Is America a mission field? If it is, what do we do about it? What does the Orthodox Church have to offer America that it doesn't already have, and how do we share it?
These are the questions driving this conversation, and we want you to be part of it. The Missions and Evangelism Ministry (MEM) of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco invites you to the next session in our continuing series, America as a Mission Field: What Is the Gospel? on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. PST via Zoom (duration 90 minutes).
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is honored to host the 2026 National Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This program provides a valuable educational opportunity for youth to express their faith, gain important skills in public speaking, and to deepen their knowledge about theology and its application in our world today.
The National Festival is being graciously hosted by Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, CA during the weekend of June 12 – 14, 2026. Representatives from across the Archdiocese will gather during this weekend where finalists will present their speeches and be rewarded for their excellent preparation and presentations.
The St. John Chrysostom... show moreThe Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is honored to host the 2026 National Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This program provides a valuable educational opportunity for youth to express their faith, gain important skills in public speaking, and to deepen their knowledge about theology and its application in our world today.
The National Festival is being graciously hosted by Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, CA during the weekend of June 12 – 14, 2026. Representatives from across the Archdiocese will gather during this weekend where finalists will present their speeches and be rewarded for their excellent preparation and presentations.
The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is a nationwide Department of Religious Education (DRE) ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that centers around faith, education, and fellowship. Greek Orthodox youth participants present speeches discussing the faith and the Church through exploring and deepening their faith while honing their speech writing and public speaking skills. National finalists earn sizeable monetary awards, and finalists at all four levels earn scholarships. The Oratorical Festival was established in 1983, by DRE Director Ernest Villas and Minerva Stergianopoulos, and began in 1984.
WHAT: National Oratorical Festival
DATE: June 12 – 14, 2026
LOCATION: Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 9501 Balboa Boulevard Northridge, CA 91325
Ascension Summer Camp is at the beautiful YMCA Camp Ravencliff in Redway, CA. All campers (ages 8 – 17) are invited to join us for an exciting week full of activities, fun and building Life-long friendships through Christ. Activities include art and crafts, swimming, athletics, archery, canoeing, hiking, inner-tubing, and much much more!
Registration open soon. For general questions about camp, please contact our Camp Director Peter Anastopoulos panastopoulos@gmail.com 925-899-5264 or Assistant Director George Landis glandis113@gmail.com 510-326-9196.
The entire Saint Nicholas community is invited to join us as we come together to recognize and thank the dedicated volunteers who served tirelessly for the glory of God and the good of our beloved Saint Nicholas Church.
We look forward to an evening of appreciation, fellowship, and gratitude.
Voluntary donations will be appreciated. Those who wish may make a donation in support of Saint Nicholas Church.
The Orthodox Parish Leadership (OPL) ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to announce the continuation of the 2026 OPL webinar series, with an engaging presentation on “Elements of a Thriving Parish and Empowering Parish Ministries” in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Rev. Father Luke Veronis and Mr. Alex Cooley.
This month's session builds directly on the shared learning, tools, and parish experiences cultivated over the past several years through Metropolis of Boston's Thriving Congregations Initiative (TCI). Drawing from real examples from participating parishes,... show moreThe Orthodox Parish Leadership (OPL) ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to announce the continuation of the 2026 OPL webinar series, with an engaging presentation on “Elements of a Thriving Parish and Empowering Parish Ministries” in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Rev. Father Luke Veronis and Mr. Alex Cooley.
This month's session builds directly on the shared learning, tools, and parish experiences cultivated over the past several years through Metropolis of Boston's Thriving Congregations Initiative (TCI). Drawing from real examples from participating parishes, we will explore the key characteristics that contribute to parish health: a robust spiritual life, clear vision, and an awareness of the surrounding community. Particular attention will be given to how parishes can move from maintaining programs to empowering ministries that invite ownership, foster relationships, and extend the life of the Church beyond Sunday services. Through practical insights and stories, this webinar will help clergy and lay leaders identify where their parish stands today and how to take concrete, attainable steps toward deeper engagement, stronger ministries, and long-term vitality within the life of the Church.
