FDF97

HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP SPYRIDON ATTENDS 21ST ANNUAL DIOCESE OF SAN FRANCISCO FOLK DANCE FESTIVAL

February 13th through 18th marked a historic inaugural pastoral visit by His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon to the most Western Diocese of our Archdiocese, the Diocese of San Francisco. As the first American born Archbishop, His Eminence journeyed across America to visit a Diocese of phenomenal growth and energy led by His Grace Bishop Anthony, on the occasion of the 21st Annual Folk Dance Festival in Ontario, California. The Folk Dance Festival, a major ministry of the Diocese attracts thousands of dancers and visitors. Beyond the folk dance activities, the Festival becomes a major Diocese gathering for Church ministries and the faithful of a Diocese consisting of 57 parishes over seven states including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

Archbishop Spyridon and his entourage began their visit at Los Angeles International Airport where they were greeted by His Grace Bishop Anthony, area clergy and children adorned in native, regional Greek costumes carrying flowers to present to His Eminence. From the airport, a short freeway ride brought the Archbishop to the Cathedral of Saint Sophia adjacent to downtown Los Angeles. Father John Bakas, Dean of the Cathedral, led a tour of the facilities culminated by a prayer in the great Cathedral. After a lunch meeting with the Parish Council, Cathedral Foundation Trustees and the Philoptochos Board, His Eminence and His Grace Bishop Anthony continued on to the Red Lion Hotel, site of the Folk Dance Festival (FDF) in Ontario.

His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon and His Grace Bishop Anthony opened the 21st Annual Folk Dance Festival at an opening ceremony attended by over 1,600 dancers and 1,000 dance enthusiasts. The Mayor of Ontario, Gus James Skropus, was also in attendance and presented a welcom plaque to His Grace Bishop Anthony. Friday, February 14th brought a unique opportunity for the festival participants and His Eminence through his attendance at both the Division I and Division II Preamble Workshops. The Archbishop interacted with the dancers in a Question and Answer format. Archbishop Spyridon focused upon the theme that "you are never too young to serve the church," stressing that education was a key priority of the Archdiocese.

The Archbishop then traveled with Bishop Anthony to Northridge to visit the Parish of St. Nicholas with it extraordinary Parochial School and Senior Housing Facilities. At the school, the children performed the "Life of Archbishop Spyridon" in both song and dance. A luncheon followed and His Eminence met with the leadership of St. Nicholas Parish. The children of the Parish presented gifts to Archbishop Spyridon, Bishop Anthony and also to His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew. Prior to sunset, His Eminence returned to the Ontario FDF Headquarters for a special dinner for over sixty (60) Priests and Presbyters which was hosted by His Grace Bishop Anthony. At this dinner His Eminence shared His Vision and priorities for the Archdiocese. With more events yet to come that evening, the Archbishop and the Bishop attended a special performance of the Pontic Dancers from Kalamaria, a suburb of Thessaloniki and a group of Cypriot Dancers from the University of Cyprus. The performance of the Pontic Dancers was the first ever in this country and marked a special quest by His Grace Bishop Anthony to pay homage and preserve the memory and traditions of the Pontic people. Also note that at this year's Folk Dance Festival, twelve (12) groups performed Pontic Dances - the tradition continues. The Pontic group from Thessaloniki performed with such vigor, and precision that the audience of over 3,000, along with Archbishop Spyridon, Bishop Anthony and dignitaries were inspired and mesmerized.

The Dance Competition continued on Saturday, February 15th, with the Final Round of Competition for all except the most senior dance groups. In recent years the FDF has created non-competitive Divisions to attract more youth to the Festival. Division I is for youth from approximately 15 years of age and up. Division II for approximately 15 years of ages and under; both Divison I and II are competitive Divisions. Division III is for groups who choose not to compete for children 8 years of age and under; Division IV is for groups who choose not to compete for dancers 21 years of age and older. The dances of Crete, Thrace, Epiros, Macedonia, etc. were performed, with magnificent handmade costumes and extraordinary precision unique to the style of the region, attracted thousands of visitors and well wishers. This day also brought parallel activities of the Diocesan Philoptochos Board, Choir Federation and Diocesan Council meetings. His Eminence participated in each ministry meeting and presided over a joint luncheon of these ministries hosted by His Grace Bishop Anthony. The day was highlighted by a banquet for His Eminence which was attended by 700 faithful. At this special event numerous honors and momentos of loved ones were bestowed upon His Eminence including a beautiful Steuben glass American Eagle presented by the FDF Executive Board; a set of cufflinks made from two (2) drachmas depicting Alexander the Great, circa 336-333 BC, in 24 karat gold, beautifully set in a Macedonian style from the Parishes of the Diocese and the coveted ELIOS Society Cultural Achievement Award. The 2nd Annual ELIOS Award was presented to Archbishop Spyridon by ELIOS President Fanis Economidis. The $10,000. Grant to FDF was given in the name of His Eminence and was utilized to fund the Pontic and Cypriot dancers' performances at FDF.

Sunday, February 16th began with a hierarchical Divine Liturgy with over 4,000 faithful attending. His Eminence chose to distribute Antithoron to the faithful participating in the special Liturgy and gave an inspirational homily to the thousands of young people in attendance. After the Liturgy the Advanced Senior Competition took place with seven senior dance groups performing followed by the Division I (Long Beach Parish) and Division II (Oakland Parish) Sweepstakes performances, a special performance by nine (9) young boys from the Guadalupe Homes, and performances by both visiting groups - Cypriot and Pontic Dancers, culminated a breathtaking show witnessed by over 4,000 spectators. With the final competitions complete and the Judges' evaluations tallied by computer, the setting was cast for the that evening's Awards Banquet. Over 2,250 persons attended the Folk Dance Festival Awards Banquet. The attendees were entertained by a combined choir made up of all choral group participants. His Eminence presented medals to the first place winners in Division I - Advanced Seniors as well as the Division I Sweepstakes winner.

On Monday, February 17th, His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon, His Grace Bishop Anthony, and the Archdiocese entourage flew to the Fresno Airport where they were greeted by Fr. James Pappas and a contingent from the Fresno area. The arrival was covered by two (2) area television stations as well as the local press. From the airport, they drove to St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center and the Monastery of the Theotokos, The Living Spring, where they were welcomed by Abbess Markella and George Tsagaris, Director of St. Nicholas Ranch. After a tour of the facilities and the site of the new Monastery, The Holy Convent of the Theotokos, The Living Spring, the group was served refreshments at the Convent. His Eminence made note that he was amazed by the existing facilities and the beautiful Monastery currently under construction. They concluded their visit with prayers in the Chapel. From the Fresno airport, the group flew to Stockton and were greeted at the Spanos Jet Center by Fr. Michael G. Pappas, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Spanos, two (2) dozen costumed children carrying flowers for His Eminence. A Doxology of Welcome took place at the host parish, St. Basil, with over twenty-five local clergy and 600 faithful in attendance. A beautiful reception followed hosted by the Faye and Alex Spanos Family and the St. Basil Philoptochos. At the reception, His Eminence was presented with an Icon of St. Basil shown holding St. Basil's Church, Stockton.

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