OLI MAZI

www.yourFDF.org

February2014

Your guide to Faith, Dance, and Fellowship

#FDF2014

What’s New?

1 Get connected! As a parallel to our theme this year, we are launching an FDF app! Find the app by searching “Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival” in the app store. Available on iOS and Android products! (Available for Windows and Blackberry via web browsing.)

2 #ThrowBackThursday! For the past 4 weeks, we’ve asked you to share your favorite FDF memories via social media. Check some of our favorites out on page 24.

3 Glykeria in concert! Legendary Glykeria will be performing an exclusive FDF performance.

4 A sit-down awards banquet is back! In the past few years, venue constraints meant that we had to separate dinner from our awards program. However, this year we’ve been able to secure the neighboring convention center to host our full Sunday Night Dinner & Awards Banquet!

In this issue:

/FOLKDANCEFESTIVAL

INFO@YOURFDF.ORG

@YOURFDF

@YOURFDF

Welcome Letter from His Eminence Metropolitan GerasimosLetter from His Eminence Archbishop DemetriosLetter from Congressman Edward R. RoyceWelcome to our Guest HierarchsWelcome Letter from Fr. Gary KyriacouLetter from the 2014 Managing DirectorMetropolis News- Strategic Plan to Chart New Course for MetropolisMetropolis Philoptochos NewsMemorialsMetropolis Calendar Of Events Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award Elios Society Award of Excellence “Theres An App for That!” Diakonia Workshops Congratulations! A Thracian Treasure from a Young Greek American Social Media ShoutoutFriday Night Glendi Musicians + Margarita! Glykeria Youth and Young Adult Ministries Update St. John Chrysostom Oratorical FestivalSummer is Back! Greek Village Immersion Camp Ionian Village Judge Bios

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February 13, 2014 Aquilla & Priscilla the Apostles Beloved in the Lord,

“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another….”

I John 1:7 I greet you with joy in the Lord as we gather for yet another wonderful weekend of Faith, Dance, and Fellowship at the 38th Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival in Anaheim, California. During these next three days together, we will have many opportunities to share time in fellowship, prayer, and Christian unity. We are honored to welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Elpidophoros of Bursa to FDF for the first time. Metropolitan Elpidophoros is the Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of the Holy Trinity on the island of Halki, and is also the Dean of the Halki Theological School, which was forcibly closed by the Turkish government over 42 years ago. Metropolitan Elpidophoros has been a strong voice for the reopening of this important theological institution and for the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas of the Dardanelles will also be visiting FDF for the first time. Metropolitan Nikitas 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 presently serves as the Director of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute in Berkeley, CA. The presence of these two distinguished hierarchs underscores our connection to the Ecumenical Patriarchate as the foundation of our faith and culture, which are essential to our spiritual development and witness to the world. It is now up to us to connect our faith with our actions so that all that we do emulates a holy Orthodox Christian life. Walking in the light of Christ and following His commandments is not always an easy road, but it is one with everlasting rewards. Let us strive to connect our Orthodox Christian values to all aspects of our lives and allow God to work in us and through us so that we may be instruments for His glory! With Love in Christ, Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco

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His Eminence Metropolitan of Bursa and Exarch of Bithynia was born in 1967 in Bakirköy, Istan-bul. He studied at the Department of Pastoral Theology, Theological School of the Aristotle Uni-versity of Thessaloniki, from which he graduated in 1991. In 1993, he finished his postgraduate studies at the Philosophical School of the University of Bonn, Germany submitting a dissertation entitled, “The Brothers Nicholas and John Mesarites”. He was ordained a Deacon in 1994 at the Patriarchal Cathedral and was appointed as the Codecographer of the Holy and Sacred Synod. In 1995, he was appointed Deputy Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod. From 1996-1997 he studied at the Theological School of St. John the Damascene in Balamand, Lebanon, where he improved his knowledge of the Arabic language. In 2001, he presented a doctoral disserta-tion at the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki under the title: “Severus of Antioch and the Council of Chalcedon” proclaiming him a Doctor of Theology. In 2004, he

was invited to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston, where he taught as a visiting professor for one semester. In March 2005, at the proposal of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, he was promoted by the Holy and Sacred Synod to the position of Chief Secretary and was ordained to the priesthood by the Ecumenical Patriarch in the Patriarchal Cathedral. In 2009, he submitted two dissertations to the Theological School of Thessaloniki and was unanimously elected Assistant Professor of Symbolics, Inter-Orthodox Relations and the Ecumenical Movement. The dissertations are entitled: “The Synaxis’s of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne (1951-2004)” and “Luther’s Ninety-five Thesis. Historical and Theological aspects. Text - Translation - Commentary “. In March 2011, he was elected Metropolitan of Bursa and in August of the same year was appointed Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of the Holy Trinity on the island of Chalki. He has served as the Orthodox Secretary of the Joint Interna-tional Commission for the Theological Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Lutheran World Federation and as a member of the Patriarchal delegations to the General Assemblies of the Conference of European Churches and the World Council of Churches. He was the Secretary of the Pan-Orthodox Synods in Sofia (1998), Istanbul (2005), Ge-neva (2006), and Istanbul (2008). He has been a member of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches since 1996.

Welcome to our Guest Hierarchs!

His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas of the Dardanelles was born in 1955 in Tampa, Florida where he was raised with his brother, John. A member of Savant, the University of Florida Honors Society, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from the University in 1976. He is listed in the Who’s Who of American Colleges and Universities in 1975 and 1979. Metropolitan Nikitas attended Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA where he received his Master of Divinity with Honors in 1980. He was a Rotary International Graduate Scholar from 1980 – 1981 and a Graduate Scholar, Ministry of the Exterior, Greece, from 1981 – 1982. He pursued his graduate studies at the University of Thessaloniki, Greece, until Novem-ber 1982. He further studied the Russian language at the St. Petersburg Theological Seminary in St. Petersburg, Russia from late 1992 through mid-1993.His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas’ first assignment upon ordination was Associate Pastor at Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Merriville, Indiana. He remained at the Cathedral un-

til 1987 at which time he became the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Chicago, Illinois. During his tenure as Chancellor from 1987 to 1995, he was involved in numerous educational, community service and interfaith activities including: Lecturer in Orthodox Christianity; Teaching theology at Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, from 1988 to 1991; Member, Board of Directors, the Hellenic Foundation (1989 – present); Member, Board of Directors, the Hellenic Museum (1991 – 1992); Teen Living Program Volunteer (1990 - 1992) and Volunteer of the Year, Teen Living Program (1992); Member, Executive Committee, National Workshop – Relations between Christians and Jews (1991); Member, Steering Committee, 32nd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress. In 1994, he was appointed Director of Development for the International Orthodox Christian Charities and on July 1, 1995, he became Pastor of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois. On Saturday, December 14, 1996, His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas was consecrated a Hierarch and named Metropolitan of Hong Kong and South East Asia. This historic event took place in the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George the Great Martyr, Phanar, Istanbul. He was enthroned as the first Metropolitan of Hong Kong and South East Asia (the Exarchates of China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore) on Sunday, January 12, 1997 at the Cathedral of St. Luke the Evangelist in Hong Kong. In March of 2007, His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas was appointed Director of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute in Berkeley, California. Metropolitan Nikitas serves as the Chair of the Patriarchal Committee on Youth, just as he represents the Patriarch on the Steering Committee of the Elijah Foundation, an international committee on interfaith dialogue. His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas is fluent in English, Greek and Russian and has a working knowledge of Latin, Church Slavonic and Spanish.

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FDF stands for Folk Dance Festival and we also commonly use it to stand for Faith, Dance, Fellowship, so FDF is both the name and motto of this ministry and this weekend. Our theme this year is CONNECT because FDF is a fantastic opportunity to connect with old friends, new people, our culture, our religion, God and each other.

But CONNECT has also come to mean being tied in to technology, and connected we are! Through our laptops, phones and other handheld devices we’re connected to the Internet, to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. We can instantly connect to information, entertainment and friends and family even if they are thousands of miles away. Being connected seems vital and valuable to us; in the short time this technology has been available, we have come to rely on it and treat it with a reverence bordering on obsession.

Connecting through technology is a huge benefit, but it can also be a distraction. We may be communicating and connecting through our devices while ignoring and neglecting important people and events right in front of us. It’s easy to forget that technology is supposed to give us more time, not take up all our time. Ironically, it is now necessary to dis-connect from technology in order to make true connections the old-fashioned way.

We have all put plenty of time, treasure and talent toward getting to this weekend and this place. Let’s honor our hard work and open ourselves up to true connection; with God, with Orthodoxy, with Greek culture, and most of all, with each other. Connecting to each other as Christians is also connecting to God and His Word.

Welcome to #FDF2014

“Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Connect! By Fr. Gary Kyriacou

FDF Chairman

If we take a moment to unplug, and reflect upon the importance of our connection to Christ, every aspect of our life will profit greatly. In John 10:10, Christ explains, “I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” Let’s honor what Christ did for us by putting aside our devices and taking time to connect. Let’s see our devices for what they really are, tools, and make sure our reverence is not for them, but for our Living God.

FDF provides us with an opportunity to grow closer to each other, to meet other Orthodox Christians from around the world, and to strengthen our relationship with Christ. You can send your emails, text messages, and post to Facebook and Instagram; FDF has even created an app to make it easier to connect to us! But make sure this kind of connection is secondary to truly being present for this weekend of opportunities and unity. This life-giving experience only comes around once a year; for some, it is once-in-a-lifetime. Take time to unplug in order to truly CONNECT.

