13 oli mazi Your guide to faith" dance" and fellowship for FDF ()%# FDF Goes Global Visitors from Brazil & Cyprus ! Metropolis of SF Youth In Memoriam Ministries Donald K' Hiatt Summer Camp" %% Oratorical Festival" and more! %&
Schedules Weekend" Competition" & Workshop #$ management team contents Christine Alexopoulos Managing Director Message from #His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios ( Alex Schwenke Director of Operations Message from #HIs Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos & Ven Stathopoulos Inspire! ) Registration #Fr! Gary Kyriacou Alexandra Guirgus Registration Welcome * FDF Board of Trustees & Management Team Evangelia Gryparis Registration Welcome to International Guests Zoe Kaplanis Neolea of Sao Paulo$ Brazil + Registration Giorgos Alexandrakis Dance Studio Alexandra Scuro Metropolis Initiates Strategic Planning Process , Events Danielle Doumak Special Award Recipients - Events In Memoriam: Donald K! Hiatt (( Maria Vorgias Anne Gani Sirota Events Maro Tsigarida Metropolis of San Francisco Youth & Young Adult Ministries (+ Events Paul Gikas Samantha Demetriou Connecting to Our Church%s Youth (. Events Fr! Jason Roll Anysia Dumont Workshops Rising to the Challenge: Southern California GOYA Retreat (/ Vaso Rahimzadeh &'() St! John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival (, Workshops Voula Kolios Love One Another (- Director of Competition Metropolis Summer Camp at St! Nicholas Ranch Anthony John Workshops &'() &( Competition Anysia Dumont & Vaso Rahimzadeh Christine Karambelas Competition Bringing the Village to You: Musician Biographies && George Plumis Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos: Beacons of Faith$ Competition Hope$ and Love &) Katherine Dikeakos Jeannie Ranglas Competition The Best Summer of Your Life &* Krstina Plumis Christina Loridas Competition Vasili Dikeakos Spotlight on Diakonia &+ Competition Aristoforoi & Mikra Ftera$ Holy Trinity San Francisco George Mitsopoulos Judge Biographies &/ Director of Security Manoli Rodarakis Lessons for Life: Greek Dance$ FDF$ & Skills for Success )' Director of Logistics Aris Yortzidis John Zoumberakis Weekend$ Competition$ & Workshop Schedules )* Logistics Paul Mantas board of trustees The Greek Orthodox Folk Dance & Choral Festival Ministry is dedicated$ through Orthodox Logistics Christian Fellowship and committed leadership$ to promoting$ encouraging and perpetuating the His Eminence Michael Syrengelas George Demos John Buzas Paul Gikas Spero Mantas Metropolitan Finance Endowment Legal Consultant Youth Director Orthodox faith$ Greek heritage and culture among individuals$ families and communities by Logistics Gerasimos John Boudouvas Vickie Demos Fr! John Hondros expressing it through folk dance$ folk art$ music and language! Yianni Magoulias Executive Chairman Marketing Scholarships Liturgics Nick Metrakos Logistics Fr! Gary Kyriacou Katia Boudouvas Eleni Beckas Fr! Christos Kanakis VIP Liaison Oli Mazi is the publication of this dynamic ministry to inform its stakeholders of news and updates Chairman Operations Secretary & Vendors Diakonia Projects Oli Mazi Editor Taki Vathis Spiro Beckas related to the program and its annual event! Please visit us on the web at: www!yourfdf!org Meals Christa Barbas Kathy Loukatos"Meck Fr! Bob Fox Vice"Chairman Judge Coordinator Choral Symposia Message from His Message from His Eminence Eminence Archbishop Metropolitan Gerasimos of Demetrios of America San Francisco
February 14, 2013 February 14, 2013 !Holy Father Auxentius of the Mountain !Holy Father Auxentius of the Mountain
Your Eminence and Beloved Brother in Christ, Beloved Faithful in the Lord,
It is with particular joy that I extend to you my greetings and heartfelt best wishes as you gather for “Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.” the 2013 Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival of the Metropolis of San Francisco. Plato
Each dance group serves as a symbol of the vibrancy of the youth of the blessed Metropolis of San These words from the renowned Greek philosopher Plato illustrate the core of this year’s FDF Francisco and a metaphor for the growth and advancement of Orthodoxy across the oecumene. theme: Inspire. FDF has inspired generations of commitment to our faith and culture. The diakonia of our youth has inspired the desire to serve others. The youth of our church are an inspiration for the I hope and pray that the steps in the dancers’ lives reflect always true strength in faith and proclaim future. the victorious message of salvation rooted in the living reality of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The 37th Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival in Anaheim, California promises to be an With my best wishes for a memorable Dance Festival and my prayers that God grant you many more inspirational weekend where we will celebrate the achievements of each and every dancer and singer years of being united in love and fellowship, and connected through celebration and song in the who have demonstrated their commitment and love for FDF. People from around the globe have shared journey of our precious faith and culture, I remain, come to be a part of this exceptional ministry and I know that you will welcome them with Christian love. As you enjoy this weekend of faith, dance and fellowship, please keep these words of Saint Paul close to your heart: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity,” I Timothy 4:12.
With love and esteem in Christ, I know this weekend will be filled with the abundant blessings of Our Lord, and that the bonds of friendship and Christian fellowship amongst all those gathered will be strengthened by the love of Jesus Christ. May you always be inspired to serve the Lord with joy and may your commitment to the Orthodox faith and Hellenic culture always emulate His love!
