“Building Unity Through Love” was the theme of the 2017 Clergy-Laity Assembly for the Metropolis of San Francisco which was held on April 26 – 27 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. This theme was selected to emphasize the importance of being united in addressing the various challenges facing our Church in the pastoral domain. This public forum also provided an opportunity to discuss matters that emanate from gatherings such as the Holy and Great Council in Crete. The Church has an obligation to provide appropriate guidance to address these issues as opportunities for spiritual growth. The Assembly also focused on the importance of unity in our parishes and throughout our Metropolis, collaboration amongst our National and Metropolis ministries, and working together as one Body of Christ for the fortification of the Church.
In his keynote address, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos remarked, “What unites us as a Metropolis is our Faith and our Heritage, our love for Christ and His Holy Orthodox Church and our way of life, which means our love and concern for one another because we are the Church. We cannot forget that when we care for the institutions of the Church, those of our parishes, our Metropolis, our Archdiocese, and our Ecumenical Patriarchate, we are showing our care for Christ and for one another.”
The featured speaker for the Assembly was V. Rev. Archimandrite Dr. Nathanael Symeonides, Director of the Office of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Archdiocese, who offered an informative presentation entitled: “Facing the Mirror at the Holy and Great Council: What we learned about our identity and mission in the world.” In his presentation, Father Nathanael shared, “The Council brought the shepherds of the Church in one place and through their words and deeds, we experienced the Body of Christ in its fullness. And because we have never experienced this before in the past, there is really nothing else that we can compare it to. It was more than a Clergy-Laity Congress; it was even more than a local synod meeting. The Holy Council in Crete manifested the beauty of unity and diversity, and showed us that it is indeed possible for various views to maintain their importance when they are all grounded in Christ’s love.”
Over 150 clergy and lay representatives from Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington were present and eagerly participated in the deliberations of the Assembly. A highlight of the gathering included a Ministries Pavilion in the newly furnished Alex and Faye Spanos Faith and Heritage Center where all the ministries of the Metropolis displayed information and delegates had the opportunity to learn more about their offerings and take materials back to their parishes.
On the morning of the concluding day of the Assembly, the clergy and lay delegates gathered in the Katholikon of the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring for the Divine Liturgy, and a thirteen-year memorial for the repose of the soul of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory. Also remembered in prayer was Efstathia “Cynthia” Economidis, on the commemoration of three years since her passing. Cynthia was the loving wife of Metropolis Council Vice-President Fanis Economidis.
The ministries of the Metropolis of San Francisco continue to be a main focus, which was demonstrated through significant support in the Metropolis budget. Over $100,000 is allocated for the work of the ministries, with the majority of this funding coming from the successful Gala events held by the Metropolis in 2013, 2014 and 2016. In addition, the Metropolis staff includes new positions dedicated to the work of our ministries including the areas of Missions and Evangelism, and Family Wellness. The Assembly unanimously approved the Metropolis budget of over $1.7 million.
Immediately preceding the Clergy-Laity Assembly was a meeting of the Metropolis Council where they deliberated on several important matters affecting the Metropolis. In addition to detailed reports presented by the thirteen distinct Metropolis ministries, the work of five integral committees was presented including: Audit, Arts and Architecture, Finance, Legal, and Real Estate and Insurance.
The clergy of the Metropolis remained at Saint Nicholas Ranch following the adjournment of the Assembly for a retreat, also led by V. Rev. Archimandrite Dr. Nathanael Symeonides. He presented an informative and thought-provoking presentation entitled, “Approaching Bioethical Dilemmas as Ministers of the Mystery of God’s Mercy.”