#yourFDFManagement Team

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metropolis newsStrategic Plan Charts Dynamic Course for the Future

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco welcomes all people with joy, peace and love on their journey to theosis and salvation through

churches that save, heal, preach the Gospel and guide the faithful.

1Proclaim the Gospel of Christ. 2Teach and spread the

Orthodox Christian Faith.

3Energize, cultivate, and guide the life of the Church in the United States of America according to the Orthodox Christian Faith and

Tradition.

Every successful group including churches periodically as-sesses where it is, where it wants to be and how it will get there. With faith and love in Jesus Christ, the Metropolis of San Francisco accepted this challenge and embarked on the process of formu- lating a Strategic Plan during the summer of 2012. A committee of 50 clergy and lay lead-ers from throughout the diverse geography of the Metrop-olis participated in two in-depth planning retreats during which the core of the Strategic Plan was developed. The outcome has provided a cohesive and visionary road map to ensure that the Metropolis is proceeding methodically with its work, and that it is being proactive in developing meaningful programs and ministries for the spiritual, educa-tional, and social edification of its faithful. Through a disciplined process, a detailed analysis was conducted of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the Metropolis and reaffirmed the Mission of the Arch-diocese and Metropolis which is to:

The identification and articulation of the Core Values of the Metropolis were also integral to this process, as these guide the overall work of the Metropolis to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

Core Values1. Christ-centered 2. Active participation in sacramental life 3. Education 4. Integrity, transparency and accountability 5. Stewardship 6. Outreach and evangelism 7. Inclusiveness and engagement 8. Courage9. Communications using all media10. Minister to all generations and strengthen our families and relationships11. Financial responsibility

SWEEPSTEWARDSHIP WORSHIP EDUCATION &

EVANGELISMPHILANTHROPIC

OUTREACH

These Core Values then led to the development of a Vision Statement for the Metropolis, and after thorough and extensive analysis, prayerful reflection and consen-sus-driven discussions, the Strategic Planning Commit-tee unanimously embraced the following “SWEEPing” Vision:

Metropolis of San Francisco Vision

The Strategic Plan will become the basis for the work of the Metropolis Council and its committee infrastructure. It will also be the focus of the Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assemblies which will facilitate gatherings of the teams working on each Strategic Goal, and then sharing their reports with the delegates regarding their progress, successes and chal-lenges. The Strategic Plan will be made available both in hard copy, as well as published on the Metropolis website so that it is a working resource for all our faithful to engage them in this process and encourage their active support and participation in this plan.

Now the real work begins as the Metropolis prioritizes its efforts and works diligently to achieve the blueprint created by the Strategic Plan that provides an exciting road map to achieve its sacred destiny. There is no end to what we can achieve if we work together for God’s Glory and as faithful stewards of His Holy Orthodox Church.

Visit the Metropolis website: www.sanfran.goarch.org for more in-depth information on the Strategic Plan and how you can get involved today!

{Using the Core Values as a guide along with the detailed results of the SWOT analysis, the following 11 Task Forces were formed. Over the past year, they have developed detailed Strategic Objectives and Action Plans for the imple-mentation of their respective areas:

1. Education 2. Liturgical Life 3. Missions and Evangelism

4. Philanthropic Outreach5. Stewardship6. Youth

7. Specialized Ministries – Wellness8. Communications9. Finances

10. Metropolis Organization and Development 11. Parish Organization and Development

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Welcome to the 38th Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival at the Anaheim Marriott! 2014 marks another amazing year as we CONNECT over 2300 participants, more than 40 par-ishes, and 9 states together under one roof for 4 days of Faith, Dancing, and Fellowship (wow)!

This wouldn’t be possible without the help of our wonderful Management Team. I am truly hon-ored and thankful to have had the pleasure of working with these accomplished individuals, who have shared their God-given talents to help produce yet another successful FDF. The success of FDF is also proven through the continued support and love of our participants...YOU!

As we take time this weekend to connect to family and friends (new and old), remember to connect to what has brought us all here - our Faith. To quote the wise words spoken from a young 2013 FDF participant, “With God we are unstoppable.”

We ask that you carry this year’s theme with you every day, and continue to CONNECT and strengthen your relationship with Christ. This year will be one for the books!

#connectFDFBy Christine AlexopoulosFDF 2014 Managing Director

We appreciate the efforts of our Dance Directors Pres. Christie Kyriacou and Christina Joannou and our dancers: Natalie Joannou, Elena Kyriacou, Harrison Kyriacou, Jacob Kyriacou, Gavin Martinez, Rhianne Martinez, Angela Mira, Valentina Mira, Kiveli Padelides, Sophia Papanicolaou, Alex Qutami, Adam Sanderson.

With Great Love, Fr. Gary Kyriacou, The Parish Council and the Entire Community

Congratulations to the AGAPE Dancers!Thank you for representing our Parish with pride!Continue to Glorify Christ in all that you do!

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox ChurchMailing Address: PO Box 1970, Camarillo, CA 93011Physical Address: 3100 Ponderosa Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010(805) 482-1273www.saintdem.orgTo have the daily scripture readings, hourly prayers, parish events and updates about our building project, please download our free parish app from the Apple Store: St. Demetrios Church or use our QR code.

may their memory be eternal!2009 Rhonda Eleni Gadinas

2009 John Gianakopoulos

2009 Dimitri Simvoulakis

2006 Tasia Tsobanoudis

2006 Jivko Bebelekov

2004 Anthony Forakis

2002 John Papadoupoulos

2002 Hariklia Frangos

2001 Kathy Trapp

2000 Anna Efstathiou

2000 Vilma Matchette

2000 Jim Papangellin

1999 Elizabeth Angelis

1999 Fisher Theodore Harper

1999 Ian Joseph Harper

1999 Katherine Velthoen

1998 John P. Angel

1998 Sonia Spachis

1997 Kim Efstathiou

1997 Paul Ginis

1994 Nick Varvitsiotis

1994 Soula Kunelis

1994 Manolis Abazis

1993 Jim Markus

1993 Chris Tasulis

1992 Spiro Pathos

1992 Katerina Perivoliotis

1988 Bill Angeles

1988 Ted Petrides

1986 Dora Stratou

1980 Christos Papadimitrakis

1989 Chris Tsantilas

1979 Cynthia Anderson

2004 +His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of Blessed Memory

2013 Fr. Nicholas Andrews

2013 Fr. Demetrius Dogias

2012 Fr. James Diavatis

2012 Fr. Anthony Tomaras

2012 Fr. John Asimacopoulos

2011 Fr. Anthony Moschonas

2011 Fr. Theophilos Theophilos

2007 Fr. Efstathios Mylonas

1995 Fr. Leonidas C. Contos

1993 Fr. A. Homer Demopulos

2013 Mary (Maria) Kakavulias

2012 Mary Vouras

2012 Donald K. Hiatt

2011 Panos Angels

2010 Athan Karras

2010 Dennis Boxell

2010 Maria Kalmantis

Philoptochos has a history of more than 80 years of devoted service to those who are in need. Within the Metropolis of San Francisco, Philoptochos is a dynamic movement which includes 56 chapters and over 4,000 members who are committed to helping others through care, compassion, philanthropy and love. With the guidance and leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, the Metropolis Philoptochos is a proud partner in many important endeavors which further the mission and vision of the Metropolis and support and strengthen our communities.

The Metropolis Philoptochos encompasses many areas of service including: Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape, Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, Philoptochos Lodge at Saint Nicholas Ranch, Hellenic College/Holy Cross Adopt-a-Student, Women’s Health and Wellness, Social Services/Emergency Relief, and Pennies and Prayers. Each of these ministries reaches people of different ages with diverse chal-lenges, but with one common thread – need.

This is where Philoptochos is committed to making a difference. For all those in need – whether it is a child with a terminal illness; young men studying for the priesthood; mission parishes striving to build up new Orthodox communities; people struggling with unemployment or homelessness; Philoptochos gives from the heart and gives unconditionally as an example of their commitment of service to others.

With the upcoming implementation of the new Metropolis Strategic Plan, the work of Philoptochos will be elevated even more. The Task Force on Philanthropic Outreach will provide even greater opportunities to expand the ministry of Philoptochos and engage even more women – and men – in this important work. Philoptochos has been the torchbearer for our Church in their ministry and has been the primary source of philanthropy in our church and civic communities. We are excited about the possibilities that can be achieved when even more people become inspired and involved in this fulfilling ministry.

Each of us has been created in the image of Christ, to do good works and to walk in His path. We invite you to join us for this journey where the impossible can be achieved with the help of God!

www.sfphiloptochos.org

2013 – 2015 Metropolis Philoptochos Board:Row 1 (Seated): Presvytera Evelyn Adams, Mari Lou Diamond – Corresponding Secretary, Agatha Felactu – 1st Vice President, Jeannie Ranglas – President, Michele Genetos – 2nd Vice President, Mary Lofton – Chapter Liaison, Lisa Xanthos – Recording Secretary.Row 2: Judie Christopoulos, Bobbie Soupos, Patricia Aleck, Connie Ralph, Elaine Kanellos, Elaine Wright, Sophie Mastor, Rose Sogotis, Mary Peros, Kristina Mehas, Mary Pruitt, Gloria Vincent.Row 3: Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, Chancellor; His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos.Not Pictured: Bernadette Anthony, Frances Bissias – Honorary Member, Kathy Gabriel – Assistant Treasurer, Tula Gallanes – Honorary Past President, Diana Jianas – Treasurer, Genie Kontos, Christine Peratis – Honorary Past President, Valerie Roumeliotes – Honorary Past President.

