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
4 Consecutive Tuesday evenings, September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST
• Are you caring for a loved one of any age who has Alzheimer’s, or a chronic or life-threatening illness, a physical or developmental disability, or a mental health disorder?
• Are you a male trying to navigate the challenges of caregiving?
• Are you in the sandwich generation, caring for a parent while raising a school-age child who
is anxious about their parent’s health and who doesn’t understand why you no longer can
“be there” for them?
• Do you feel exhausted, stressed or helpless some or much of the time?
• Do you get angry and then feel guilty about getting angry?... show moreFor Orthodox Christian Caregivers Nationwide
4 Consecutive Tuesday evenings, September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST
• Are you caring for a loved one of any age who has Alzheimer’s, or a chronic or life-threatening illness, a physical or developmental disability, or a mental health disorder?
• Are you a male trying to navigate the challenges of caregiving?
• Are you in the sandwich generation, caring for a parent while raising a school-age child who
is anxious about their parent’s health and who doesn’t understand why you no longer can
“be there” for them?
• Do you feel exhausted, stressed or helpless some or much of the time?
• Do you get angry and then feel guilty about getting angry?
• Do you wish there were others with whom you could share your experiences, thoughts, concerns, and questions, who understand our faith, culture, and community?
• Are you so overwhelmed that you aren’t even sure what questions to ask?
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Room: Small Hall
Date:Friday, September 11, 2026
Time:12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Contact : Vassilis Zarifis
Email: ahepa.c251@gmail.com
Hosted by the San Jose Pan Arcadians, PFA #103-Theodoros Kolokotronis
Celebrating the Saint Nicholas and Bay Area Pan Arcadian Communities and The Annual Commemoration of the Liberation of Tripoli, Greece
Donation $30 for adults-$15 for children, Free Street Parking on Winfield-Paid Parking in lot on Almaden Expressway, Food-Beer-Wine-Fun-Children Playground!
All net proceeds will benefit San Jose Chapter of the Pan-Arcadian Federation of America (Theodoros Kolokotronis) and the charities it supports. Please RSVP TO PETE PANOS AT NESTANI@GMAIL.COM OR 408-835-9092
Almaden Lake (Cinnabar 1 and 2 Picnic area)
6099 Winfield Blvd, San Jose, CA 95120
4 Consecutive Tuesday evenings, September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST
• Are you caring for a loved one of any age who has Alzheimer’s, or a chronic or life-threatening illness, a physical or developmental disability, or a mental health disorder?
• Are you a male trying to navigate the challenges of caregiving?
• Are you in the sandwich generation, caring for a parent while raising a school-age child who
is anxious about their parent’s health and who doesn’t understand why you no longer can
“be there” for them?
• Do you feel exhausted, stressed or helpless some or much of the time?
• Do you get angry and then feel guilty about getting angry?... show moreFor Orthodox Christian Caregivers Nationwide
4 Consecutive Tuesday evenings, September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST
• Are you caring for a loved one of any age who has Alzheimer’s, or a chronic or life-threatening illness, a physical or developmental disability, or a mental health disorder?
• Are you a male trying to navigate the challenges of caregiving?
• Are you in the sandwich generation, caring for a parent while raising a school-age child who
is anxious about their parent’s health and who doesn’t understand why you no longer can
“be there” for them?
• Do you feel exhausted, stressed or helpless some or much of the time?
• Do you get angry and then feel guilty about getting angry?
• Do you wish there were others with whom you could share your experiences, thoughts, concerns, and questions, who understand our faith, culture, and community?
• Are you so overwhelmed that you aren’t even sure what questions to ask?
Are you interested in Orthodox Evangelism?
Every three months, the Missions and Evangelism Ministry hosts meetings for parishioners who are passionate about spreading awareness of the Orthodox faith in their local communities. These meetings take place in small groups over Zoom, where we engage in conversation about ways to bring the Orthodox faith to those around us.
If you would like to be part of this community, register today and join the conversation!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
First Day of Sunday School: September 20
We look forward to welcoming your children into a new year of faith, learning, and community at Saint Nicholas Church! To ensure we are prepared to welcome every child, all students must be registered before September 20.
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.
â—Ź Check out the Golf and Sponsorship page for player registration and sponsor opportunities that include green fees, if desired.
â—Ź 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.
â—Ź 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.