With Love in Christ,
! DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America !Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco ! " Inspire! welcome Fr# Gary Kyriacou$ FDF Chairman Board of Trustees & Management Team
Inspiration is all around us# We can be Inspiration can have impressive cumulative The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San inspired by a painting$ sunset$ song$ e&ects# Last year$ Long Beach directors Olivia & Francisco Folk Dance & Choral Festival is the sermon$ book or movie# We use Nick Varonos and Christina Batsakis of Mikra largest event for Orthodox Christian youth in inspiration for motivation to study$ Asteria provided inspiration by encouraging a the US#- This ministry is so awesome and compete$ or to get us through di%cult very special performance and a very special unique it brings participants from all across situations# Inspiration can come from our young lady# Christa Demos privately coached the globe to share in the experience with faith and from other people# We all draw and prepared Evi Mentzelos to perform at FDF# those of us from the West Coast#- With over on di&erent sources of inspiration and As most of us take our physical coordination "... people every year $ s t u n n i n g sometimes$ by the grace of God$ we are an for granted$ Evi struggles to walk$ yet she performances$ even better fellowship$ and inspiration to others around us# moved many to tears with her joyful beautiful worship$ FDF is simply: inspiring# performance # E v i * s determination and participation We are so thrilled to welcome all of you back In the etymology of the inspired the crowd because to the Hilton Anaheim for FDF ".!/#- We have word 'inspire$( we )nd a Christa and her directors were some exciting events planned for this year# Thursday night we*ll hear from link to the word spirit# In determined to inspire Evi# Paralympian Matt Stutzman who will share his inspirational story# - Friday night we*ll all Latin spirit is better be inspired by the diverse talents of our youth at Greeks Got Talent#- Saturday night understood as 'to breathe Again$ inspiration comes from we*re bringing the village to you as we welcome Kostas Mitsis$ the band Eptasimo$ and life into( or 'to animate(# experiences away from the Marianthi Lioudaki for an amazing panigiri#- Sunday we*ll pray together$ cheer on our We chose the theme stage# St# Spyridon in San Diego top+notch Advanced Senior dancers$ and then dance the night away#- Not only do we inspire for this year*s found itself one dancer short as have amazing events lined up for this year$ but we are even more excited to welcome Greek Orthodox Folk George Terris was sidelined with our brothers and sisters from Cyprus and Brazil#- They have come all the way to the US Dance and Choral Festival$ a cancer diagnosis# Even with to sing$ dance$ and pray with us at FDF#- If you see them this weekend make sure to say so each of you$ whether his diagnosis$ George persisted hello and welcome them with our famous Metropolis of San Francisco hospitality# d i r e c t o r $ d a n c e r $ o r Then God formed man out of dust and attended FDF# He inspired spectator$ might take a from the ground, and breathed in his his community and they inspired It may not surprise you to learn that this weekend takes a long time to plan#- In fact$ as moment to consider what face the breath of life; and man us as they proudly displayed soon as we leave this year*s event$ FDF ".!0 planning will begin on February !1#- We animates or breathes life became a living soul. Genesis 2:7 their custom made$ 'Live Strong love this ministry and more importantly we love each and every participant#- From the into you? Be Strong Be George Strong( t+shirts# cute munchkins in Division III$ to our more seasoned dancers in Advanced Senior; from the clergy who pray for us$ to the parents who support their local dance ministries; you FDF is a great source of inspiration to This weekend moves us beyond our normal all are truly amazing# many of us: both the memorable routines and encourages us to look beyond performances in costume under the lights$ ourselves# As we begin another amazing and Simply$ we want to thank you#- Thank you for coming to FDF ".!/#- Thank you for your and in the relationships and connections memorable FDF weekend$ let*s be open to love for this ministry#- Thank you for being our inspiration# we make with each other o& the stage# inspiration and to each other# Once inspiration Last year*s Advanced Senior Final Suite by starts ,owing$ there*s no telling how far it will With Love in Christ$ the Minoans stirred the crowd$ and reach or where it will go# How will you be Oakland*s Anemos troupe*s performance inspired and how will you inspire others? Your FDF ".!/ Board of Trustees & Management Team of Tsetsos has excited many audiences# Let*s )nd out together!
/ 0 Sejam muito !"#$% bem-vindos! &'()"*+! Neolea Alexandrakis Dance Studio Sao Paulo$ Brazil Larnaca$ Cyprus
The dance studio of Giorgos Alexandrakis was The Metropolis of San Francisco and FDF are very pleased to founded in "../#- It is located in Psevdas$ a village have with us this year His Eminence Metropolitan Tarasios of Buenos Aires and South America and one of his dance in the province of Larnaca in Cyprus#- The dance groups from the Greek Orthodox community of Sao teacher of the dance studio is Giorgos Paulo$ Brazil# The group is simply known as Neolea of Alexandrakis#- He was born in the occupied Sao Paulo and will dance on the evening of Greeks Got village Galini Morfou on April !$ !120#- He always Talent# We are sure this will be a very colorful and loved dance and from the age of 3 he attended entertaining performance so we look forward to seeing in dance courses until )nally becoming dance you all there! teacher himself#- He frequently attends- Metropolitan Tarasios has realized the importance for di&erent educational courses and seminars for the Greek Orthodox youth and young adults in his Greek and Cypriot traditional dances inside Metropolis to connect with other youth and young and outside of Cyprus#- He works-closely-with adults in other parts of the Diaspora# His Eminence culture groups and community councils# has brought Neolea of Sao Paulo to FDF this year be a part of the faith$ dance and fellowship that FDF o&ers everyone who attends# As His Eminence and - Our Dance studio consists - !.. members#- Neolea of Sao Paulo have traveled 4$!/! miles to be They start from the age of 4 5 2. where they with us as FDF this year$ we know that everyone will are taught Greek and Cypriot traditional welcome them with open arms and make them feel a dances# Our Dance studio has attended part of the FDF family! di&erent festivals in northern and southern Neolea of Sao Paulo was founded in !142 and since Greece#- Our Studio also participates in annual then$ their goal has been to gather youth from the festivals and events on the island of Cyprus# ------community and philhellenes to represent Greece and to perpetuate the Greek tradition through dance and song This year through our friend Mrs# Eleni Havadjia from all parts of Greece# we were introduced to the FDF committee# Because of our- enthusiasm- and interest$ we were At this year*s FDF$ Neolea of Sao Paulo will perform dances and songs from the island of Lesvos# With sounds and steps invited to attend this years celebrations# With the they will make the colors of Mytilene come alive# Neolea of help of Fr# Kyriacou and the )loxenia of Bob and Sao Paulo hope you enjoy their performance and they Helen Kyriacou everything was made possible# - - wholeheartedly thank FDF for its hospitality and for the Our dance group is made up of !/ dancers: opportunity to participate at FDF this year! His Eminence Metropolitan Tarasios of Buenos Aires was born in Gary$ Indiana and grew up in San Antonio$ Texas# He is a graduate of George Alexandrakis /1$ Matthaios Morfou ""$ E6ychia both Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Onisiforou "0$ Nickos Savva !2$ Charoulla Georgiou !7$ Maria Theology# His Eminence became the )rst American to serve at the Pa)ti ".