Metropolis Philoptochos Continues Legacy Of

Service And PhilanthropyJeannie Ranglas,

Metropolis Philoptochos President

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians 2:10

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February 23-24Metropolis Council Meeting Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

February 24-25Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

February 25-26 Metropolis Clergy Retreat Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

March 8-9Pan-Orthodox Celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy Saint Steven’s Serbian Orthodox Cathedral - Alhambra, CA

March 14-16Metropolis Young Adult Lenten RetreatMalibu, CA

March – April 2014Metropolis Lenten Online Book Club

April 27Hellenic Cultural ParadeSan Francisco, CA

May 2-3Metropolis Oratorical FestivalSaint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

May 4Metropolis Philoptochos Kids ‘n’ Cancer Spring Reception Big Canyon Country Club - Newport Beach, CA

May 23-26Metropolis Family CampSaint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

May 29- June1Metropolis Philoptochos Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp AgapePrescott, AZ

June 12-15Metropolis Philoptochos Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp AgapeSaint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

June 21-28Greek Village Immersion CampSaint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

June 26-29Metropolis Church Music Federation Conference Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral - Oakland, CA

July 6-12Metropolis Summer Camp – Session ISaint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

July 13-19Metropolis Summer Camp – Session IISaint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

July 20-26Metropolis Summer Camp – Session IIISaint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

July 21-26Metropolis PhiloptochosKids ‘n’ Cancer Camp AgapeAll Saints Camp – Gig Harbor, WA

August 2-7Metropolis Philoptochos Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp AgapeCamp Angelos – Portland, OR

August 28-31Metropolis Philoptochos Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp AgapeCamp Marston – Julian, CA

September 8The Twelve Great Feasts Through Icons and Hymns – Part IOnline Metropolis Webinar

September 15The Twelve Great Feasts Through Icons and Hymns – Part IIOnline Metropolis Webinar

September 15-19Metropolis Adult Resort CampSaint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

November 10-13Pan-Orthodox Clergy RetreatSaint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Dunlap, CA

November 22 Light the Path - Metropolis Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church – Long Beach, CA

December 6 Light the Path - Metropolis Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church – Stockton, CA

Metropolis Calendarof Events

2014

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The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to honor Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas as the 2014 recipi-ents of the Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award. The Ranglas’ have demonstrated their love for the Church and their support for the community through many years of exemplary philanthropy.

Gerry and Jeannie have offered of their time, talent and treasure as outstanding stewards at the parish, Metropolis and Archdiocese levels as well as to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. They are founding members of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff- by-the-Sea, California where they remain active parishioners and bene-factors of the community. Gerry and Jeannie are also members of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund. In the Metropolis, Gerry and Jeannie have supported many ministries including the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring, Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center, Faith Forward, and were Premier Sponsors of the inaugural Metropolis Gala in 2013 which Jeannie co-chaired. The Ranglas’ have also been exceptional supporters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and have provided for the needs of our Mother Church through their generosity, and were sponsors and participants in the Metropolis Pilgrimage, “Journey of Faith: East and West” to Rome, Athens and Constantinople in 2010.

Gerry was born in Athens, Greece and moved to San Diego as a young child. He grew up attending Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business from San Diego State University. He is the CEO and Owner of R&V Management Corporation, a real estate, investment and management firm for over 30 years. In honor of Gerry’s devotion to the Church, he was bestowed the honor of Archon Depoutatos by the Ecumeni-cal Patriarchate. Most recently, Gerry was appointed as a member of the Leadership 100 Board of Trustees.

Jeannie was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to parents of Greek ancestry. She moved to San Diego when she married Gerry 37 years ago. Jeannie is currently in her fourth year serving as the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos President, a leading ministry with innovative programs including Kids ‘n’ Cancer and the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund. She has also been a member of the National Philoptochos Board for the Archdiocese for 15 years. Jeannie served as co-chair of the National Philoptochos Convention in Phoenix, Arizona during the 2012 Clergy-Laity Congress of the Archdiocese. Her service at her local parish has included Parish Council President, Philoptochos President, and President of the Cardiff Orthodox Housing. Jeannie chaired the Thyranoixia and Consecration of Saints Constantine and Helen, and was also recognized for her leadership with the Anthousa Award from the Saint Spyridon Philoptochos in San Diego.

Gerry and Jeannie’s philanthropy extends into the civic community as the primary donors for the establishment of the Ancient Greek History Chair at the University of California San Diego in 2005. This position provides for excellence in education on Greek philosophy, literature and classics, and leaves a lasting legacy of their family’s dedication to their Hellenic heritage. Jeannie was also recognized by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary with the Women of Dedica-tion award for her community service and leadership.

As the proud parents of Athan (32) and Alexis (28), Gerry and Jeannie are committed to maintaining a strong family life, and instilling in their children the importance of service to others. Both Athan and Alexis grew up participating in the dance group at their parish and competing in FDF, and they remain active supporters of the Church.

“Gerry and Jeannie are cherished friends and stewards of the church who have continually offered their gifts with faith, love and tireless commitment. They give of themselves with exceptional generosity as a demonstration of their devotion and service to Jesus Christ,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “They were also very close friends of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, and I know that he would be pleased that their years of dedication and philanthropy are being duly recognized as the 2014 recipients of the Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award.”

Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas

Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award

Christ Kamages builds faith. Architecture is spiritual work for him. This began at 14 years of age. The deep Christian Orthodox traditions of the Kamages family led Christ to consider a career in the priesthood. But an apprenticeship with Christopher Kantianis, AIA, in Boston in the 1960’s exposed him to architecture, design and Byzantine theories and styles. An MIT science fair award for Byzantine Architecture, where he elegantly demonstrated how to place a round dome on a square base, permanently sealed his career and life mission.

He grew up at St. George Cathedral in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he was a member of the St. George Olym-pians Drum and Bugle Corp. Kamages’ undergraduate work at the Boston Architectural Center has exposed to the design methods and process architecture. Community work in architecture arose from Master’s studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo. The “Buffalo Experiments”, as they were known, created a visionary design methods group which held architects responsible to serve civilization by concentrating on user needs and hands-on work with clients. He also taught undergraduate and graduate architectural design and process at SUNY-Buffalo in the 1970’s.

He has since become a guiding force as principal in a series of architecture firms such as Cannon Design, Inc. Grand Island NY and in Boston MA. The 1980’s saw Kamages move to San Francisco, where his tenure as the Director of at The Ehrenkrantz Group in San Francisco reinforced the process and methods foundation for design and also expanded the community focus with successful civic projects, like the Pasadena Police Department Building which won an AIA Architecture in Justice Award in 2002. Kamages acquired the firm created EKONA Architecture and Planning, and expanded his work to church projects. The firm’s development today, as CJK Design Group, has multi-million dollar projects throughout the United States.

Kamages has truly advanced the profession of architecture by achieving that synthesis between the rational, analytical aspects of building design and the emotional and cultural forces of community interaction in the design and construc-tion process. This has led to overwhelming success in working with hundreds of Orthodox communities to inspire them with his passion for a rebirth of the true Eastern spirit where traditional church sacred space is essential and vital to community life. He collaborated with the late V. Rev. Leonidas Contos on the publication of Ecclesia, A Facilities and Artifacts Handbook, a guide to church communities to help them better understand the planning and design process.

Kamages has gone on to develop unique church designs such as the Axios, an expandable prototype for growing mission parishes, and the copyrighted Triad design, which uses the beautiful Byzantine principles while optimizing the seating capacity, sight lines, and programmatic functions of an Orthodox Church.

He served as Chairman of the Board of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute (PAOI) for 12 years, and as a past member of the Metropolis Councils for the Metropolis of San Francisco and as a former member of the Arch-diocesan Council. He is a founding member of the ELIOS Society and the Pan-Cretan Chapter of Polirinia of Marin, California.

In 2000, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew conferred Kamages with the offikion, Archon Architekton, the first in history to bear this title, as recognition of his efforts in Ecclesiastical architecture. His church projects have become national landmarks and have consistently garnered awards and have stimulated communication, spirit and awareness

“The Elios Society salutes Christ Kamages as he deservingly is honored during this year’s FDF,” said Anthony Saris, President of the Elios Society. “Christ embodies a commitment to both our Orthodox faith and Hellenism, and his life-long acts of service are sincerely appreciated and worthy of emulation. AXIOS!”

He and his wife, Patricia reside in Lucas Valley, Marin, California and are members of the Nativity of Christ in Novato, California, They are the parents of Keri and Peter, and are the proud grandparents of Nikolas and Alexis Kamages, and Eleni and Katia Antonis.

Christ J. Kamages, AIAAward of Excellence

The Elios Charitable Foundation is proud to present

Christ J. Kamagesthe 2014 Elios Award of Excellence

&the 2014 Folk Dance & Choral Festival

with a grant for the 19th consecutive year

With the support of Elios Society members and Hellenic Charity Ball sponsors and attendees,the Elios Charitable Foundation was able to provide grants to the following organizations this past year:

Center for Tebtunis Papyri at the University of California, BerkeleyFine Arts Museums of San Francisco for the Ambassadors Program

Folk Dance & Choral FestivalGreek Cultural Parade on April 7, 2013

Greek Historical Society of the Bay Area for Project IstoriaHellenic Heritage Institute in San Jose

The Hellenic JournalHellenic Library Research Fellowship Program at Sacramento State University

Los Angeles Greek Film FestivalModern Greek Studies Foundation for the San Francisco Greek Film Festival

Modern Greek Studies Program at San Francisco State University for a Visiting Professor

Elios Charitable FoundationDedicated to Preserving and Promoting the Spirit and Ideals of Hellenic Culture

www.elios.org | www.facebook.com/EliosCharitableFoundation

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Every year FDF is changing, and finding new ways to make this weekend all about you. Well now..

