His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, together with Regional Commanders Theofanis Economidis, Dr. James Kallins and Archons of the Metropolis of San Francisco honored His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, during celebrations coinciding with the 36th annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival, February 17-19. National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Maria A. Limberakis, also participated in the weekend long celebrations and delivered a presentation to the Archons of the Metropolis focusing on religious freedom issues.

Archon Regional Commander Dr. James Kallins hosted a welcome dinner on Friday evening for Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Gerasimos and visiting guests. Archon Kallins was grateful for His Eminence’s involvement during the weekend and offered his personal thanks for his leadership.

The following afternoon, President Jeannie Ranglas and board members of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society hosted Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Gerasimos and National Commander Limberakis at a luncheon. Father Gary Kyriacou, Chairman of the FDF Board of Trustees, offered a toast to His Eminence on behalf of the Philotoptochos. Later, a special gift was presented to the Archbishop along with an embroidered framed cross on behalf of the Society.

That evening, Archon Regional Commander Theofanis Economidis welcomed National Commander Limberakis who addressed over 150 clergy, Archons and their spouses on the religious freedom deficit in Turkey and the continuing plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He spoke of the recent progress made by Turkish authorities with a promise to return properties previously owned by 135 minority foundations, in which the Ecumenical Patriarchate has begun to petition to be returned. He also commended the Archons of the Metropolis for their continued support of the Order, acknowledging their leadership to pass religious freedom resolutions for the Ecumenical Patriarchate in states such as California, Oregon and Nevada, but reminded them of states still in need of pursuit, such as Washington and Hawaii.

Following his presentation, Archon Economidis bestowed a special gift on behalf of the Archons of the Metropolis to Archbishop Demetrios to assist with the ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

FDF (Faith, Dance and Fellowship) is a ministry of the Metropolis that is dedicated, through Orthodox Christian Fellowship and committed leadership, to promoting, encouraging and perpetuating the Orthodox faith, Greek heritage and culture among individuals, families and communities by expressing it through folk dance, folk art, music and language. Ninety-three dance and choral groups from the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington were featured in this years festival. Over 1,100 dancers and singers registered this year, with an additional 1,100 directors, parents and chaperones. The Archons of the Metropolis helped to promote and sponsor various activities and workshops throughout the gala, which this year was appropriately themed, “Believe.”