CrossRoad Summer is a 10-day experience for 11th and 12th grade high school students to join youth from across the country to explore their faith, purpose, and the Orthodox tradition.
CrossRoad is a ten-day academic summer institute that prepares high school juniors and seniors to make big life decisions and invites them to connect with the Orthodox Christian theological and spiritual tradition in a deep and meaningful way. CrossRoad offers a space for young people to form authentic and lifelong friendships, ask hard questions, and explore their calling as an Orthodox Christian in the 21st century.
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) is pleased to announce that plans are underway for the 2026 National YAL Conference. The Conference will be held July 1-5, 2026 in Cleveland, OH, graciously hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas and the Metropolis of Pittsburgh.
Building on the successes of the 2022 and 2024 National YAL Conferences held in New York City and San Diego, respectively, this year’s Conference aims to provide an even more engaging, interactive, and transformative experience for all attendees. The National YAL Conference will once again coincide with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Biennial Clergy Laity... show moreWith the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) is pleased to announce that plans are underway for the 2026 National YAL Conference. The Conference will be held July 1-5, 2026 in Cleveland, OH, graciously hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas and the Metropolis of Pittsburgh.
Building on the successes of the 2022 and 2024 National YAL Conferences held in New York City and San Diego, respectively, this year’s Conference aims to provide an even more engaging, interactive, and transformative experience for all attendees. The National YAL Conference will once again coincide with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Biennial Clergy Laity Congress and Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Biennial Convention.
The National YAL Conference aims to unite young adults ages 18-35 from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for a five-day experience centered on faith, fellowship, worship, service, and fun. It seeks to build and strengthen young adults' connections with the Church and each other as unified members of the Body of Christ.
Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch is the most popular program offered by the Office of Youth and Youth Adult Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. Campers and staff enjoy this transformative ministry in the beautiful setting of the Ranch, growing closer to Christ, building lasting friendships, and expanding their horizons through fun and interactive programs. Our Metropolis Summer Camp offers a dynamic, faith-based program for youth ages 8-18, focused on fostering spiritual growth, community, and fun in a supportive and engaging environment.
Registration is ongoing and space is limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in this fantastic experience.
https://sanfran.goarch.org/events/summer-camp-2026-session-1?date=2026-07-05... show moreSession 1: July 5 – 11
Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch is the most popular program offered by the Office of Youth and Youth Adult Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. Campers and staff enjoy this transformative ministry in the beautiful setting of the Ranch, growing closer to Christ, building lasting friendships, and expanding their horizons through fun and interactive programs. Our Metropolis Summer Camp offers a dynamic, faith-based program for youth ages 8-18, focused on fostering spiritual growth, community, and fun in a supportive and engaging environment.
Registration is ongoing and space is limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in this fantastic experience.
Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch is the most popular program offered by the Office of Youth and Youth Adult Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. Campers and staff enjoy this transformative ministry in the beautiful setting of the Ranch, growing closer to Christ, building lasting friendships, and expanding their horizons through fun and interactive programs. Our Metropolis Summer Camp offers a dynamic, faith-based program for youth ages 8-18, focused on fostering spiritual growth, community, and fun in a supportive and engaging environment.
Registration is ongoing and space is limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in this fantastic experience.
https://sanfran.goarch.org/events/summer-camp-2026-session-2?date=2026-07-12... show moreSession 2: July 12 – 18
Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch is the most popular program offered by the Office of Youth and Youth Adult Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. Campers and staff enjoy this transformative ministry in the beautiful setting of the Ranch, growing closer to Christ, building lasting friendships, and expanding their horizons through fun and interactive programs. Our Metropolis Summer Camp offers a dynamic, faith-based program for youth ages 8-18, focused on fostering spiritual growth, community, and fun in a supportive and engaging environment.
Registration is ongoing and space is limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in this fantastic experience.
Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch is the most popular program offered by the Office of Youth and Youth Adult Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. Campers and staff enjoy this transformative ministry in the beautiful setting of the Ranch, growing closer to Christ, building lasting friendships, and expanding their horizons through fun and interactive programs. Our Metropolis Summer Camp offers a dynamic, faith-based program for youth ages 8-18, focused on fostering spiritual growth, community, and fun in a supportive and engaging environment.
Registration is ongoing and space is limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in this fantastic experience.
https://sanfran.goarch.org/events/summer-camp-2026-session-3?date=2026-07-19... show moreSession 3: July 19 – 25
Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch is the most popular program offered by the Office of Youth and Youth Adult Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. Campers and staff enjoy this transformative ministry in the beautiful setting of the Ranch, growing closer to Christ, building lasting friendships, and expanding their horizons through fun and interactive programs. Our Metropolis Summer Camp offers a dynamic, faith-based program for youth ages 8-18, focused on fostering spiritual growth, community, and fun in a supportive and engaging environment.
Registration is ongoing and space is limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to participate in this fantastic experience.
Meet us in the Bay! 🌉 The heart of our Metropolis. 🤎
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult League (YAL) is pleased to announce the 2026 YAL Conference, taking place over Labor Day Weekend, September 3 – September 7, 2026, in San Francisco, California at the Westin St Francis.
This is a year of milestones for YAL as a National YAL Board has been established and the Metropolis of San Francisco conference returns to the city where it all started. The Metropolis of San Francisco offers Greek Orthodox young adults ages 18 to 35 a dynamic new setting to gather, grow, and deepen their relationship with Christ. Framed by the spectacular natural... show moreMeet us in the Bay! 🌉 The heart of our Metropolis. 🤎
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult League (YAL) is pleased to announce the 2026 YAL Conference, taking place over Labor Day Weekend, September 3 – September 7, 2026, in San Francisco, California at the Westin St Francis.
This is a year of milestones for YAL as a National YAL Board has been established and the Metropolis of San Francisco conference returns to the city where it all started. The Metropolis of San Francisco offers Greek Orthodox young adults ages 18 to 35 a dynamic new setting to gather, grow, and deepen their relationship with Christ. Framed by the spectacular natural beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area and a vibrant Orthodox presence, the weekend promises a transformative experience ROOTED in the Four Pillars of YAL: Worship, Witness, Service, and Fellowship.
The 2026 Conference theme—ROOTED—invites a generation coming into its own to lean on the timeless faith, practices and tradition of the Orthodox Church. Whether they are college students, emerging professionals, or seasoned in their careers, young adults will encounter content and community tailored to their stage in life.
The Westin St. Francis
335 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94102
Benefiting the Father Berris scholarship fund and youth of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
We anticipate a great day of golf and fellowship at beautiful Silver Creek Valley Country Club in San Jose. The event will include a 4-person scramble, box lunch provided by Purple Onion Cafe, and awards dinner following golf.
Register now and remember to invite your friends to play.
● Check out the Golf and Sponsorship page for player registration and sponsor opportunities that include green fees, if desired.
● Can't play? Check out "Golf and Sponsorship Opportunities" and scroll down to see all sponsorship opportunities or click "Make a Donation" in the left side menu.
● Dinner only? Click on "Golf and... show moreBenefiting the Father Berris scholarship fund and youth of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
We anticipate a great day of golf and fellowship at beautiful Silver Creek Valley Country Club in San Jose. The event will include a 4-person scramble, box lunch provided by Purple Onion Cafe, and awards dinner following golf.
Register now and remember to invite your friends to play.
● Check out the Golf and Sponsorship page for player registration and sponsor opportunities that include green fees, if desired.
● Can't play? Check out "Golf and Sponsorship Opportunities" and scroll down to see all sponsorship opportunities or click "Make a Donation" in the left side menu.
● Dinner only? Click on "Golf and Sponsorship Opportunities" in the left side menu, then scroll down the page to Dinner only.
● Questions? Email info@FrBerrisGolf.org
We appreciate your support!
