importantly, we celebrate what the Ranch will continue to be for the next 40 years and beyond. Tonight is not simply a nostalgic look back. We look back on the last 40 years as a way of rededicating ourselves to the vision that led Metropolitan Anthony, Father John Bakas, and the Kossaras family to work so hard to establish the Ranch.”
In reflecting on Metropolitan Anthony’s vision, Ranch Board President Fanis Economidis recollected, “Forty years ago, the challenge was monumental – to take this land and turn it into a meaningful place, a sacred space, and a center for Orthodoxy and Hellenism. Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, traveled up and down the Metropolis, visiting parishes and raising money for the Ranch. He believed, and he instilled that belief into thousands of other people who came to support this endeavor.”
A highlight of the evening was a video retrospective on the history of the Ranch, which included video footage from the early 1990s’ of Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, talking about his dream where he shared, “When I came here in 1979, I came with a tremendous desire to carry out a ministry to the youth. I looked around and couldn’t find a place where I could gather them to just take them camping. I had to rent facilities and I realized we needed a place like this.” The video also featured the growth and development of the Ranch facilities over the past four decades, along with the many programs and ministries which have benefited from their time at the Ranch.
The video retrospective closed with Metropolitan Anthony walking through the apple orchards at the Ranch sharing this poignant thought, “Is this the fulfillment of a dream, no, I guess this was the beginning of a dream. And I guess one never stops dreaming other things when you’re a minister of the church.” “We all know that so much has happened in the past 40 years at the Ranch, and we also know that there are many opportunities which lie ahead,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “Tomorrow will be a new day. Tomorrow will provide new opportunities. What will Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center be in 40 years is up to us. I hope and pray that the Ranch will continue to be a thriving center for our Metropolis, and that the facilities necessary to provide for the expanding programs will have more than doubled. What we have is not a diamond in the rough; we have a jewel in Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center.”
Hand painted icons of Saint Nicholas above the clouds, looking down upon the Ranch of which he is the patron saint, were presented to Nick Kossaras and Father John Bakas as a remembrance of this celebration. Plans are also being developed for a Founders Pavilion at the Ranch which will bear the names of Metropolitan Anthony, Nick Kossaras and Father John Bakas, as a permanent tribute to their extraordinary vision, leadership and generosity.
Since 2007, Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center has been led by Executive Director Michael A. Pappas. He and his staff work year-round and offer exceptional hospitality to the thousands of visitors to the Ranch on an annual basis. After 40 years, the facilities at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center are in need of upgrading and renovations. A Book of Needs was provided to the guests at the event, which included many items available for sponsorship including dining hall and kitchen renovations, new bunk beds and mattresses for the dorms, exterior signage, conference room upgrades and new laundry equipment. At the conclusion of the event, the total amount raised from ticket sales, sponsorships and Book of Needs donations was over $365,000.
The Mistress of Ceremonies for the event was Koula Gianulias, public relations professional and former network news anchor who resides in Sacramento with her family. In her youth, Koula attended Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch, and fondly shared the impact of this program on her spiritual development, and the basis of lifelong friendships that began during her time as a camper.