â—Ź Check out the Golf and Sponsorship page for player registration and sponsor opportunities that include green fees, if desired.
â—Ź 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.
â—Ź Dinner only? Click on "Golf and Sponsorship Opportunities" in the left side menu, then scroll down the page to Dinner only.
â—Ź Questions? Email info@FrBerrisGolf.org
We appreciate your support!
Silver Creek Valley Country Club (5460 Country Club Pkwy, San Jose, CA 95138-2215)
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 “Conflict: Using the Right Approach and Strategy for Success” in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Tracey O’Malley, Associate Director of Human Resources at Oxford College of Emory University
Conflict is an unavoidable part of life. This webinar equips participants with practical strategies for navigating conflict effectively while strengthening trust and collaboration across teams. Attendees will leave... 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 “Conflict: Using the Right Approach and Strategy for Success” in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Tracey O’Malley, Associate Director of Human Resources at Oxford College of Emory University
Conflict is an unavoidable part of life. This webinar equips participants with practical strategies for navigating conflict effectively while strengthening trust and collaboration across teams. Attendees will leave with the tools to manage conflict without personalizing it, apply practical conflict triage techniques, and approach difficult conversations with greater clarity and confidence.
4 Consecutive Tuesday evenings, September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST
• Are you caring for a loved one of any age who has Alzheimer’s, or a chronic or life-threatening illness, a physical or developmental disability, or a mental health disorder?
• Are you a male trying to navigate the challenges of caregiving?
• Are you in the sandwich generation, caring for a parent while raising a school-age child who
is anxious about their parent’s health and who doesn’t understand why you no longer can
“be there” for them?
• Do you feel exhausted, stressed or helpless some or much of the time?
• Do you get angry and then feel guilty about getting angry?... show moreFor Orthodox Christian Caregivers Nationwide
4 Consecutive Tuesday evenings, September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST
• Are you caring for a loved one of any age who has Alzheimer’s, or a chronic or life-threatening illness, a physical or developmental disability, or a mental health disorder?
• Are you a male trying to navigate the challenges of caregiving?
• Are you in the sandwich generation, caring for a parent while raising a school-age child who
is anxious about their parent’s health and who doesn’t understand why you no longer can
“be there” for them?
• Do you feel exhausted, stressed or helpless some or much of the time?
• Do you get angry and then feel guilty about getting angry?
• Do you wish there were others with whom you could share your experiences, thoughts, concerns, and questions, who understand our faith, culture, and community?
• Are you so overwhelmed that you aren’t even sure what questions to ask?
4 Consecutive Tuesday evenings, September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST
• Are you caring for a loved one of any age who has Alzheimer’s, or a chronic or life-threatening illness, a physical or developmental disability, or a mental health disorder?
• Are you a male trying to navigate the challenges of caregiving?
• Are you in the sandwich generation, caring for a parent while raising a school-age child who
is anxious about their parent’s health and who doesn’t understand why you no longer can
“be there” for them?
• Do you feel exhausted, stressed or helpless some or much of the time?
• Do you get angry and then feel guilty about getting angry?... show moreFor Orthodox Christian Caregivers Nationwide
4 Consecutive Tuesday evenings, September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST
• Are you caring for a loved one of any age who has Alzheimer’s, or a chronic or life-threatening illness, a physical or developmental disability, or a mental health disorder?
• Are you a male trying to navigate the challenges of caregiving?
• Are you in the sandwich generation, caring for a parent while raising a school-age child who
is anxious about their parent’s health and who doesn’t understand why you no longer can
“be there” for them?
• Do you feel exhausted, stressed or helpless some or much of the time?
• Do you get angry and then feel guilty about getting angry?
• Do you wish there were others with whom you could share your experiences, thoughts, concerns, and questions, who understand our faith, culture, and community?
• Are you so overwhelmed that you aren’t even sure what questions to ask?
St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center invites families, friends, and individuals of all ages to join us for the Fall Harvest Retreat on Saturday, October 3, 2026—a special day of hands-on learning, creativity, fellowship, and celebration of the abundance of God’s creation.
As the seasons change and we enter the harvest season, participants will have the opportunity to learn traditional and creative ways to preserve and enjoy the gifts of the earth. The retreat will feature hands-on classes and demonstrations covering a variety of topics, including how to make and can jam, the science of yogurt making, growing and harvesting edible flowers, and creating beautiful botanical products.