$ Flora Vorka !3$ Marina Vorka !4$ Georgiou Stelios !1$ Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople in !11.$ His All Holiness Ilia Sofoullis !1$ Mathaios Giasoumi !4$ Chrystalla Georgiou !3$ Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew ordained him to the Holy Priesthood on Socrates Alexandrakis 1 May "2$ year in 8rgup 9Prokopi: in Cappadocia$ the )rst ordination to take place there in eighty years$ and to the Holy Episcopacy on June /$ year$ the Feast of Pentecost# He was enthroned in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the We are very proud to be able to attend this years festivities with all of Theotokos in Buenos Aires on July !0$ "..!# His Eminence speaks English$ Greek$ Spanish$ you# We would also like to thank our sponsors that helped this dream come Italian$ French and Portuguese# true for this group which might otherwise have not been possible# Thank you to -Farmer Boys Restaurants $ City-Council- of Psevdas$-Metropolis-of Trimithoudos$ Ergo Energy Ltd#$ Basilikou$-Query Latouros Pyrga#- 7 4 Metropolis initiates strategic planning process The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco embarked on the challenging and visionary process of formulating a Strategic Plan during the summer of ".!"# The results of this e&ort will provide the Metropolis with a road map to ensure that it is not only proceeding methodically with its work$ but that the Metropolis is being proactive in developing meaningful programs and ministries for the spiritual$ educational$ and social edi)cation of its faithful#
A committee of 7. clergy and lay people representing the diverse regions of the Metropolis gathered twice for intensive planning retreats# At the initial two+day retreat in Phoenix$ AZ$ the committee began with an analysis of the Strengths$ Weaknesses$ Opportunities and Threats facing the Metropolis$ followed by the identi)cation and articulation of the Core Values which are guiding the overall work of the Metropolis: Christ+centered; Active participation in sacramental life; Education; Integrity$ transparency and accountability; Stewardship; Outreach and evangelism; Inclusiveness and engagement; Courage; Communications using all media; Financial responsibility; and Minister to all generations and strengthen our families and relationships#
These Core Values then led to the development of a Vision Statement Welcome to the 37th Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival! for the Metropolis$ and a6er thorough and extensive analysis$ prayerful re,ection and consensus+driven discussions$ the Strategic Planning “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” Committee unanimously embraced the following 'SWEEPing( Vision: Philippians 4:4 Metropolis of San Francisco Vision We will grow the Orthodox Christian Church in the May you always be inspired to serve the Lord with joy Western United States through Christ+centered: and may your commitment to the Orthodox faith and ;;Stewardship ;;Worship Hellenic culture always emulate His love! ;;Education ;;Evangelism With Love in Christ, ;;Philanthropic Outreach Using the Core Values once again as a guide$ the following Task Forces were formed and have been actively working on their plans for program development and implementation# These Task Forces are: Specialized Ministries At the January ".!/ two+day retreat in San Francisco$ CA$ each Task Force provided an in+depth presentation on their respective Strategic Objectives with speci)c action plans and timelines for implementation# A presentation on the Strategic Plan will be the focus of the Metropolis Clergy+Laity Assembly on February "7 5 "4$ ".!/ at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap$ CA# Following this presentation and obtaining feedback from the Assembly$ the )nal plan will be dra6ed$ and implementation will begin later this year# God has given us the stewardship responsibility over the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco# The Metropolis looks forward to the full realization and implementation of this plan# There is no end to what we can achieve if we work together for God*s greater glory# 3 Federation# Dr# and Mrs# Kallins are also members of Leadership !..# The ministry of Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center was especially blessed by the generosity of the Kallins family in more recent years as they donated two full+size basketball courts which have added many #r. James & Virginia Ka$in" opportunities for expanded sports programs# In addition$ the family has generously supported Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award Recipients the development of the Greek Village Immersion Camp 5 To Elliniko Horio 5 at Saint Nicholas Ranch since its inception in ".!.# The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is 'James and Virginia Kallins exemplify stewardship as they have devoted many years in service to pleased to honor Dr# James and Virginia Kallins as the the Church# They have also passed down to their children and grandchildren the importance of ".!/ recipients of the Metropolitan Anthony giving to others$ and this example is more powerful than words$ for it demonstrates their faith in Humanitarian Award# Being lifelong stewards and action$( stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco# 'They are most deserving servants of the church$ the Kallins* have demonstrated of the Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award and we congratulate them on this honor#( their love for Jesus Christ through their generosity$ philanthropy and commitment to providing for the needs of others# Dr# Kallins was born in Arcadia$ Greece and came to Chicago to pursue his medical education# He worked in !hil Economopoulo" Obstetrics and Gynecology$ along with Surgery and ".!/ Elios Society Award of Excellence Recipient Pathology# Dr# Kallins also taught Ob+Gyn at the University of Illinois for one year# He met Virginia Phil Economopoulos$ the ".!/ recipient of the Elios Society*s 'Award Mannos$ a native of Chicago$ whom he married in !172# of Excellence$(- is the leader of the Economopoulos Advisory Group# Virginia$ who earned a Master*s Degree in Psychology$ Phil was a co+founder in !13" of Hoefer & Arnett$ Inc# and served in taught Junior High School and continued studying numerous executive roles$ including President# A6er Hoefer & Arnett toward her Ph#D# until she and her husband relocated to Inc# merged with Howe Barnes in "..4$ Phil served on the board of southern California in !173# Howe Barnes Hoefer & Arnett# Dr# Kallins had a long and successful career as a medical The Economopoulos Advisory Group was formed a6er Raymond professional$ practicing from !171 until his retirement in James acquired Howe Barnes Hoefer & Arnett in ".!!# Phil began his !112# He and Virginia started their family in California$ career as a stock and bond broker at Dean Witter in San Francisco in raising three successful children: Barbara Kallins Matty$ !121 a6er graduating from Stanford University with a degree in an attorney; Dr# George Kallins$ a physician; and Nicholas$ an attorney who tragically passed Economics# A6er more than /. years$ Phil*s disciplined approach to away in "...# Dr# and Mrs# Kallins are proud grandparents to Anastasia and Evgenia Matty 5 investing and client relationship management has produced an daughters of Dr# David and Barbara Matty; and Dimitri$ Nicholas and Eston Kallins 5 sons of Dr# enviable record of client loyalty# George and Bettina Kallins# Phil is also very active in his Greek community having served as advisor$ board member$ and As stewards of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles; Assumption in Long Beach; and Saint supporter of several non+pro)t organizations including Leadership !..