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Orthodox Observer - March 5, 1997 Archbishop Spyridon Visits San Francisco Diocese Attends Folk Dance Festival By Rose Kamages Hunter SAN FRANCISCO — His Eminence made his inaugural pastoral visit Feb. 13-18 to the westernmost Diocese of the Archdiocese. 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, Calif.
SOME VERY young dancers show the audience what they can do. 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 from seven states: 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 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 St. Sophia near downtown Los Angeles. Fr. John Bakas, the Cathedral dean, led a tour of the facilities culminated by a prayer.
SEVERAL CHILDREN were among the greeters who joined Bish- op Anthony in welcoming His Eminence to California. After a lunch meeting with the Parish Council, Cathedral Foundation Trustees and the Philoptochos Board, His Eminence and His Grace continued on to the site of the Folk Dance Festival (FDF) in Ontario. The Archbishop and 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 was also in attendance and presented a plaque. Friday, Feb. 14, brought a unique opportunity for the festival participants and His Eminence through his attendance at both the Division I and Division II 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.
A History of Folk Dance Festival In 1975, a small group of Greek Orthodox young adults in the San Diego area dreamt of bringing together young men and women to share Christian fellowship and their Greek heritage through dance. This handful of Orthodox Christians developed a program to unite young people in the western United States. After seven months the format and rules took form and the first Greek Orthodox Youth Folk Dance Festival was held in November 1976 at St. Spyridon Church in San Diego. Five dance groups competed and the event was termed a success. The second festival, held in January 1978, expanded to include parishes from Castro Valley, San Jose, and Tucson, Ariz. The competition was held in San Diego three consecutive years. Transported to San Jose in 1980, it grew to more than 300 participants. The Diocese recognized the event as an instrument for bringing young Greek Americans back to the Church. The movement's success prompted young adults from Northern California who competed in the festival to develop what has become a major Archdiocesan program, the YAL. Bishop Anthony, shortly after his election in 1979 as head of the newly established San Francisco Diocese, realized the event's power and potential. He embraced it and encouraged the competition to include some religious workshops in its four-day schedule. Over the past 21 years, the festival has grown in size and stature. It brings together visitors and thousands of participants from the Diocese and, occasionally, from elsewhere in the United States and abroad. Beyond dance, F.D.F helps preserve Greek heritage and rejuvenate ethnic identity, strengthens the Church and the community, inspires others and adds meaning to life. It also is a catalyst for elevating the quality of Greek dance performance in America. The Archbishop then traveled with Bishop Anthony to Northridge to visit the parish of St. Nicholas with its 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 for Patriarch Bartholomew. Prior to sunset, His Eminence returned to the Ontario FDF headquarters for a special dinner for more than 60 priests and presbyters which was hosted by His Grace. At the dinner His Eminence shared his vision and priorities for the Archdiocese.
NUNS at the Convent of the Theotokos, The Living Spring with Archbishop Spyridon and Bish- op Anthony of San Francisco. 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 Bishop Anthony to pay homage and preserve the memory and traditions of the Pontic people. At this year's Folk Dance Festival, 12 groups performed Pontic dances. 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 15, with the final round of competition for Division I, not including advanced seniors, Division II, ages five through young adult and Division III, children under 8 years of age, noncompetitive. 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. Archbishop Spyridon participated in each ministry meeting and presided over a joint luncheon of these ministries hosted by 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 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, Feb. 16 began with a hierarchical Divine Liturgy with more than 4,000 faithful attending. His Eminence distributed 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, Division I (Long Beach parish) and Division II (Oakland parish) Sweepstakes performances, a special performance by nine 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 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, Feb. 17, His Eminence, His Grace, 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 in the Ranch dining hall by the Ranch staff. 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. & Mrs. Alex Spanos, and two dozen costumed children carrying flowers for His Eminence. A Doxology took place at the host parish, St. Basil, with over 25 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. [ Orthodox Observer - Vol. 62, No. 1124 - March 5, 1997 - pp. 4, 5 ]
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