Silver Creek Valley Country Club (5460 Country Club Pkwy, San Jose, CA 95138-2215)
FDF 2027 is the 50th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival! This milestone marks five decades of bringing generations together to celebrate our heritage, culture, and faith. We are committed to making this year memorable, while honoring this legacy and setting the stage for the next 50 years.
We are thrilled to announce that FDF 2027 will take place in Anaheim, CA, February 11-14, 2027, at the Anaheim Marriott!
Building on the record growth of recent years, we have further expanded our hotel footprint to include not only the Anaheim Marriott, where we will once again have the entire property, but also a consolidated block at the Hilton Anaheim, where we have significantly increased our overflow block compared to... show moreFDF 2027 is the 50th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival! This milestone marks five decades of bringing generations together to celebrate our heritage, culture, and faith. We are committed to making this year memorable, while honoring this legacy and setting the stage for the next 50 years.
We are thrilled to announce that FDF 2027 will take place in Anaheim, CA, February 11-14, 2027, at the Anaheim Marriott!
Building on the record growth of recent years, we have further expanded our hotel footprint to include not only the Anaheim Marriott, where we will once again have the entire property, but also a consolidated block at the Hilton Anaheim, where we have significantly increased our overflow block compared to prior years. Together, there will be nearly 1,500 hotel rooms at our special FDF rates across both hotels. This represents our largest FDF room block to date and positions us to welcome even more participants and families to the festival during this significant milestone year.
Booking Note: Hotel reservations and participant registration details will be shared in late summer 2026.
Travel Note: Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027, in Inglewood near Los Angeles. For those flying in, we encourage booking travel as early as possible. Orange County (SNA), Ontario (ONT), and Long Beach (LGB) airports are in closer proximity to Anaheim compared to LAX.
Thank you to everyone who completed the FDF 2026 survey, with over 500 responses received. Your insights are invaluable as we shape FDF 2027 and the future of the festival. We look forward to sharing key takeaways in the months ahead.
FDF is elevated by the participants and volunteers who give themselves to this ministry year after year. We are grateful for your continued trust and support, and look forward to celebrating together!
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Join us for a field day filled with pickleball, sunshine, and a picnic at Doerr Park.
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Is America a mission field? If it is, what do we do about it? What does the Orthodox Church have to offer America that it doesn't already have, and how do we share it?
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is honored to host the 2026 National Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This program provides a valuable educational opportunity for youth to express their faith, gain important skills in public speaking, and to deepen their knowledge about theology and its application in our world today.
Ascension Summer Camp is at the beautiful YMCA Camp Ravencliff in Redway, CA. All campers (ages 8 – 17) are invited to join us for an exciting week full of activities, fun and building Life-long friendships through Christ. Activities include art and crafts, swimming, athletics, archery, canoeing, hiking, inner-tubing, and much much more! 
Stop on by! Great Stuff! Thrifty Deals!
The entire Saint Nicholas community is invited to join us as we come together to recognize and thank the dedicated volunteers who served tirelessly for the glory of God and the good of our beloved Saint Nicholas Church. 
The Orthodox Parish Leadership (OPL) ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to announce the continuation of the 2026 OPL webinar series, with an engaging presentation on “Elements of a Thriving Parish and Empowering Parish Ministries” in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Rev. Father Luke Veronis and Mr. Alex Cooley.
Apply Today for Summer 2026!.png)
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) is pleased to announce that plans are underway for the 2026 National YAL Conference. The Conference will be held July 1-5, 2026 in Cleveland, OH, graciously hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas and the Metropolis of Pittsburgh. 
Session 1: July 5 – 11
Session 2: July 12 – 18
Session 3: July 19 – 25
FAITH. FOOD. DANCE. FUN
Meet us in the Bay! 🌉 The heart of our Metropolis. 🤎
.png)
Benefiting the Father Berris scholarship fund and youth of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
FDF 2027 is the 50th anniversary of the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival! This milestone marks five decades of bringing generations together to celebrate our heritage, culture, and faith. We are committed to making this year memorable, while honoring this legacy and setting the stage for the next 50 years.