$ the Patriarch Athenagoras George in Downey$ the Kallins* are always generous supporters of the church# Virginia worked Orthodox Institute 9PAOI:$ SF Metropolis Council$ and the Bishop Anthony Student Aid closely with other parents at Saint Sophia Cathedral when her children were younger to Endowment Fund$ among others# He has served on the Elios Society Board for !4 years and is rejuvenate the GOYA ministry to provide a place for them to learn and grow in their faith and currently the organization*s Treasurer# heritage# Dr# Kallins was a member of the Cathedral*s Parish Council# He also founded the Greek Orthodox Memorial Foundation$ the Hellenic Medical and Dental Society$ and the Alpha Beta 'The Elios Society salutes Phil Economopoulos as he deservingly is honored during this year*s Club 9Greek School: in Downey# FDF$( said Anthony Saris$ President of the Elios Society# 'Phil embodies a commitment to both our Orthodox faith and Hellenism$ and his lifelong acts of service are sincerely appreciated and The Kallins* have also been ardent supporters of the Metropolis$ Archdiocese and Ecumenical worthy of emulation# AXIOS!( Patriarchate# As an Archon in the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle$ Dr# Kallins has served as a Regional Archon Commander for the Metropolis$ coordinating several events to heighten the A native of Concord$ New Hampshire$ Phil and his wife Nancy have two sons$ Johnny and Jason$ awareness of the struggle for religious freedom by our Mother Church# He has also served on the who reside in the San Francisco Bay Area# Metropolis and Archdiocesan Councils$ and as the Supreme President of the Pan+Arcadian 1 !. face# Even when having some di%culties with walking he would get up to dance couple of steps# What an honor to have met an individual of such high character and donald keith hiatt eminence#( In !130$ Don and Ellie led the 'Oli Mazi( tour of FDF dancers to Greece$ where they performed in various parts of Greece$ including 1921-2012 in memoriam Metropolitan Anthony*svillage of Avgeniki$ Crete # Anne Gani Sirota$ Dance Judge Don and Ellie Hiatt received the FDF Humanitarian award in !134 and were inducted into the FDF Hall of Fame in !111# In addition$ in 'In one*s life$ you can consider yourself fortunate to have a person !11.$ Metropolitan Anthony 9of blessed memory: awarded Don and with Don Hiatt*s qualities in your life# In !130 at FDF$ he made me Ellie Hiatt the Medal of Saint-Paul$ the highest honor given by the feel very welcomed$ and that feeling never le6 me for the next "7 Archdiocese to lay people who have served the Church$ an award years# May he rest in peace#( Dena Stamos$ long time director$ Board rarely given to a non+Orthodox# of Trustees member$ and costume judge remembers Don# I had the opportunity and privilege to travel to Greece with Don and Donald K# Hiatt$ one of the FDF founders and long time judge Ellie in the summer of !11/# We spent three weeks together$ dancing$ visiting friends$ sightseeing$ and coordinator and member of the Board of Trustees$ passed away in enjoying each other*s company# Don and Ellie were just wonderful to be with! With their knowledge of Ventura$ CA on April "2$ ".!"# Greece and their travel experiences$ travel with them was indeed a privilege and an honor and made the trip especially rewarding# Don and Ellie loved Greece$ Greek dancing$ and all things Greek! They cherished their Donald K# Hiatt was born on February 2$ !1"! in Oakland$ CA to Ira and time spent there and in the Greek community and made life long friends through their involvement at FDF Amy 9Knight: Hiatt# Don entered the United States Air Force in !10" and with the Greek churches# and served in Italy and North Africa during Word War II$ being honorably discharged in !107# I remained friends with Don and Ellie long a6er they retired from FDF and visited them in San Diego and then Ventura several times in the years that followed# They were and Ellie continues to He worked for the State Compensation Insurance Fund from !17! until !13/$ when he retired# Don married his be always gracious$ kind$ warm and loving friends who hold a special place in my high school sweetheart$ Ellie Peseau$ and together they shared the lifelong avocation of learning and teaching heart# Greek and Balkan dance$ as well as leading many dance tours to those regions# They traveled widely and volunteered in numerous civic$ social and cultural activities$ including polling places at every election$ and at St# Don Hiatt was a sel,ess$ humble and giving person$ and full of life and love# He Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in San Diego$ St# Constantine and Helen was a dedicated and committed member of FDF and one of its greatest assets# His Greek Orthodox Church in Cardi&# life$ with his wife Ellie always at his side$ was devoted to service in multiple other areas$ including hosting foreign exchange students$ working at the polls on In the mid+!12.*s$ Don and Ellie met Peter Preovolos$ youth advisor at St# election day$ and taking care of his grandchildren and great+grandchildren# Don Spyridon$ and shortly therea6er$ FDF was born++and the rest is history# Don will be missed# May his memory be eternal# and Ellie became judge coordinators and remained in that position for "7 years$ until they retired from FDF in "...# They continued to remain active Don is survived by his wife of 42 years$ Ellie; children: Kris Plasch 9Al: of Ventura$ at St# Spyridon for many years a6er that# Randy Hiatt 9Lisa: of Irvine and Dan Hiatt 9Denise Blake: of San Diego# His grandchildren are Jason Plasch 9Rachel: and Julie Crenshaw 9Doug:$ both of As judge coordinators$ Don and Ellie served as advisors to the FDF Council and Ventura# Don and Ellie also have six great+grandchildren# then as members of the FDF Board of Trustees$ representing the judges# They selected$ trained$ and nurtured numerous Greek dance devotees to become FDF judges# Don and Ellie worked tirelessly behind the scenes in the days before FDF to prepare for the weekend# In the days before electronic registration$ they entered all the dance May Their Memories Be Eternal group information for the judges* score sheets manually$ and prepared all the scoring sheets for the judges# They ".!/: Fr# Demetrius Dogias "..4 Jivko Bebelekov !112 Kim Efstathiou were also the editors of Oli Mazi# ".!": -Fr# James Diavatis "..0 = H i s E m i n e n c e !112 Paul Ginis - ".!": Donald K# Hiatt Metropolitan Anthony of !117 Fr# Leonidas C# Contos Spending many a sleepless FDF weekend$ they gathered and sorted information for the judges$ helped to enter ".!": Fr# E# Anthony Tomaras Blessed Memory !110 Nick Varvitsiotis ".!": Fr# John Asimacopoulos !110 Soula Kunelis scores$ )rst manually$ then electronically; chaired judges* meeting and took care of the judges in numerous ways# ' "..0 Anthony Forakis ".!" Mary Vouras ".." John Papadoupoulos !110 Manolis Abazis Within the nexus of time+driven anxiety$ I would become calm with Don*s 9and Ellie*s: presence$( remembers Mary ".!!: Fr# Anthony Moschonas ".." Hariklia Frangos !11/ Jim Markus Coros$ FDF dance judge for over ". years# 'Since !131$ one of the )nest personages I ever worked with at FDF#( ".!!:Fr# Theophilos Theophilos "..! Kathy Trapp !11/ Chris Tasulis ".!!: Panos Angels They continued working a6er the FDF weekend$ typing and sending out the judges* comments$ and )elding "... Anna Efstathiou !11/ Father A# Homer Demopulos ".!. Athan Karras "... Vilma Matchette !11" Spiro Pathos phone calls and requests from directors for information and feedback# ".!. Dennis Boxell "... Jim Papangellin !11" Katerina Perivoliotis ".!. Maria Kalmantis !111 Elizabeth Angelis !133 Bill Angeles Dr# Nikos Stefanidis$ FDF dance judge re,ects on his friendship with Don$ ' I will always remember Don for his "..1 Rhonda- 'Elenis(- Gadinas$ !111 Fisher Theodore Harper !133 Ted Petrides "..1 John Gianakopoulos !111 Ian Joseph Harper !134 Dora Stratou zest for life$ his kindness$ and his love of Greek dancing# The sound of Greek music would put a wide smile on his "..1 Dimitri Simvoulakis !111 Katherine Velthoen !13. Christos Papadimitrakis "..2 Father Efstathios Mylonas !113 John P# Angel !131 Chris Tsantilas- "..4 Tasia Tsobanoudis !113 Sonia Spachis !121 Cynthia Anderson !! Youth and Young Adult Ministries Paul Gikas Visit us at the MetropolisMetropolis Exhibit to learn of more! San francisco $ Metropolis Youth Director s youth connecting’ to our church$ National Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries archdioceseFr# Jason Roll of america Ministering to our youth and young adults has never been more challenging# Our youth today are The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese National Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is so busy between school$ sports$ and extracurricular activities and of course$ dance practice! Our ".