With our new app, you can get more involved with FDF than ever. All of the schedules for the weekend can be found right on your phone. You can even customize your own schedule focusing on the per-formances and events you’re most interested in.

As you make new connections with participants from all over the country, find them in the app and add them to your friends list! Wondering who’s talk-ing about FDF on Twitter? Right from the app view a live feed of everything #yourFDF related!

We are so excited to bring all of you this new tool and such a great way to stay connected! Have a great weekend and stay tuned for more ways to make FDF 2014 YOUR FDF!!

Search “Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival” in your app store today! Or use your smartphones QR reader to scan our QR code to download.

Available on iOS and Android platforms and is available for Windows and Blackberry via web access.

There’s an App for That...

#FDF2014 launches our first ever smartphone application!

By Alexandra Schwenke, Management Team

hellenicjournal.org

The voice of the Greek community for over three decades! Stay connected ... subscribe today for just $35 a year.

FDF SPECIAL: BRING THIS COUPON TO THE HJ BOOTH AND RECEIVE $5 OFF

Congratulations to the 2014 FDF dancers and singers!

Stop by the HJ / MY PAREA BOOTH at FDF and enter to win 2 tickets to the Glykeria concert, Mario Frangoulis concert, and more!

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Saints Constantine & Helen Cathedral of the Pacific, Honolulu, HI. Created school kits for IOCC and cleaned up Kailua Beach.

St. Katherine, Redondo Beach: Pajama Drive Project- For Children in the process of being adopted.

St. Nectarios, Covina.Children’s hospital, Night Outreach Service.

Holy Trinity, Portland. Singing Christmas carols with the elderly in the community.

St. Anthony, Pasedina. Serving meals at Union

Station.

St.Demetrios, Seattle. Collected food for the Woman’s Jubilee Center.

St. Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles. Volunteered at the Jeffrey Foundation

Christmas Party.

Assumption, Long Beach. Collected toiletries to support the Long Beach Rescue Mission.

Ascension, Oakland. Collected money and compiled hygiene kits for IOCC.

Assumption, Long Beach. Participated in a Christmas card project for the local veterans at the Long Beach Veteran Medical Center.

St. Spyridon, San Diego. Volunteered to dance at a fundraiser for the feeding of the hungry.

Diakonia 2014

“Relationships in the Orthodox Faith” with Chris and Kali Retelas“Dating and getting married is the easiest thing in the world to do! Even easier, doing it in a way that is fulfilling, real, healthy, and truly Christian,” said no one ever. However, as this is on our minds and hearts a lot more than we care to ad-mit, come and join us, as we share our frustrations and humorous experiences with one another. And together lets investigate what helpful insights and encourage-ments the ancient Orthodox witness might offer us in regards to this profoundly important aspect of human life!

“Red Rover, Red Rover” with Father Haralambos FoxWhere is the weakest link in your connection? Be careful - when the marauders come to attack, that’s where they’ll strike! Come for some practical tips on beefing up your Connection to Christ to withstand any assault…. Come prepared for some spiritual AND physical activity (shoulderpads optional).

“Orthodoxy in Motion” with Fr. Jim PappasThe primary age level children will engage in 7 Arts and Crafts activities each with it’s own spiri-tual theme. The children will do one outreach activity. In addition, they will create works of art that can be brought home. The workshop is designed to be an open house format. Participants can come at anytime during the posted hours. All participants are required to complete at least 2 projects. Doing all 7 will add to this creative and exciting experience.

“Living Life Inside Out” with Fr. Tom ZaferesWhat do we believe, really believe about ourselves and God? Does it matter? We will examine, together, what it is that we are to know about our faith and espe-cially God. We will begin to address who we are and why we are here. And what does that mean to the world around us? We will answer the question: Do we live in a “hostile” world? Should we as Orthodox Christians feel threatened? Or does everyone basically believe the same thing and we have nothing to worry about? Finally do we have obligations to ourselves and the world around us?

“Hold on! We are on our way to connect to our home! “with Fr. Jordan Brown Hey young FDF Dancer! Hurry up and get ready to sing, dance, and climb yourself down, for today God is coming to your house! We are going to do whatever it takes to get back home with Christ. Zacchaeus

is going to help us.

“Connect” is the theme for FDF this year. This can mean many different things for ourselves, our relationship with God and with others. When you attend a 2014 FDF Workshop you will examine this theme and surely take away with a better understanding of it, and ways to apply this theme to your life.

Every year the workshops at FDF continue to get better and better, and this year is no exception! Again, we are offering workshops for elementary, middle school, high school students, and young adults. We are also proud to announce that the workshops for parents are here to stay at FDF. So parents, please take a break during the day and attend a parent workshop, where you will con-nect with other parents and be inspired by our faith.

While we would like to remind our readers that workshops are mandatory for all participants, the goal of FDF workshops is to inspire and strengthen our faith in the spirit of fellowship. Attend one and you will want to attend more!

FDF would like to sincerely thank all of our workshop presenters this year for offering their time and talents to FDF. How will the 2014 workshops “connect” you?

FDF Workshops

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“The Orthodox Avengers!” with Fr. Panagiotis Sotiras In this workshop, we’re going to talk about Marvel’s very popular Avengers movie and how it helps us better understand our Orthodox faith. If you love the Avengers, or super-hero movies in general, then this workshop is for you!

“Summer is BACK!” ...well, at FDF anyway! For anyone who misses Summer Camp, missed out on Summer Camp, or is just ready for Summer Camp to be here already, we miss you too! So, let’s make a reunion of out of it! If you’re in High School and want to spend your workshop time with some of 2013’s Camp Counselors and fellow-campers, grab your friends and join us for a workshop Summer Camp-Style!

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“BACK PEW DUDE” with Father John HondrosThe well-dressed Greek Orthodox woman stood in the front pew and prayed thus to herself: “Lord, I have been to Church from the time I was baptized. I know all the prayers and Apolytikia in Greek, even better than Father. I follow all the fasts and I receive Communion when I feel worthy. I have brought my kids to Church, to Greek School and Folk Dance from the time they were little. I’m a tireless volunteer and I donate what I feel my Church needs. I am a good person and I’m thankful I’m not like that ‘Aplytos’ sitting in the back pew!”Join us “Back Pew Dudes (and Dudettes)” as we take an eyebrow-raising look at Luke 18:9-14.

“Using Faith, Trust, and Communication to Help Your Dance Program Flourish” with Stacie Zoumberakis and Nikole Varvitsiotis

Come and learn how different dance programs work and how both have invested in their young dancers- mentoring them into directors that in turn give back to the program.

Join us for a discussion of how two dance programs in Southern California function and how their mentor program works. A Q&A will follow for any-one interested in helping their dance program thrive.

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“AFTER 25 YEARS OF YOUTH MINISTRY, I THINK I FINALLY KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT! What the Church, the Bible, Your Children, and Mine have taught me about Raising Our Kids in the Orthodox Faith” with Fr. Anthony SavasFrom the time our children are born and Baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church, we have certain ideals and expectations about how their lives are go-ing to play out. We envision their futures to be blessed with health, family, com-fort and a solid grounding in the Church. As parents, we play the most crucial role in our children’s spiritual development. Together, let’s discover how!

A Thracian Treasure from a Young Greek American

Smilemeni Pnoi is a new collectible CD presenting the music and style of 82-year- old Theodosis Logaroudis, one of the last original players of Thracian gaida from the village of Avestades, Evros, Greece. The project was conceived, designed, financed, and executed by Vicky Hioureas, member of the parish of Saint John the Baptist in Anaheim. Vicky’s work in the field of cultural re-search and archiving is an outstanding achievement. Though vari-ous ethnomusicologists, gaitatzides, and interested parties have recorded Logaroudis playing his gaida, no single project has yet been produced to highlight his musical skill. This was the primary impetus for Smilemeni Pnoi: to record and archive the singularity of Logaroudis’ playing, and to showcase and honor a musician who has the foresight to understand the importance of disseminating his sound to future generations of gaid-atzides around the world. Vicky recorded Theodosis Logaroudis over the course of several days in his front yard in his village in Evros, with her digital recorder. The rest of the production was completed in the city of Thessaloniki. She has created a “sonic museum” of the highest quality that captures the beauty, variation and depth of the playing technique of this great master of gaida. Smilemeni Pnoi will move and inspire the enthusiasts of Greek Thracian folk music and dance in the US, in Greece and abroad. Vicky’s project offers a great service to our community and to FDF, as she becomes a shining example for the younger genera-tions of Greek-Americans for her devotion, passion, and creative and voluntary spirit.Congratulations and thank you to Vicky Hioureas for her Smilemeni Pnoi.

*If you wish to acquire the CD, please contact Vicky at vhioureas@yahoo.com

Congratulations to a few current Managment Team members that have recently gotten engaged or married. This ministry has been blessed to see so many beautiful relationships bloom and we wish them many happy years!

Did you meet your fiance or spouse through FDF? Let us know by submitting your names to info@yourfdf.org

Engaged 2013 Engaged 2013 Married 2013

CongratulationsNick Metrakos & Anysia DumontDanielle Doumak & Panayioti PelargosVoula Kolios & Vasili Contos

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Largest Selection of Diamonds

Steve Padis Jewelrycongratulates all the dancers at FDF 2014

"We've locked in our vote, and you’re all winners!"

