Join the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for a beautiful and uplifting winter retreat at a private retreat center on the shores of Lake Tahoe featuring spectacular views, delicious food, and cozy accommodations.
The weekend will be filled with fellowship, prayer, and fun winter activities, bringing together Orthodox young adults from across the Archdiocese to connect, grow, and be renewed in faith.
Space is limited and this retreat sells out every year, so be sure to register early!
DATE: January 16-19, 2026 (MLK Weekend)
LOCATION: Galilee Episcopal Camp & Retreat Center, South Lake Tahoe
SPEAKER: Father Niko Bekris – Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church, Castro Valley, CA
AGES:... show moreJoin the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for a beautiful and uplifting winter retreat at a private retreat center on the shores of Lake Tahoe featuring spectacular views, delicious food, and cozy accommodations.
The weekend will be filled with fellowship, prayer, and fun winter activities, bringing together Orthodox young adults from across the Archdiocese to connect, grow, and be renewed in faith.
Space is limited and this retreat sells out every year, so be sure to register early!
DATE: January 16-19, 2026 (MLK Weekend)
LOCATION: Galilee Episcopal Camp & Retreat Center, South Lake Tahoe
SPEAKER: Father Niko Bekris – Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church, Castro Valley, CA
AGES: Young Adults ages 18-35
COST:
Regular Registration: $350 (until December 31, 2025)
Late Registration: $370 (January 1, 2026 or later)
Includes three nights’ lodging (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and all meals except lunch Sunday since we will be exploring Lake Tahoe that afternoon. Price does not include lift ticket.
CARPOOLS: Need a ride or can offer one? Let us know so can connect participants for carpools.
We look forward to beginning the new year together in the Sierra Nevada mountains, retreating to Lake Tahoe for a weekend of faith, friendship, and renewal!
A relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 2
The topic for Thursday, January 22, 2026 is Agree to Disagree and will be led by George Papageorge, M.F.T. Discussion will focus around Addressing Conflict. Conflict happens in every relationship, and it’s a myth to believe that in a happy relationship you’ll get along all the time. Relationship conflict serves a purpose. It’s an opportunity to get to know your partner better and to develop deeper intimacy as you talk about and work through your differences.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the... show moreA relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 2
The topic for Thursday, January 22, 2026 is Agree to Disagree and will be led by George Papageorge, M.F.T. Discussion will focus around Addressing Conflict. Conflict happens in every relationship, and it’s a myth to believe that in a happy relationship you’ll get along all the time. Relationship conflict serves a purpose. It’s an opportunity to get to know your partner better and to develop deeper intimacy as you talk about and work through your differences.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the perfect Christmas gift for your relationship and the greatest way to start out the new year!
Join us for a joyful afternoon of fellowship, Vasilopita and Mission. Refreshments provided. Free-will offering to benefit OCMC's SAMP (Support a Mission Priest) program.
We are honored to welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Tarasios of Rhodopolis, who will share reflections from his many years of ministry in Argentina and South America, along with Anastasia Pamela Barksdale of OCMC, offering updates on missionary work around the world.
OCMC Missionary Dr. Kristina Mantasasvili will join us via Zoom, live from Buenos Aires, to speak about her missionary work in Argentina.
Beloved Clergy and Parish Councils of the Metropolis of San Francisco,
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” 1 Peter 4:10
Preparations are underway for the 2026 Clergy-Laity Assembly for our Metropolis. This is an opportunity for our clergy and lay leaders of our parishes to come together, to learn and grow in our faith, gain new insights into the ministries and programs offered by our Metropolis, and take an active role in the governance of our Church.
This year’s Assembly will be held on Tuesday, January 27 beginning at 12:00 p.m., and will conclude on Wednesday, January 28 at 4:00 p.m. The theme of our gathering is “Ministry in Action. Faith in Motion.”... show moreBeloved Clergy and Parish Councils of the Metropolis of San Francisco,
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” 1 Peter 4:10
Preparations are underway for the 2026 Clergy-Laity Assembly for our Metropolis. This is an opportunity for our clergy and lay leaders of our parishes to come together, to learn and grow in our faith, gain new insights into the ministries and programs offered by our Metropolis, and take an active role in the governance of our Church.