+ working on an important assignment# To keep up with the changing times and changing somethings are busy trying to establish themselves$ whether in college or working# And our /.+ technology we have been restructuring our department and looking at ways to re+energize our somethings may be readjusting the plans they made for themselves in their ".*s because of the nation*s Orthodox youth and young adults# economic realities of the past few years# With the increased complexities of life for our youth and young adults$ it has never been more important for them to have rock+solid understanding of and Our new Department Mission is an important one: to strengthen the relationship between God and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ# For this reason the Metropolis O%ce of Youth and Young the Greek Orthodox youth and young adults through supportive Christ+centered resources aimed to Adult Ministries is working hard to expand its ministries$ programs and resources for youth workers# sustain youth leaders as well as Orthodox individuals# In other words$ the Department is a resource We are all living and working in the mobile age$ and the Metropolis O%ce of Youth and Young for the youth and young adults of our Church$ youth workers$ clergy and parents# Adult Ministries is committed to building up its presence on the internet# These sites serve as a uni)ed place to connect our youth$ young adults$ clergy$ youth+workers and parents throughout Many people say our youth and young adults are 'the future of our Church#( I have taken it a step our very geographically diverse Metropolis and will be a place for all to share their ideas# So please beyond and declared that our youth and young adults are the 'now( of our church# The time for check out these sites! our youth and young adults to practice Christianity$ to get involved in our Church and community is now# www#gosfyouth#org 5 NEW! Check out the new Youth and Young Adult Ministry website which will aim to keep everyone informed of all Metropolis and Regional ministries and upcoming events Our youth and young adults live in challenging times# Between homework$ a6er school activities$ taking place throughout the year! sports$ GOYA gatherings and dance practice$ our teens are busier than ever# Our young adults are immersed in college studies or building careers and keeping up with busy social lives# We are all The Metropolis also has 7 new Facebook pages to help connect us and keep everyone informed of very busy# Besides attending church services regularly$ how do we )nd the time for our Church and events throughout the Metropolis! for God? How do we stay connected to our Church? How do we grow in our faith? Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco GOYA In the coming months$ the National Department will be launching new programs aimed to connect Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adults our children$ teens$ young adults and parents to the Church in relevant and exciting ways# Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Oratorical Festival In addition$ the Department is in the initial planning phase of a National Young Adult Conference# Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Youth Workers The Conference will be held July ".!0 in Philadelphia and will precede the National Clergy Laity Congress# The event is open to young adults ages !3+/.# The theme is 'Generation NOW( and will For more information about the O%ce of Youth and Young Adult Ministries$ please contact: focus on maintaining our faith in college$ careers and getting involved in our parishes and our communities now# Paul Gikas$ Director O%ce of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Please connect with us by following us on Facebook 9www# fa ce b o o k # co m < 0!7 3!0 !!34 GOAyouthandyoungadults:$ Twitter and Instagram to stay informed of the new programs starting pgikas@sanfran#goarch#org soon# Visit www#goarch#org This year His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos has asked all communities in the Metropolis to establish this ministry in their yearly calendars# As a Church we are deeply concerned about the religious education of our young people# The Oratorical Festival provides this opportunity par excellence# Each and every community should embrace the Festival for the bene)t of our youth and provide them with this challenging opportunity to proclaim their faith in the public arena! This year*s Metropolis Festival will take place on Saturday$ April ".$ ".!/ at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center# !2 !3 love one another summer camp 2013 Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp at St# Nicholas Ranch The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is proud to announce the //rd year of its Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch# For over three decades$ thousands of youth from all over the Metropolis have attended summer camp at the Ranch# For many$ camp is one of the greatest experiences of their lives and end up attending every summer from the time they are in third grade until they graduate from high school# A6er this$ many return to camp as counselors to give back to the ministry that gave them so much growing up! Words really cannot express what an incredible experience summer camp can be# Imagine for a moment waking up in the morning with all of your friends$ giving thanks to God as a group for a peaceful night and asking Him to bless the coming day# You then have a fresh country+style breakfast followed by activities like sports$ Orthodox life discussions$ swimming$ arts and cra6s$ archery and canoeing all day long$ only taking a break for lunch# At the end of the day you give thanks to God for such a blessed day# You have a delicious dinner and then participate in evening activities like a camp )re$ a 'Night with God($ skits or star+gazing# You end the evening with an inspirational story of a Saint of our Church and then a group discussion in your cabin talking about all of the wonderful things you experienced during the day# The week culminates with the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life+Giving Spring# All of this takes place away from home and far from the pressures of school$ society and everyday life# It takes place in loving embrace of the Church and in such a heavenly location in the Sierra Mountains of California# During this time you meet other campers$ counselors$ priests from di&erent parts of the Metropolis# With a week like this$ it*s no wonder that camp is such a life+transforming experience for all who attend! The theme for camp this summer will be the directive of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to his disciples in John !/:/0 5 /7 to 'Love One Another(# This year the Camp Director will be Mr# Paul Gikas$ Director of the Metropolis O%ce of Youth and Young Adult Ministries# The Program Director will be Mr# Jacob Saylor$ Youth Director of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco$ CA# - The dates for the Metropolis Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch in ".!/ are: ------; Session I: ; July 2 5 !/ ------; Session II:; July !0 5 ". ------; Session III:--; July "! 5 "2 ------; Session IV: -; July "3 5 August / Price: >0"7 5 Early registration 9March !7 5 April /.: >007 5 Normal registration 9May ! 5 May /.: >047 5 Late registration 9June ! 