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Dromeno is a traditional ensemble presenting authentic regional music from the Greek mainland and beyond, overlapping into the surround-ing regions and finding the musical legacy that connects the traditions of the Balkans. Featuring clarinet and voices, the instrumentation includes accordion, saxophone, zourna, guitar, laouto and percus-sion, and enables the group to span the sounds of Greek music, from western Macedonia and Ipiros, through Thessaly and Thrace. Drom-eno will be joining us for our Friday night Glendi featuring Christos Govetas on clarinet, zourna and vocals; Ruth Hunter on accordion and vocals; Eleni Govetas on saxophone, defi and doumberleki; Nick Maroussis on guitar and laouto; Bobby Govetas on drums and daouli; and also Benji Rifate on trumpet.

Endasi is a Greek music ensemble comprised of Dimitri Papadimitriou (Atlanta), Yianni Themelis (New York) and Dimitrios Dallas (Chicago). Endasi is not only a name, but the essence of how they approach and play music – with intensity. Hailing from folk dance backgrounds, Endasi developed a deep love for traditional

Greek music and have since amassed a large repertoire ranging from traditional to modern Greek styl-ings. Endasi has played all over the U.S. and has participated for over 10 years at FDF, performing at night events and in over 100 different shows for groups of all ages. They have just the right mix of music for your next event. For more information, visit www.endasi.com.

Margarita is at it again! Last year’s Greek/English rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” got everyone out of their seats, and this year she will capture your soles (no pun intended) again with her new hot single, “OPA.” Collaborating with singer/songwriter Leah Tysse and DJ Gus Sverkos under alias name HH (Homegrown Helens) her dance inspired single will surely get you grooving.

“Music and dance are the most expressive ways to show emotion. That’s the rea-son we are united here in Anaheim with such force,” Margarita says with enthu-siasm. “’OPA’ is not only a song, but a dance. It’s like shouting let it out! After a

long day of competition what’s better then throwing your hands in the air and doing the ‘OPA’?”

Margarita will be hosting opening Ceremonies this year, and has the honor of singing with the talented Glykeria for the second time in her career. Sunday’s closing ceremonies will be full of fun and surprises as she recaps the weekend.

Look for her music on iTunes, CD Baby, her Facebook Page “Margarita Music INTL.”Follow her on her Twitter at @margaritaintl and her Youtube channel Margaritaintl and visit her website at www.margaritaintl.com

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We are proud to announce a special guest appearance by Alexandros Papadakis (lyra, askomantoura, vocal) and his ensemble, Georgios Psarakis (laouto, vocal) and Andreas Arvanitis (laouto). Alexandros is an accomplished musician from the island of Crete. In his earliest years, Alexandros was moved by the traditional music of his native village, ardactos, which is located in the Lampi municipality of

Rethymno, Crete. He began his musical journey at the age of nine. His uncle was the first to put a lyre in his hand. He credits his learning to several teachers, most notably Petros Karbadakis and Manolis Mar-garitis. While honing his craft, he surrounded himself with local musicians, absorbed their magnificent sto-ries and techniques, and dedicated his life to continu-ing age-old musical traditions. After years of dedica-tion and continual discovery, Alexandros is a master of the melodic lyre and he plays with undeniable spirit and love. Through his passionate voice, commanding askomantoura (Cretan bag pipe), and deli-cate playing of the habioli (flute) he captivates his listeners.

Featured Musicians:

Joining us from Athens Greece, Sotiris Lykidis on the lyra and Kostas Georgiadis on daouli will be playing Pontian music for Thorivos from the Annunciation Modesto. Sotiris Lykidis grew up in Athens and began playing the lyra at age 13. Playing the lyra was part of the family tradition, as his grandfather and father also play. His father was his first teacher, and his first lyra was built by his grandfather. After learning from his dad for a year Sotiri started working with the well known Georgos Amarantidis at age 14, and continued taking lessons for four years. Growing up with the sound of the lyra in the family made Sotiri’s ap-preciation and love grow for the instrument, and he acknowledges that he continues to learn to this day. This is his fourth FDF. Kostas Georgia-dis grew up in Thessaloniki Greece, and began playing the daouli at the very young age of 8. His desire and love for the sound of the drum made him a self taught musician. As he has pursued his dreams, he has played with several different Pontian musicians and artists through-out all of Greece. He especially loves sharing his passion for Pontian music, and the energy that it provides through the different dances. This is his sixth FDF. As returning FDF participants, they are looking forward to once again partaking in the festivities and excitement of FDF.

Friday night Glendi

3 questions for the Voice of

Greece1

Do you think that music and live performances will always be a pri-ority for Greeks even when they’re

going through tough times? Is it one of their outlets?

Πιστευετε οτι ι μουσικη κ οι ζωντανες εμφανισεις

θα ειναι παντα προταιρεοτητα για τους Ελληνες,

ακομα και οταν περνανε δυσκολα; Ειναι η μονη

τους διεξοδος; Τι εχετε δει σαν καλλιτεχνης; Μιλαμε

για πολιτικη συνεχεια, αλλα τι εχετε δει απο τιν

πολιτιστικη πλευρα μετα απο την κριση;

Greeks live through music and socializing. My opinion is socializing gives the person an op-portunity to solve their problems. The economy doesn’t get solved through socialization. It’s a big issue right now. I believe Greece has a very strong culture and will get through and continue to listen to music and we will get through it.

3Do you have English language singers

who influence your own music? Υπαρχουν αγγλοφωνοι καλλιτεχνες που σας επιρεαζουν;

2When you go home to relax what

kind of music do you listen to?Οταν πατε σπιτι να χαλαρωσετε τι μουσικη ακουτε;

Sentimental music, Byzantine music. It has col-ored all of Greek music to this day. It all comes from the Byzantium, Anatolian music, The distinct rhythms and harmonies of dance from Anatolian and Pontic regions. The dancing; This music is therapeutic.

No, only Greek singers because I sing in Greece. Of course when I was outside of Greece I was listening to other sing-ers outside of Greece. But I really do love Greek music. My original influences are Greek. And I’m in engaged in Greece.

For the past 30 years, Glykeria has been one of the most prominent and distinct voices of Greek music, filled with un-matched depth, melancholy and emotion. Her 2012 tour of the Americas, with sold-out shows in Canada, South Amer-ica and the U.S.is a tribute to her worldwide fame, a status that extends beyond Greeks at home and in the diaspora to the French, Israelis, Brazilians, Armenians, Argentinians and others who have heard her belt those powerful songs.

The 2014 Greek Folk Dance and Choral Festival is proud and excited to present legendary Greek singer Glykeria. As part of our main entertainment for Saturday night, Glykeria will be performing live with her full orchestra in the Platimum Ballroom.

Glykeria was born in Agio Pnevma Serres, and began her career in 1974 working in the Athens Plaka scene of the boites and gave performances with well-known artists, singing songs by M. Hadjidakis, M. Theodorakis, M. Loizos and others.

In 1983 she made a large leap into her distincive career with her live concert “Omorfi Nyhta” and due to its massive success Lyra Music released her first live album,”H Glykeria Stin Omorfi Nyhta”,which went on to break every musical sales record in Greece up to that point.

Glykeria has performed to audiences all over the world, from Argentina, to France, to Israel. In the summer of 1993 she performed in Israel for the first time and after many successful concerts she was proclaimed the most popular foreign singer; the Mayor of Jerusalem awarded her the golden key of the city. She also performed with the Israel Philharmonic in 1999 and released multiple albums which all went Gold.

We are are all filled with great joy and enthusiasm that this year’s FDF is hosting such an amazing talent. Glykeria truly is “The voice of Greece” and we look forward to her performance this year.

By Gus Sverkos

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The Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, started by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Religious Education in 1983, is an incredible opportunity for our children and teenagers to think about, research, write and speak publicly about their faith. We all know that public speaking is a valuable skill.

Through this Festival, the Church provides a supportive and nurturing environment for our young people to become confident public speakers and simultaneously be given the opportunity to learn about their faith. In addition to public speaking, this year the Archdiocese has added two new categories for participation in the festival: poetry and essay writing!

Last year the Metropolis Oratorical Festival winners were Timothy Kaelin from St. George Church in Eu-gene, Oregon for the Junior Division (Grades 7 – 9) and Susanna Silva, St. Basil Church in San Jose, CA for the Senior Division (Grades 10 – 12). After the Metropolis Festival both Timothy and Susanna partici-pated in the National Oratorical Festival which took place in Detroit, MI.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos continues to encourage all communities throughout the Metropolis to establish this ministry in their yearly calendars. As a Church we are deeply concerned about the religious education of our young people. The Oratorical Festival provides this opportunity par excellence. Each and every community should embrace the Festival for the benefit of our youth and provide them with this chal-lenging opportunity to proclaim their faith in the public arena!

2014 District Festival DatesPacific Northwest: April 6, Church of the Assumption, Seattle, WABay Area: March 30, Holy Cross, Belmont, CA Eastern California: April 6, Annunciation Church, Modesto, CASouthern California: April 6, Saints Constantine and Helen, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CASouthwest: April 5, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Phoenix, AZ

This year’s Metropolis Festival will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. This year’s National Festival will take place June 13-15, 2014 in Cleveland, Ohio.