This year’s Assembly will be held on Tuesday, January 27 beginning at 12:00 p.m., and will conclude on Wednesday, January 28 at 4:00 p.m. The theme of our gathering is “Ministry in Action. Faith in Motion.” and will highlight the ministries of our Metropolis through workshops, panel discussions, and an interactive Ministry Pavilion. We will once again meet at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. There will be optional ministry workshops from 9:00 a.m. until Noon on Tuesday, January 27 for delegates who wish to arrive on Monday evening or early in the morning on Tuesday.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Ranch, a beautiful gathering space and cornerstone ministry of our Metropolis. A detailed agenda and registration materials will be provided in the coming weeks with further details on the schedule as well as a registration link.
As specified in the 2019 Uniform Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, each parish is expected to have four delegates in attendance at the Clergy-Laity Assembly, comprised of the following:
The Parish Priest.
The President of the Parish Council, and in his or her absence the Vice President, or in his or her absence any member of the Parish Council designated by it.
Two members of the Parish elected by the Parish Assembly.
Please make sure this important item is placed on the agenda of your upcoming Parish Assembly Meeting so that you may elect these delegates to ensure full participation from your parish.
I look forward to the active participation of all our communities. Please come with an open mind and an open heart, ready and willing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be a beacon of God’s love in your parishes.
With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco
Join us for the Pan Cretan All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed on Friday, January 30, 2026 — a night of great food, music, and community fun! Enjoy fresh crab, pasta, salad, and dessert in a lively atmosphere with friends and family.
Sponsored by Ikaros Chapter Pancretan Association of America
Friday, January 30, 2026 St. Nicholas Community Center
6:30pm Social Hour • 7:30pm Crab Feed
$95 Adults • $50 Children (under 12)
Discounted Full Table Purchase (10 Seats) $900, All-Inclusive Bar (Beer, Wine, Greek Liquor and Sodas)
Discounted Full Table Purchase Available in November. Individual Seat Sales available in December Ticket must be purchased in advance! Seating is limited!
To purchase tickets, please proceed to the following... show moreJoin us for the Pan Cretan All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed on Friday, January 30, 2026 — a night of great food, music, and community fun! Enjoy fresh crab, pasta, salad, and dessert in a lively atmosphere with friends and family.
Sponsored by Ikaros Chapter Pancretan Association of America
Friday, January 30, 2026 St. Nicholas Community Center
6:30pm Social Hour • 7:30pm Crab Feed
$95 Adults • $50 Children (under 12)
Discounted Full Table Purchase (10 Seats) $900, All-Inclusive Bar (Beer, Wine, Greek Liquor and Sodas)
Discounted Full Table Purchase Available in November. Individual Seat Sales available in December Ticket must be purchased in advance! Seating is limited!
For more information, please contact Ted Cocoles at Tcocoles@yahoo.com / 408-569-5434; or Pete Panos at nestani@gmail.com / 408-835-9092 | Event address is 1260 Davis St. San Jose, CA ...show less
A relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 3
The topic for Thursday, February 5, 2026 is Let’s Get It On and will be led by Rev. Father James Pappas, M.Div., and Presvytera Donna Pappas. Discussion will focus around Sex and Intimacy. Romantic, intimate rituals of connection keep a relationship happy and passionate. Couples who talk about sex have more sex, but talking about sex is difficult for the majority of couples—it gets easier and more comfortable the more you do it.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the perfect Christmas gift for your... show moreA relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 3
The topic for Thursday, February 5, 2026 is Let’s Get It On and will be led by Rev. Father James Pappas, M.Div., and Presvytera Donna Pappas. Discussion will focus around Sex and Intimacy. Romantic, intimate rituals of connection keep a relationship happy and passionate. Couples who talk about sex have more sex, but talking about sex is difficult for the majority of couples—it gets easier and more comfortable the more you do it.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the perfect Christmas gift for your relationship and the greatest way to start out the new year!
Mark your calendar for FDF 2026, taking place February 12-15, 2026 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel!
Room blocks at special FDF room rates have been secured at the Sheraton, as well as multiple surrounding hotels.
Similar to last year, hotel rooms in the FDF blocks will initially only be available to book by those who register online for FDF full weekend packages. We will share more information on registration and reservations in the upcoming weeks at www.yourfdf.org.
Be on the lookout here for further information and updates, visit our website.
We look forward to seeing you all in Phoenix for another memorable year!
A relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 4
The topic for Thursday, February 19, 2026 is The Cost of Love and will be led by Joe Borgonia, M.F.T. Discussion will focus around Work and Money. Money issues aren’t about money. They’re about what money means to each partner in a relationship. Discovering what money means to both of you will go a long way in resolving the conflicts you may have around money.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the perfect Christmas gift for your relationship and the greatest way to start out the new year!
https://sanfran.goarch.org/events/eight-dates-2026-date-4?date=2026-02-19... show moreA relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 4
The topic for Thursday, February 19, 2026 is The Cost of Love and will be led by Joe Borgonia, M.F.T. Discussion will focus around Work and Money. Money issues aren’t about money. They’re about what money means to each partner in a relationship. Discovering what money means to both of you will go a long way in resolving the conflicts you may have around money.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the perfect Christmas gift for your relationship and the greatest way to start out the new year!
A relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 5
The topic for Thursday, March 5, 2026 is Room to Grow and will be led by Rev. Father Daniel Triant, M.Div., and Presvytera Michelle Triant. Discussion will focus around Family. Approximately two-thirds of couples have a sharp drop in relationship satisfaction shortly after a child is born, and this drop gets deeper with each subsequent child. To avoid this drop in relationship happiness, conflict needs to be low and you need to maintain your sexual relationship.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the perfect... show moreA relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 5
The topic for Thursday, March 5, 2026 is Room to Grow and will be led by Rev. Father Daniel Triant, M.Div., and Presvytera Michelle Triant. Discussion will focus around Family. Approximately two-thirds of couples have a sharp drop in relationship satisfaction shortly after a child is born, and this drop gets deeper with each subsequent child. To avoid this drop in relationship happiness, conflict needs to be low and you need to maintain your sexual relationship.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the perfect Christmas gift for your relationship and the greatest way to start out the new year!
A relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 6
The topic for Thursday, March 12, 2026 is Play with Me and will be led by Rev. Father Tom Tsagalakis, M.F.T., M.Div., and Presvytera Pat Tsagalakis. Discussion will focus around Fun and Adventure. Play and adventure are vital components to a successful and joyful relationship. It’s okay if you and your partner have different ideas about what constitutes play and adventure. The key is for you to respect each other’s sense of adventure and what it means to that partner.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates... show moreA relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 6
The topic for Thursday, March 12, 2026 is Play with Me and will be led by Rev. Father Tom Tsagalakis, M.F.T., M.Div., and Presvytera Pat Tsagalakis. Discussion will focus around Fun and Adventure. Play and adventure are vital components to a successful and joyful relationship. It’s okay if you and your partner have different ideas about what constitutes play and adventure. The key is for you to respect each other’s sense of adventure and what it means to that partner.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the perfect Christmas gift for your relationship and the greatest way to start out the new year!
A relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 7
The topic for Thursday, March 19, 2026 is Something To Believe In and will be led by Rev. Father Vasili Hillhouse, M.Div. Discussion will focus around Growth and Spirituality. The only constant in a relationship is change. The key is how each person in the relationship accommodates the growth of the other partner. Relationships can be more than just two individuals coming together—they can be stories of transformation and great contribution and meaning to the world.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is... show moreA relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 7
The topic for Thursday, March 19, 2026 is Something To Believe In and will be led by Rev. Father Vasili Hillhouse, M.Div. Discussion will focus around Growth and Spirituality. The only constant in a relationship is change. The key is how each person in the relationship accommodates the growth of the other partner. Relationships can be more than just two individuals coming together—they can be stories of transformation and great contribution and meaning to the world.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the perfect Christmas gift for your relationship and the greatest way to start out the new year!
A relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 8
The topic for Thursday, March 26, 2026 is A Lifetime of Love and will be led by Rev. Father Timothy Pavlatos, M.Div., M.F.T., and Presvytera Victoria Pavlatos. Discussion will focus around Dreams. When dreams are honored, everything else in the relationship gets easier. Honoring each other’s dreams is the secret ingredient to creating love for a lifetime.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the perfect Christmas gift for your relationship and the greatest way to start out the new year!
https://sanfran.goarch.org/events/eight-dates-2026-date-8?date=2026-03-26... show moreA relationship series designed to foster communication and closeness for a healthier partnership under God.
DATE 8
The topic for Thursday, March 26, 2026 is A Lifetime of Love and will be led by Rev. Father Timothy Pavlatos, M.Div., M.F.T., and Presvytera Victoria Pavlatos. Discussion will focus around Dreams. When dreams are honored, everything else in the relationship gets easier. Honoring each other’s dreams is the secret ingredient to creating love for a lifetime.
More information on Eight Dates, the Metropolis Family Wellness Ministry and how to register is available on their website. Signing up for Eight Dates is the perfect Christmas gift for your relationship and the greatest way to start out the new year!