5 June /.: A >"7 discount is o&ered for each additional child in the same family# Online registration will be available beginning March !7th at www#sanfran#goarch#org# For more information$ visit the Metropolis booth and speak to a Summer Camp representative$ or contact Jacob Saylor at saylorjt@gmail#com# !1 ". counselors needed! bringing the village to you Are you a young adult 9age !1 or older or have completed your )rst year of college: looking for a rewarding musician biographies and meaningful way to spend part of your summer? Have you ever thought of being a camp counselor? One of the most ful)lling experiences you can have is working with the youth of our Church at camp where you will be a positive Orthodox role model for them and help them grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ# As kostas mitsis a camp counselor you can make a di&erence in the lives of our young people while growing in myriad of ways Kostas was born in !127$ Munich Germany# In !124 he moved to Greece in the area of yourself# - Preveza$ Epirus$ where his parents have their roots# Kostas grew up in a farm life environment with the customs of traditional farm family life$ where traditional dance 'Elliniko Horio( + 'Greek Village( and music held a signi)cant place in his everyday life# He studied Agriculture in the The Greek Village Camp will be held June "! 5 "1$ ".!/# As this program is a Greek language and cultural Aristoteleio University of Thessaloniki$ and did post graduate studies at the University of Ioannina# immersion program$ pro)ciency in Greek is preferred# If interested$ please visit the Metropolis booth in the exhibition hall and speak to a Greek Village representative$ or contact Paul Gikas at Due to his continuous studies on Greek tradition he sings songs from most of the areas pgikas@sanfran#goarch#org# of Greece# Kostas collaborates with some of the most important musicians of our generation such as Petro Loukas Chalkias$ Nikos Filippidis$ Alexandros Arcadopoulos$ Kostas Verdis$ Kyriakos Gouventas at various festivals and glendia in Greece and Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch ------abroad# Summer Camp dates this year are: Counselor Orientation: July " 5 4; Session I: July 2 5 !/; Session II: July !0 5 ".; Session III: July "! 5 "2; Session IV: July "3 5 August /# Preference will be given to applicants who can He has released " CD*s along with the books 'Periigisi sto Dimotiko Tragoudi( 9Volume commit for all four sessions but you can apply for individual weeks as well# If interested$ please come to the A & B :# Each disc includes !! )rstly published old songs from Epirus# The /rd CD of the series is ready and will be published soon# He has performed on the Greek State Metropolis booth and speak to a Summer Camp representative# A6er FDF$ please contact Jacob Saylor at Television 9ERT: several times# Most recently at the television show 'To Alati tis Gis( saylorjt@gmail#com# and also on two broadcasts of 'O Topos kai to Tragoudi tou#( eptasimo The band 'Eptasimo( was created in !117 by Vangelis Papanastasiou 9clarinet:$ Vangelis Sarantidis 9violin:$ Iakovos Iliades 9lute: and Lazaros Akrivopoulos 9percussion:# The musical journey of the band has been based on rich musical life experiences and theoretical training with European music theory and workshops 2013 Byzantine music# Anysia Dumont & Vaso Rahimzadeh$ Management Team The group is a%liated with various organizations in Greece and abroad# The most memorable moments of this musical voyage include the participation in What do action heroes have in common with Church Fathers? How does our faith )t into a world the celebrations of the Olympic Games 'Athens "..0($ two television shows on NBC in order to view the Olympic Games$ and 'Memory( of the Pan+Hellenic of technology and entertainment? Who were 'The Real Empresses of Constantinople(? Why is Union Refugee Societies 9Athens Concert Hall "..4:# confession important for Orthodox Christians? The band members take part in teaching music at various educational This year FDF is excited to feature some of our most unique workshops ever and the twelve institutions and provide research and recording material for literature and talented workshop leaders behind them# We o&er workshops for elementary$ middle school$ and various CDs# The 'Eptasimo( CD$ featuring Kostas Mitsis$ is their most recent masterpiece produced by Universal high school students$ as well as young adult and parent workshops# Due to the success of the Music Greece# This publication is an anthology of the most popular folk songs from various regions of Greece# parents* workshops last year$ we are eager to turn this endeavor into an FDF tradition# While we would like to remind our readers that workshops are mandatory for all participants$ the goal of marianthi lioudaki FDF workshops is to inspire and strengthen our faith in the spirit of fellowship# As high school Marianthi was born in !130 in Athens# Marianthi studied Philosophy and Psychology at workshop leader Jacob Saylor 9Youth Director at Holy Trinity$ SF: aptly expressed: 'FDF*s greatest The University of Athens# Her involvement with singing began in ".." as a member of joy is that we are drawn together by our faith to celebrate our culture# This year*s workshops will the orchestra 'Nastra**$ in the cultural center of the Municipality of Heraklion$ with continue this beautiful tradition# I know that they will inspire the FDF ".!/ participants to deepen artistic repertoire# Her true love for traditional+folk music was found when she was their understanding of their Orthodox faith#( introduced to Smirneiko$ to rebetiko and dimotiko songs# She began her singing in shops$ taverns and music halls$ with talented musicians of the generation# She also took voice lessons with outstanding teachers like Mirka Gementzaki and even took piano FDF would like to sincerely thank all of our workshop presenters# How will the ".!/ workshops lessons with Yiota Karagianni# In August "..1 she attended a seminar on 'Turkish Folk inspire you? Check out the workshop schedule on page _ and the FDF Song** by Mercan Erzincan$ in the musical workshop 'Labyrinth( by Ross Daily# In the last Facebook page for more information! four years she has also been involved with traditional dances as well by participating in a singing and dancing team taught by Stepheno Ganotis called 'Ta Perperouna#( Since her career has begun$ she has also collaborated with Yianni Lempesi$ Panagiotis Lalezas$ the band Eptasimo and many others# "! "" The best summer of your life Christina Loridas$ Ionian Village Sta& ".!" The sun peaks slowly over the tiny white chapel$ gently breathing life into a gray morning$ slowly giving metropolis of san francisco philoptochos warmth to all it touches# I close my eyes and allow it to scorch my skin$ kissing my soul# I drink in the smell of the sweet IV air$ a mix of peace$ of hope# Of His presence# A touch of oregano and sea breeze$ of olive beacons of faith, hope, and love trees blowing so6ly in the wind# Jeannie Ranglas$ Metropolis Philoptochos President I relish in the quiet$ for soon I know I will hear the scamper of feet$ coming in all directions# Old Navy ,ip ,ops and Adidas shoes will cover the small area outside our chapel and the beautiful sound of young voices 'And now abide faith$ hope$ love$ these three; but the greatest of these is love#( will carry so6ly through the air$ down towards the kitchen$ where Kyria So)a is preparing our morning I Corinthians /;!