For more information visit www.religioused.sanfran.goarch.org

Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

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Ministering to our youth and young adults has never been more challenging. Our youth today are so busy between school, sports, and extracurricular activities and of course, dance practice! Our 20-somethings are busy trying to establish themselves, whether in college or working. And our 30-somethings may be readjusting the plans they made for themselves in their 20’s because of the economic realities of the past few years. With the increased complexities of life for our youth and young adults, it has never been more important for them to have rock-solid understanding of and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For this reason the Metropolis Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is working hard to expand its ministries, programs and resources for youth workers.

We are all living and working in the mobile age, and the Metropolis Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is committed to building up its presence on the internet. The website serves as a unified place to connect our youth, young adults, clergy, youth-workers and parents throughout our very geographically diverse Metropolis and will be a place for all to share their ideas. So please check out the site!

www.gosfyouth.org

Check out the Youth and Young Adult Ministry website which will aim to keep everyone informed of all Metropolis and Regional ministries and upcoming events taking place throughout the year!

The Metropolis also has five Facebook pages to help connect us and keep everyone informed of events throughout the Metropolis!

Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco GOYA Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adults Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Oratorical Festival Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Youth Workers

For more information about the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, please contact:Paul Gikas, Director

Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries(415)814-1186

pgikas@sanfran.goarch.org

Metropolis Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

2014 Summer Camp Management TeamDirector: Paul Gikas, Director,

Metropolis Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Program Director: Jacob Saylor, Youth Director,

Holy Trinity, San Francisco, CA. Camp Administrator: Johanna Duterte, GOYA Advisor,

Saint Nicholas, San Jose, CA.

Counselors and staff are selected from throughout the Metropolis.

ONLINE REGISTRATION will open on February 15th at www.gosfyouth.org.

This weekend stop by the Metropolis booth for more information, or visit us online at

www.gosfyouth.org.

Summer Camp 2013 at Saint Nicholas Ranch with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos

Session I: July 6 – 12

Session II: July 13 – 19

Session III: July 20 – 26

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is proud to announce the 34th year of Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. Last year over 300 youth between the ages of 8 and 18 from throughout the Metropolis and beyond attended the newly organized camp with the theme, “Love one another”. Building on the success of last year’s program, this summer’s theme is the very next verse of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (John 13:34 – 35).

“AS I HAVE LOVED YOU”

Words really cannot express what an incredible experience Summer Camp can be. Imagine for a moment being away from home for a whole week, leaving behind the pressures of school, society and everyday life. From the moment you arrive at camp you notice a unique atmosphere. It’s relaxed, fun and loving all at the same time. You are placed in a cabin with 10 other guys or girls your same age. There are over 100 kids at the camp from many different churches. You real-ize that there are so many other kids just like you, Orthodox!

You wake up in the morning and the whole camp does morn-ing prayers together, giving thanks to God as a group for a peaceful night and asking Him to bless the coming day. You then have a fresh country-style breakfast followed by activi-ties like sports, Orthodox life discussions, swimming, arts and crafts, archery and canoeing all day long, only taking a break for lunch and a short siesta. At the end of the day you give thanks to God for such a blessed day. You have a deli-cious dinner and then have an evening activity like a camp fire, junk yard wars or “A night with God”. Then you end the evening with your cabin with some time to reflect on your relationship with God. The week culminates with the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring.

All of this takes place in loving embrace of the Church and in such a heavenly location as the Ranch in the Sierra Moun-tains of California. At the end of the week you can’t believe how many other kids you have met, how much fun you had and how much you have grown spiritually. You are very sad it’s time to go home, but you will be taking with you memo-ries and friendships that will last a lifetime. With a week like this, it’s no wonder that camp is such a life-transforming expe-rience for all who attend!

Summer is Back!Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp at

Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center

32 33

Seeking Counselors for “Elliniko Horio” Greek Village Immersion Camp

Are you a young adult (age 19 or older or have completed your first year of college) looking for a reward-ing and meaningful way to spend part of your summer? Have you ever thought of being a summer camp counselor?

Now in its fifth year, Greek Village is an established and growing ministry of the Metropolis of San Francisco. This is a Greek language and culture immersion program for youth ages 7 – 15 which takes place over the course of a week at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA.

As a Greek Village counselor, you will be responsible for the paidia in your cabin, but you will also assist with camp activities and the educational part of the program.

This year’s Greek Village will be held June 21 – 28, 2014. Taking place in the Sequoias just outside of Fresno, this is the perfect location for you to help create the feeling and atmosphere of the horio for our youth.

As this is a Greek language and culture immersion program, proficiency in Greek is preferred but is not re-quired. If you are interested please visit the Greek Village booth this weekend or visit us online at

www.ourgreekvillage.org.

the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring which is adjacent to Saint Nicholas Ranch. Arts and crafts, swimming, basketball, volleyball and canoeing are also just a few of the many extracurricular activities included in the campers’ daily schedule, plus evening campfires, storytelling, folk dancing and singing.

The 230-acre Saint Nicholas Ranch is nestled in the foothills of the Sequoia National Park. Its hiking trails, apple orchards, historic barn and lake provide the aura of a traditional Greek Village to further enhance a truly cultural experience.

New! This year bus transportation will be available from the Los Angeles area for an additional cost.

This weekend stop by the Greek Village booth for more information or visit us online at www.ourgreekvillage.org to register beginning February 15th.

Metropolis “Elliniko Horio” Greek Village Immersion Camp

The Greek Village Immersion Camp is a successful and growing ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. Now in its fifth year, the Greek Village Immersion Camp, “To Elliniko Horio”, will be held June 21 – 28, 2014 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. This year the camp will be offered for children ages 7 through 15. The Greek Village Camp offers a creative and educational immersion program which brings children closer to their ancestral heritage through instruction in language, customs, tradi-tions and the Orthodox faith. With the guidance of skilled instructors, campers will participate in classes including: language, cooking, geography, mythology, music, dance, theatre and more. The children will attend worship services daily and also have an opportunity to observe the monastic life at the Monastery of

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I O N I A NV I L L AG E2 0 1 4

www.ionianvillage.org

SeSSion 1: June 23 - July 12 SeSSion 2: July 20 - AugusT 8

for Greek orthodox Youth currentlY in Grades 8 to 12

#AREYouREAdY?!

Kastro chlemoutsi

On the outside looking in, you don’t understand it. On the inside looking out, you can’t explain it. I could tell you that the second night of camp, the crazy athletic staff made us construct racecars out of junk and then race them, and it was the best thing ever. But you probably wouldn’t believe me. How could Junkyard Wars possibly be a fun thing? I could tell you that over 200 campers and over 35 staff members joined hands and Greek danced for almost two hours straight, and it was beyond amazing. But you probably wouldn’t believe me. How could sweating and Greek dancing for that long possibly be that great? I could tell you

that the various dances we had at camp were bigger and better than both proms I went to. But you probably wouldn’t believe me. How could a church camp have the best dances ever? I could tell you that I got to venerate the relics of saints who died over 400 years ago, and it was the most moving experience ever. But you probably wouldn’t believe me. How could seeing completely intact bones of deceased saints possibly have that big of an impact? I could tell you that I now have a support system that stretches to every corner of the country, and a family that I meet at the chapel in my prayers every single night. But you probably wouldn’t believe

me. How could people you’ve spent twenty days with possibly become your family?

There are so many more amazing experiences I could tell you about, and with every one, you still probably wouldn’t believe me. Well, I challenge you to trust me. I challenge you to believe me. Ionian Village was the best summer of my life. I have my best friends, my family right next to me to comfort me even though we’re miles and miles apart. Even though it’s over, it is in no way done. No distance can hold us apart, and no summer will ever beat the one I spent at Ionian Village.

...a place where it’s hard not to embrace and love your culture, an unforgettable religious journey...”

Ionian Village: Mare Than Just a Summer Camp

by: Gabrielle Stavropoulos

So, you think you’ve had the best summer of your life already? I’m here to tell you that if you haven’t been to Ionian Village yet, then the best summer of your life has not happened. Ionian Village is not just a summer camp…it is so much more.

Ιονικό Χωριό: Ionian Village. Those two words at the end of twenty days are no longer two words. They are home. Ionian Village is the perfect combination between your average metropolis camps on steroids, a place where it’s hard not to embrace and love your culture, an unforgettable religious journey, and the best tour of Greece anyone could ever hope to have.

“

Gabrielle Stavropoulos was a 2013 Ionian Village camper in cabin Delphi. She is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina and is currently a freshman at North Carolina State University.

Ionian Village is a unique ministry of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese that offers campers and staff members a life-changing opportunity to experience Greece and live their Orthodox Faith. More than simply a summer camp, Ionian Village promises to be the best summer of your life. Ionian Village offers two sessions each summer, both open to Greek Orthodox youth who have completed 8th grade through 12th grade. Ionian Village also offers a Spiritual Odyssey program for young adults ages 19 through 24. Registration for all Ionian Village programs is now open online at www.ionianvillage.org.

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Dance JudgesRenee Cleary has taught Greek Dance at Ful-lerton College and was a member of a perform-ing Greek Dance Group for thirteen years, seven as the director. She has traveled widely through Greece, collecting and researching both costumes and dances. She observed both professional and amateur dance groups and village festivals. Renee has been involved con-tinuously for 35 years with Greek dance work-shops, festivals, consultations and as a teacher of Greek dancing. She first participated in FDF in 1981 and has been a costume or dance judge every year since 1985.