Throughout the day, participants will have opportunities... show moreSt. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center invites families, friends, and individuals of all ages to join us for the Fall Harvest Retreat on Saturday, October 3, 2026—a special day of hands-on learning, creativity, fellowship, and celebration of the abundance of God’s creation.
As the seasons change and we enter the harvest season, participants will have the opportunity to learn traditional and creative ways to preserve and enjoy the gifts of the earth. The retreat will feature hands-on classes and demonstrations covering a variety of topics, including how to make and can jam, the science of yogurt making, growing and harvesting edible flowers, and creating beautiful botanical products.
Throughout the day, participants will have opportunities to learn practical skills while enjoying the peaceful setting of St. Nicholas Ranch in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The retreat will also include time for crafting, fellowship, and family games in the evening.
Whether you are an experienced gardener or simply curious about learning something new, the Fall Harvest Retreat offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, connect with others, and discover new ways to appreciate and preserve the abundance around us. Participants are welcome to attend for the day or stay overnight for the weekend. Room reservations can be made separately from retreat registration on the Ranch website.
DATE: Saturday, October 3, 2026
LOCATION: St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, Dunlap, California
Come for a day of learning, creating, fellowship, and celebrating the harvest!
Registration is now open. Space is limited, so we encourage you to register early.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will host a Youth Worker Workshop on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland, California.
Designed as a practical day of formation, the workshop will equip and encourage those who serve the youth of the Church through meaningful presentations, hands-on learning, practical resources, and opportunities to collaborate with fellow ministry leaders from throughout the Bay Area.
The workshop is open to all who are involved in parish youth ministry, including clergy, youth directors, GOYA advisors, Sunday Church School teachers, volunteers, athletic coaches, dance directors, and others who work closely with children... show moreThe Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will host a Youth Worker Workshop on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland, California.
Designed as a practical day of formation, the workshop will equip and encourage those who serve the youth of the Church through meaningful presentations, hands-on learning, practical resources, and opportunities to collaborate with fellow ministry leaders from throughout the Bay Area.
The workshop is open to all who are involved in parish youth ministry, including clergy, youth directors, GOYA advisors, Sunday Church School teachers, volunteers, athletic coaches, dance directors, and others who work closely with children and young people in the life of the Church.
Throughout the day, participants will hear from experienced presenters on a variety of topics relevant to youth ministry, engage in interactive learning sessions, develop practical skills, and receive resources they can immediately implement in their home parishes. In addition to the educational sessions, the workshop will provide opportunities to build relationships with others who share a commitment to nurturing the faith of the next generation.
The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral, located at 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, California. Meals and refreshments will be provided throughout the day. The group will also join in prayer beginning with Orthros in the morning, and concluding with Great Vespers, followed by dinner on the Platea at the Ascension Cathedral.
Registration will open in September 2026.
For additional information, please contact Anna Teodosiadis, Metropolis Parish Youth Ministry Advisor, at ateodosiadis@sanfran.goarch.org.
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension
4700 Lincoln Ave
Oakland, CA 94602-2535
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!
• 
Meet us in the Bay! 🌉 The heart of our Metropolis. 🤎
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Labor Day Weekend, 2026 Sep. 5th & 6th, noon - 10pm both days. 
For Orthodox Christian Caregivers Nationwide
DONATE BLOOD SAVE LIFE
Hosted by the San Jose Pan Arcadians, PFA #103-Theodoros Kolokotronis
For Orthodox Christian Caregivers Nationwide
Are you interested in Orthodox Evangelism?
Sunday School 2026 - 2027.png)
Benefiting the Father Berris scholarship fund and youth of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox 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 “Conflict: Using the Right Approach and Strategy for Success” in collaboration with the Metropolises of Atlanta and Boston. This event is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The presentation will be led by Tracey O’Malley, Associate Director of Human Resources at Oxford College of Emory University
For Orthodox Christian Caregivers Nationwide
SAINT ANNA PHILOPTOCHOS and DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE DAPHNE #29
For Orthodox Christian Caregivers Nationwide
St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center invites families, friends, and individuals of all ages to join us for the Fall Harvest Retreat on Saturday, October 3, 2026—a special day of hands-on learning, creativity, fellowship, and celebration of the abundance of God’s creation.
Come meet young adults and reconnect with friends from across the Bay at this social.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will host a Youth Worker Workshop on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland, California.
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.