/ meal$ made always with love# Voices chanting the morning Orthros$ heads bent gently over little blue The Ladies Philoptochos Society of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is a dynamic ministry hymn books in preparation for the day ahead# with 74 chapters and over 0$... members who are devoted stewards of the Church# Our Philoptochos sisters have especially committed themselves to serving others$ and placing as a priority the health$ welfare$ safety No$ the quiet won*t last# Because today we are headed to Kalavrita and Mega Spilaio to see an icon of the and comfort of those in need$ and supporting the overall vision of the Metropolis of San Francisco under the Panagia$ made with mere tree sap centuries before# Where we will go to the church of the Kimisis Tis inspired leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco# Theotokou to hear a ninety+year+old priest speak of the Greek massacre which occurred in that very village years before# Where we will learn a hymn whose lovely melody will bring our camp together each evening The challenges of our economy in more recent years have only further enhanced the work of Philoptochos$ as we gather before bed# Or perhaps today we )nd ourselves on Aegina$ venerating Agios Nektarios$ the as the people in our parishes$ our civic communities$ and across the globe have struggled for the basic saint*s footsteps heard with one ear pressed gently against his grave$ which encases mere relics# Maybe the necessities of life# Philoptochos has been at the forefront of these e&orts and the Metropolis of San Francisco ferry will carry us across beautiful blue waters to the island of Zakynthos$ to the patron saint of forgiveness has been a dominant source of support$ restoring faith$ providing hope$ and sharing love# and of Ionian Village itself$ Agios Dionysios# Today could be the day we board the buses and traverse the dusty roads for our two+day venture on Kerkyra$ to attend liturgy at the church of Agios Spyridon$ tucked The New Year brings with it great hope and promise$ as our ministry ,ourishes$ guided by the love of Jesus away on a side street amongst tiny shops )lled with preserved sweets in bright colored bottles# No matter Christ and His examples of humility$ sacri)ce$ mercy and grace# Our dedication to Kids ?n* Cancer$ Camp Agape ministry is further strengthened by the hope that it o&ers families of children that are a@icted with where we go$ we will go together# Always a family$ always as one# cancer# The )ve summer camps$ throughout the Metropolis$ provide opportunities for enjoyment and lasting friendships for those less fortunate than us# The kindness and caring that surrounds our camp families o&ers And each day$ I learn something more# That the life bestowed upon us is the most valuable possession we an ideal environment for therapy and healing# In addition$ we fund two oncology transportation programs own# That each day is one more to live to the fullest$ yet another chance to love until we feel we can burst# o&ered by Emilio Nares Foundation$ Ride With Emilio that facilitate receiving vital medical treatments# In That our ability to live and to love is our thanks to our Him# That our Lord is the reason we breathe and late ".!"$ one of young campers$ Lorena$ lost her battle to leukemia# She is not the )rst camper we have lost$ with every breath He wants us to live His words# Simply to love# and sadly$ she will not be the last# While we were all deeply saddened by her passing$ I will never forget her bright spirit at camp this past summer$ when she shared with us that it was the best time she ever had# We I begin to see our dear campers with bright smiles and happy eyes$ as they too realize this# As they )nd will treasure those words for they are a source of strength to continue this program and make a tangible peace$ and slowly )nd their beating hearts )lled with life once more# As they cease to feel pain$ confusion$ di&erence in the lives of these children# fear# As they venture past the rocks$ feet cut and blistered$ souls tired# As they continue on bended knees towards the light# As they begin to feel our Lord guiding them# Yes$ today was wonderful but wait until Through his incredible vision$ His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony$ of blessed memory$ founded the Bishop tomorrow# You*ll see$ I tell them# Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund$ which has been a beacon of hope for our seminarians from the Metropolis of San Francisco# For more than "7 years we have endeavored to support the seminarians and students from our Metropolis$ by contributing over >! million towards minimizing their The sun is slowly setting; the cross atop the chapel becoming less illuminated as the light gradually debt when they graduate# This e&ort is made possible by the commitment from each Philoptochos Chapter$ vanishes# The brightness of the tiny church is dimming# Wait until tomorrow$ it whispers$ you*ll see# as well as the Light the Path A Christmas Luncheon$ which raises substantial funds for our seminarians# In addition$ Plant a Seed$ Grow Our Faith is a grass roots attempt to raise funds$ awareness and support through I already know$ I reply back# the sale of basil seed packets# It is our honor and privilege to be able to ease the )nancial burden of our seminarians as they prepare to devote their lives to serving the Lord in our Church# With faith$ hope and love$ we will endeavor to be a guiding light for others# We remain steadfast in our e&orts and I am certain that the Lord will shower our work with His blessings$ for all that we o&er is for Him and His Glory! "/ spotlight on diakonia The dancers from the two holy trinity groups Aristoforoi and Mikra Ftera have been busy this past year serving san francisco, ca their communities and honoring the call of Aristoforoi & Mikra Ftera Dance Groups Matthew "7# - From helping those in their own backyard to others across borders$ these young people are shining examples of Christian service and stewardship# This year they participated in 0 outstanding Diakonia projects# -Read on to )nd out more! Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels In this project dance group members along with other youth and young adults volunteered for San Francisco Meals on Wheels program# - Through this service they delivered free meals and hugs to shut+ins and those in need# -Most of the people served lived in low+income urban areas of San Francisco who were truly in need! Trinity Project In their own backyard$ dancers carried out a variety of monthly projects on the campus of their church# - These 'labors of love( included cleaning up debris$ painting$ and clearing out wooded areas# Through these projects the dancers learned how they could play a hands+on+role in helping their own church# Project Mexico Dancers along with other youth and young adults participated in Project Mexico ".!" at St# Innocent Orphanage 9Rosarita$ Mexico:# - There they built a home for a single+parent family in great need$ engaged the boys at the orphanage$ and worshipped with the sta&# -They are planning to return again this June# Help+Portrait In December Holy Trinity hosted a Help+Portrait clinic# - A- community+led event for the greater SF area$ we were able to give people who couldn*t otherwise a&ord them$ same+day$ professional$ framed portraits of themselves and their families+ for free$ no strings attached$ while also providing food and distributing clothing for those same participating families# "7 adults( He is now the director of the Zefyros Hellenic Dance Society* and has also taught at a number of seminars in Canada and the United States( He has produced two theatrical presentations +Greece is Dancing +!''',* and Ole judge biographies Opa +!''0,,* and his group appears regularly at local Greek festivals* and many other community events( Dimitris continues to be active in researching traditional Greek dance; he has also become very interested in costume DANCE JUDGES research and reproduction( In both his research and his teaching* Dimitris is dedicated to doing his part to preserve traditional dances from all regions of Greece( This will be his -rst year as a judge at FDF( Konstantine $Dean% Avdalas has been dancing and directing at FDF for &' years( )His passion and love for Greek folklore has grown over this time leading him to develop excellent skills as a dancer* director* choreographer* Kiki Papadimitriou of Atlanta* Georgia was born and raised in Karyaes Lakonia Greece( A6er moving and becoming and researcher( )His main areas of folkloric research and interest include Epiros* Sarakatsan villages* and Megalo established in the United States in Atlanta* GA 7 Kiki joined Troupe Hellas in the #'s( Through years of dance* Monastiri +refugees residing in Neo Monastiri* Domokou* Thessalia,( ) Speci-cally he has performed costume and song education* attending workshops* traveling and conducting research in Greece* Kiki has developed groundbreaking work with the Albanian border villages of Northern Epiros and the customs of the a solid* working knowledge of Hellenic Dance and Folklore with a specialty in costumes( She has been directing Dodekaimerou in Neo Monastiri( His knowledge of Greek folklore encompasses dances* songs* customs* and dance groups of all ages since the 1's and continues to instruct for her parish dance group( Her judging experience even costuming( )Over the time has been involved in FDF he has amassed a vast collection of -eld research and began in the Metropolis of Atlanta for the Hellenic Dance Festival program( There she gained experience as a music from all areas of Greece( )In !'