Sofia Efstratiou-Nicolaou has been dancing from childhood and has directed several dance troupes in her 25-year dance career. She has been attending FDF since 1988 and started her dance and director calling at the St. Nicholas parish in San Jose, California. Sofia spent 5 years in Greece where she was a dance mem-ber of the Lyngistes Dance Troupe led by Yannis and Ira Konstantinou. During her years abroad, she attended several dance seminars and nu-merous cultural gatherings and events. Through this dance journey, she developed a deep un-derstanding, true inspiration and passion for the Greek heritage through dance. This experience gave her the opportunity to obtain extensive knowledge in many dance regions of Greece. Sofia has studied in great detail the dance, music, customs, traditions and dress of Western Macedonian giving heaving emphasis on the re-gion of Florina. Her article, “A Journey Through

Agios Germanos” which tells the story of her journey through the Florinan highlands, was published in the Oli Mazi newspaper. Other regions of research, interest and study include Epirus, Eastern Macedonia and Vlach dances, traditions and culture. Her devotion and love for Greek dance continues to guide her study today.

Larry Halfhill has 20 years of FDF experience as a dancer, director and choreographer. He became a competition dance judge in 2006 as a way to contribute back to FDF and bring a different perspective to the judging process. Larry’s Greek roots derive on his mother’s side from Arcadia. His broad-based dance experi-ence over a period of 30 years spans regions and borders. Current areas of special interest include Crete, Anatoliki Romilia, Macedonia, the Peloponnese and Megara. Larry lives in Seal Beach, California with wife Bessie Nico-laou Halfhill, a former FDF dancer and director, and children Thanasi, Maria, and Leonidas. He is an active member of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim. Larry attended the University of Southern California, where he earned BS and MS degrees in engi-neering and an MBA.

Louis Kades was born in Los Angeles to Greek immigrants from Arkadia in the Peloponnese. Growing up he was exposed to the traditional songs, dances and customs from his parents’ homeland. An avid dance enthusiast from an early age, he eventually became involved in

FDF 2014Judges Bios

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of Greek dance for 40+ years. She was intro-duced to and fell in love with the heart, soul and parea of Greek dance and music at the Intersection, the folk dance café opened by Athan Karras in the 1960s. She performed with the Intersection Greek Dancers and was an original member of the Panegiri Dancers, directed by Nikos Varvitsiotis and co-directed by George Nickols, performing for ten years at festivals in Pasadena, Northridge and Redondo Beach long before those communities were sending dance groups to FDF. Robbi directed dance groups at St. Katherine’s in Redondo Beach for eight years and has been a judge at FDF on and off since 1998. She has travelled to Greece, has attended weddings and partici-pated in workshops with a special interest in the regions of Pontos, Thrace and Macedonia as well as Kalymnos, thanks to Louise Bilman. Along with Anne Sirota, Robbi is one of the co-founders of Café Asteria and is on the Board of Directors at Kypseli Greek Dance Center where she continues to dance and teach and is ac-tively involved in perpetuating interest in Greek dance and culture.

Anne Gani Sirota was born in the Greek com-munity in Alexandria, Egypt, where her grand-parents settled in the early 20th century after emigrating from Epirus. Anne has studied, performed, and taught Greek dance for over 45 years. She was assistant director and lead dancer of the Ellas Dance Theater, directed by Charlie Kyriacou for four years, as well as a member of several other Los Angeles per-forming companies including the Intersection Greek Dancers directed by Athan Karras, a founding member of Panegiri, directed by Niko Varvitsiotis, and of O Pontos, directed by Niko Savvidis. Anne travels to Greece often and has concentrated her studies of Greek dance on Pontian and Macedonian villages in Northern Greece, attending festivals, weddings, semi-

nars, classes and performances in Greece and in the United States. She presented a paper on “A Wedding in Florina” at the International Or-ganization of Folk Arts (IOFA) in 2000 which was also published in Oli Mazi. She has also written several other articles for Oli Mazi, in-cluding “The Transmission of Traditional Village Dance”, and a tribute to Don and Ellie Hiatt, co-founders of FDF. Anne is one of the founders and leaders of the Café Asteria Greek Dance Club in Los Angeles, and on the Board of Kypseli Greek Dance Center, two venues where traditional Greek dance is taught, danced and disseminated. She consults with dance groups and has taught Greek dancing classes at vari-ous venues, including Kypseli, Café Asteria, Pierce and Santa Monica Community Colleges. Anne has been an FDF judge continuously since 1988 and an HDF judge for several years. She also serves on the FDF Board of Trustees as a judge consultant. Anne lives in the Los An-

Mendocino Woodlands in Mendocino, CA • June 28 – July 5, 2014Iroquois Springs Camp in Rock HIll, NY • August 9 – 16, 2014

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IONIAN VILLAGE 2014SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

many thanks to our anonymous donors for this generous gift

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the operations of the Folk Dance Festival in 1990 and continued to be on the FDF Board of Trustees until 2008. Striving to expand his knowledge of dance and culture beyond his parents’ villages he has participated in vari-ous workshops and seminars including help-ing to organize several workshops. Through these workshops he has cultivated friendships with many instructors and villagers throughout Greece. One of his key interests is in Greek folk music and he loves to play the daouli and the doumbeleki. He met his wife Vicki (Apostolou) Kades originally from Seattle, WA through FDF and from 2003-2006 they co-directed the award winning Pyrkagia. Over the years he has consulted and assisted various directors with their groups.

George Nickols is a native of Los Angeles, holds a BA in Mathematics, worked in global network telecommunications, and is currently retired

and loving it. His devotion to his ethnic Greek heritage in both dance and theatre has brought him immense joy and pleasure. George has been involved in Greek dance since 1963, has participated in many Greek cultural events, pro-ductions, international festivals, TV and films. George has been a judge for the FDF since 1986. He also has been a member of the FDF Board of Trustees for many years.

George Papangellin began dancing in 1974 with the Ionian Dancers, at St. Nicholas par-ish in San Jose. He helped start the Parnassos Dancers for Holy Cross parish, Belmont in 1981. In 1983, he directed the Epirus Dancers at St. Nicholas in San Jose. After moving to Fresno, he joined and directed the Kefi Dancers, for St. George. During his time in both Fresno and San Jose, he stage directed various Greek variety (music, dance, skit) performances in San Jose, San Francisco, Phoenix, Fresno and Seattle. In Fresno, he choreographed “Zorba, the musi-cal” for The Good Company Players. He contin-ues to either direct or work with various dance groups in Fresno’s St. George Greek Commu-nity, and teach Greek folk dance, traditions and costumes to Elder Hostel classes at St. Nicholas Ranch, in Dunlap. George has held several positions within the governing and operational bodies of the Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) of the Metropolis of San Francisco. He served as Dance Judge Coordinator for 13 years, and most recently as a dance judge. He has also been a dance judge at the HDF in Georgia, North Carolina, and more recently at the inaugural AGDC (American Greek Dance Competition) in Chicago. He has traveled throughout Greece and, together with Dr. Mary Coros, prepared the Kamari Dance Group, St. George, Fresno, to perform at various venues in Crete in the summer of 1999.

Robbi Shulman has been involved in the world

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Eptanisa), and other regions of Greece. He continues to present at seminars and serve as a consultant to groups across the United States and Canada. He has also served as a judge at several Greek folk dance events and com-petitions in the United States (Hellenic Dance Festival, Metropolis of Atlanta; Americas Greek Dance Competition) and in South America (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and South America. Aris currently resides and works in the Washington, DC area and he is married to Anna Yortzidis, a native of New-port News, VA. They are the proud parents of Asimina, their young toddler and dancer in training. Aris and Anna are also co-founders the Byzantio Greek Dance and Cultural Arts Program based in the Greater Metropolitan DC area and affiliated with the St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Fall Church, VA.

Stelios Zoumberakis has been participating in

FDF for over 25 years through dancing, direct-ing, and organizing. He began his dancing career at St. George Parish in Downey, Cali-fornia and later at Assumption in Long Beach, California. He started directing 15 years ago at various churches in the southland includ-ing St. Sophia, St. George, and Assumption, and has gained a vast amount of experience with many regions throughout Greece. He has extensively studied the dances and tradi-tions of Rethimno, Crete, which is where his family originates, and has a broad knowledge of dances and traditions from the Cyclades, Dodecanesa, Eptanisa, Macedonia, Thrace, and Pontos. He also has provided consulta-tion with various dance directors throughout the southland.

Costume JudgesBertha Angels first got involved in FDF in 1983 as an observer and her involvement

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March 1, 2014 at 6:30pm

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An unforgetable evening with internationally acclaimed Tsahouridis Brothers and their band...

Saint George Parish invites you to an Apokreatiko GlendiA dinner-dance feturing the talented and award winning

Tsahouridis Brothers from Veria, Greece and DJ Peter Loukatos!

Saint Sophia Cathedral Maniatakos Ballroom

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geles area and is retired from UCLA after 26 years as an educator, so she helps to take care of her three grandchildren (plus another one coming soon!).

Bessie Stavropoulos has been involved in FDF for 20+ years either as a dancer, director or both. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, she first attended FDF in 1987 as a dancer from St. John the Baptist. In 1993, she began directing at the age of 15 and one year later, her group was the first primary group to ever win sweepstakes in FDF history. She continued dancing and directing well into her college years but stepped away for a short period to complete her degree. Upon returning to the dance scene, she received the Division I - Direc-tor’s Award in 2003. She became the head director of her community and was directing as many as four groups at a time. Bessie has attended many seminars throughout the United States, Canada and Greece. For four con-secutive summers from 2007-2010, she studied dance in Greece which included attending seminars taught by some of Greece’s finest instructors, touring Thrace and Macedonia and learning the many traditions and dances of her father’s region of Preveza, Ipiros. With the help and support of the St. John’s Dance Ministry, Bessie organized the Horepse Dance Seminar in Las Vegas in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012 where they featured top instructors and musicians from all over Greece and the United States. She directed the Las Vegas groups through 2010 then moved on to become a dance judge in 2011. This will be her third year on the judges’ panel. Currently living in Greece, she continues to attend various dance seminars and participates in the local tradi-tions.

Nikolaos Stefanidis was born in Chios, Greece and though he did not dance that much as a

youngster, he did pay undivided attention to the dances performed by elders in his native island of Chios. His love of dancing was not put into action until he saw a performance by the Terpsichoreans in Philadelphia in 1976 celebrat-ing the country’s bicentennial. He remained an active dancer until August of 1983 when he left the east coast to pursue graduate studies in Los Angeles. He stumbled upon the Panygiri dance group while they were performing at the Greek festival in Arcadia that very summer, and at-tended practices as time allowed. His first in-volvement with FDF was when he was invited to dance Chios dances for a memorial to Manoli Abazis in San Francisco. Nikos is a psycholo-gist in Los Angeles, working with homeless and troubled teens. He was the recipient of the 2008 Humanitarian Award. Nikos has taught dances from Chios at Kypseli, and consults with various groups in the Los Angeles area. Nikos has been an FDF judge since 2006.

Aris Yortzidis has been involved with FDF for 27 years as a dancer, director, and member of the FDF Board of Trustees. He began dancing in his home parish of St. George in Downey, CA in 1982 and also performed with various groups in southern California. In 1995 and until his departure from Southern California in 2000, Aris directed groups at St. George, Downey, CA; Sts. Constantine and Helen, Car-diff-by-the-Sea, CA; and St. Katherine, Redon-do Beach, CA. In 1996, Aris received an FDF Scholarship that provided him the opportunity to research the dances of Serres; the dances and traditions of his father’s village of Chryso-chorafa (Gagauzika; where his father is from), Serres; the dances of the Vlachs of Serres; and the dances of Pontos in Serres, Katerini (where his mother is from), and Thessaloniki. He has continued his research and has obtained broad knowledge of the dances of Thrace, Mace-donia, the islands (Kyklades, Dodekanisa,

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fornia Arts Council for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts in 2002. Dena has been an FDF costume judge since 1999 and is also a cos-tume judge for HDF.

Demetri Tashie’s love of Greek music and dance began at a very early age. As an adult, he developed a passion for the folk music, rituals, costumes, crafts and dances associated with the varied regional cultures of rural Greece. His love for the unusual has led him to find teachers both here and abroad. Among others, he plays laouto, zurna, flo-geras, yayli (bowed) tanbur, and percussion. Besides playing music and dancing, Demetri travels frequently to Greece to film and makes documentaries on various folk rituals and cel-ebrations of village life.. His particular passion is for the Anastenaria custom of Eastern Thra-ce which culminates in the participants danc-ing on live coals in honor of Saints Constan-tine and Helen. Demetri is a past president and lead dancer for GAFS, the Greek Ameri-can Folklore Society, founded by Paul Ginis, in Astoria NY. Demetri teaches at GAFS as well as other local Folk Dance groups. In November 2008, he headlined at the Ken-nedy Center’s Millenium Stage in Washing-ton DC, bringing his group, “The Greek Folk Ensemble” and their show “Journey Through Greece “ to our nation’s capital. Demetri has an extensive folk instrument collection, with a varied representation of tsambounas, as well as many chanters for askomandoura (bagpipe from Crete), all intricately carved. Many zur-nas, from diverse places throughout Greece and beyond, as well as many folk flogeras (flutes), and gaidas, round out his collection. He has given, and is available for, lecture demonstrations of the various folk instruments used in Greek folk music, as well as lecturing on many other aspects of Greek Folk Cul-ture. This will be his 5th consecutive year as

a dance judge as FDF. Demetri has also been an HDF judge. Demetri can be contacted through www.demetri-media.com.

Choral JudgesPinio Dovalis Benetatos holds a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from CSULB and a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance from USC. Following the completion of the Mas-ter’s Degree’ she continued post-graduate studies focusing on solo and duo-piano reper-toire and concerti. Pinio has held sta2 posi-tions in the dance and music departments at CSULB’ CSUF’ UCLA’ California Institute of the Arts’ and teaching positions at Orange Coast College and Kids’ College at Cypress College. Mrs. Benetatos is an active member of Music Teachers Association of California’ Music Teachers National Association’ CAPMT’ American Guild of Organists’ and the Nation-al Guild of Piano Teachers. She is Music Direc-

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progressed over the years as her children embraced Greek Folk dancing. Through this involvement Bertha developed a passion for costumes that has led to years of continued research and learning. Bertha has been for-tunate to be part of several communities in the Los Angeles area. Currently, she is an active member of Saint Sophia Cathedral. Over the years she’s done extensive research and made costumes from every region of Greece in support of multiple communities. In the course of researching costumes, Bertha has gained extensive exposure in materials, pattern making, embroidery, crocheting trim and detailed sewing in an effort to preserve the rich authentic Greek traditions of costume making. She hopes to translate her experience in critical support of the tremendous efforts shared by all at FDF this year.

Julie Mamalis has been involved in the folk dance movement for the last 28 years, where she has researched and created Greek cos-tumes for the Annunciation parish in Sac-ramento. She is instrumental in presenting a “cultural exhibit” for the parish’s annual Greek festival, providing visitors a historical overview of ancient Greece to the present, through the display of a vast collection of photographs, authentic items and clothing. She currently serves as a member of Annun-ciation’s parish council, and is a long-time member of the church choir, where she was the organist for 25 years. Julie has retired from a long career at the State Capitol where she worked as an administrative assistant for a state assemblymember and senator. Julie is the mother of two grown children, who both participated in FDF, and now enjoys watching three grandchildren who are presently enthusi-astic participants of FDF!

Irene Peros is a native of Modesto, California.

She has been dancing since a very young age. Her pride and love for her Greek heri-tage have encouraged her to study Greek dance, costumes, and to help teach and share her knowledge and experience with people of diverse backgrounds. Her formal involvement in Greek folklore began in 1984 when she was instrumental in forming, dancing and di-recting the Patriotes of Modesto. From 1984 to 1999, she directed, assisted or danced in 10 different dance groups in Modesto. She was also involved with the coordination, research and production of 11 award-winning costumes. Irene also chaired 3 very successful FDF Symposia held in Modesto. Irene has served on the FDF Board of Trustees in several positions and has been involved with various aspects of FDF. Irene has been a costume judge at FDF since 2001.

Dena Stamos has been involved in Greek dance since her childhood in Chicago. She first performed at age seven. She became in-volved in FDF eighteen years ago as Executive Director of the Modesto dance groups. Dur-ing this time the Modesto representation grew from twelve dancers in two groups to 140 dancers and seven groups. Dena is respected and admired for the accomplishments of the Modesto groups at FDF: 57 awards, including 6 Sweepstakes medals and 19 First Place med-als. Her expertise in costuming is also evident in the 18 costume awards won by Modesto teams. She did the research for those winning costumes, and parents and dancers did the work with her help. Dena has one of the larg-est private collections of Greek Folk Costumes on the West Coast and has done multiple exhibits throughout the state. Dena has been involved with FDF for 25 years, including serv-ing as treasurer on the FDF Board of Trustees. She was a recipient of the FDF Humanitarian Award. She was also honored by the Cali-

44

tor/Organist of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Long Beach and also maintains a busy teaching schedule at her private music studio in Cypress where she and her husband’ Harry reside. Pinio greatly enjoys her position as pianist and vocal coach for Meritage Vo-cal Arts Ensemble based in Orange County’ California.

Athena Mertes currently resides in Las Vegas’ NV where she is the choir director at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. She received her Master of Music degree in vo-cal performance and Bachelor of Music de-gree in music education from UNLV. Athena teaches middle school choir’ and is an active performer of concert and opera repertoire. In addition to her success as an opera and concert performer’ Athena has earned nu-merous awards for her performances’ such as the Metropolitan Opera National Council

Encouragement Award’ winner of the Greek Women’s University Club National Competi-tion’ the National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Award’ 1st place in the Dean Allen Scholarship Competition’ Classical Singer Convention AFE winner’ finalist in the Hennings-Fischer Young Artist Competition and 1st place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing NATS competition.

John Michael Boyer has been a professional singer and choral conductor for more than 15 years. As part of his degree in music from UC Berkeley, he studied orchestral, choral. and operatic conducting with David Milnes and Marika Kuzma. As Protopsaltis of the Me-tropolis of San Francisco and an expert Byz-antine cantor, he lectures on liturgical music across the United States and abroad. He is a member of Cappella Romana (cappellaro-mana.org), was artistic director of the Josquin Singers and associate conductor of Bay Area Classical Harmonies (bayareabach.org). He coached Chanticleer for their Grammy award-winning recording of Tavener’s Lamentations and Praises. Boyer is an active composer, producing music for Cappella Romana’s Di-vine Liturgy and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology’s All Creation Trembled. He is currently collaborating on a project for the St. John of Damascus Society (johnofda-mascus.org) with composers Matthew Arndt, Alexander Khalil, Kurt Sander, Richard Toensing, and Tikey Zes. John is in his final semester as a seminarian at Holy Cross, after which he plans to pursue a PhD in musicology through the University of Athens.