..* he served as a judge at the HDF in the Metropolis of Atlanta( )His costume and dance judge alongside instructors such as Joe Graziosi* John Lulias* Dr( Mary Coros* Aris Yortzidis* greatest source of inspiration and drive for Greek dance excellence are his mother and father +may his memory Demetri Tashie and more( She has judged at HDF many times / as a costume and dance judge / since its inception in be eternal,( !'''( She has judged at other competitions around the United States including: FDF in New Jersey diocese !''0* !''4 +dance8costume,* FDF in California !''0* !''4* !''# +costume, and AGDC +America2s Greek Dance Dean resides in San Francisco* CA where he owns his own business( ) When not dancing* Dean coaches Competition !''1 +dance 8costume,( basketball at his home parish of Holy Trinity( )He is very excited and enthusiastic about being asked to serve as a judge at FDF !'.& and is looking forward to a weekend of faith* dance* and fellowship( Dr( Christos Papakostas recently landed a job position as a lecturer at the University of Athens on the subject of Greek Traditional Dance( He is a scholar* master dance teacher and percussionist( For the past !' years* he has So-a Efstratiou/Nicolaou has been dancing from childhood and has)directed several dance troupes in her !0/ served as a folklorist* choreographer* dance instructor* and percussion instructor for multiple performing groups( He year dance career( She has been attending FDF since .1## and started her dance and director calling at the St( served as artistic director of Lykion Ellinidon Dramas +Macedonia, and in several folk dance groups in Karditsa and Nicholas parish in) San Jose* California() So-a spent 0 years in Greece where she was a dance member of the Larisa +Thessaly,; Komotini +Thrace, and Ioannina+Ipiros,( Christos is well known in Hellenic circles in U(S(A(* Lyngistes Dance Troupe lead by Yiannis) and Ira Konstantinou() During her years abroad* she attended several Canada and Europe and has taught at dance seminars in Belgium* France* and the U(K( On his -rst U(S( teaching dance seminars and numerous cultural gatherings and events( Through this dance journey* she developed a tour in spring !'.!* he taught to great acclaim in the Midwest and East Coast( He has undergraduate degrees in deep understanding*)true inspiration and passion for the Greek heritage through dance( This experience gave physical education and sport science with specialty in Greek traditional dance; his dissertation focused on dances of her the opportunity to obtain extensive)knowledge in many dance regions of Greece()So-a has studied in great the Roma +gypsy, community of northern Greece( He has published and presented numerous studies on Greek detail the dance* music* customs* traditions and dress of Western Macedonian giving heaving emphasis on the dance* music* folklore and anthropology; has taught at multiple universities in Epirus* Thessaly and Crete( This is region of Florina()Her article* $A Journey Through Agios Germanos% which)tells the story of)her journey through his second time participating as a judge at FDF( the Florinan highlands*)was published in the Oli Mazi newspaper()Other regions of research* interest and study include Epirus* Eastern Macedonia and Vlach dances* traditions and culture() )Her)devotion and love for Greek Robbi Shulman as been involved in the world of Greek dance for over &0 years() She was introduced to and fell in dance continues to guide her study today( love with the heart and soul and parea of Greek dance and music at the Intersection* the folk dance caf9 opened by Athan Karras in the .14's( She performed with the Intersection Greek Dancers and was an original member of the Joe Kaloyanides Graziosi has done extensive research on regional dance in Greece and among Greek Panegiri Dancers* directed by Nikos Varvitsiotis and co/directed by George Nickols* performing at festivals in communities in the U(S( He has taught throughout the world for community groups and at major folk dance Pasadena and Redondo Beach long before those communities were sending dance groups to FDF() Robbi directed camps* including the Balkan Music and Dance Workshops since .1#!( He was a co/founder of New York2s Greek dance groups at St( Katherine2s in Redondo Beach for eight years and has judged the competition at FDF on and o5 American Folklore Society +GAFS, along with its director* Paul Ginis* where he taught throughout the decade since .11#( She has travelled to Greece and has participated in workshops with a special interest in the regions of of the #'s( Joe has taught and introduced people to Greek dance in Taiwan* Canada* Brazil* Switzerland* Pontos* Thrace and Macedonia* along with Kalymnos* thanks to Louise Bilman( Robbi has continued to teach Greek Germany* the Netherlands and England( Earlier this year he returned from Japan* marking his !'th year dance at Kypseli Dance Center and at Caf9 Asteria Greek Dance Club in West Los Angeles where* along with Anne anniversary teaching tour there( He has served as judge and advisor for the west coast Greek Orthodox Folk Sirota* she is actively involved in perpetuating interest in Greek dance and culture( Dance Festival +FDF, since .1#3* and judge and advisor for the southern states Hellenic Dance Festival +HDF, for the past # years( He is* along with Ahmet Luleci* co/founder of the annual World Music & Dance Camp* Anne Gani Sirota was born in the Greek community in Alexandria* Egypt* where her grandparents immigrated in the now in Iroquois Springs* NY( Joe produces CD compilations of hard to -nd regional folk dance music( early !'th century from Epirus( Anne has studied* performed* and taught Greek dance for over 3' years( She was assistant director and lead dancer of the Ellas Dance Theater* directed by Charlie Kyriacou for four years* as well as a Larry Halfhill has !' years of FDF experience as a dancer* director and choreographer() He became a member of several other Los Angeles performing companies including the Intersection Greek Dancers* Panegiri* competition dance judge in !''4 as a way to contribute back to FDF and bring a di5erent perspective to the directed by Nikos Varvitsiotis* and O Pontos* directed by Nikos Savvidis( Anne travels to Greece o6en and has judging process() Larry2s Greek roots derive on his mother2s side from Arcadia() His broad/based dance concentrated her studies of Greek dance on Pontian and Macedonian villages in Northern Greece* attending experience over a period of &' years spans regions and borders() Current areas of special interest include Crete* festivals* weddings* seminars* classes and performances in Greece and the United States( She presented a paper on Anatoliki Romilia* Macedonia* the Peloponnese and Megara( Larry lives in Seal Beach* California with wife $A Wedding in Florina% at the International Organization of Folk Arts +IOFA, in !''' and has written several Bessie Nicolaou Halfhill* a former FDF dancer and director* and children Thanasi* Maria* and Leonidas() He is an articles for Oli Mazi( She consults frequently with dance groups and has taught Greek dancing classes at Kypseli active member of St( John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Anaheim() Larry attended the University of Greek Dance Center in Pasadena as well as Pierce and Santa Monica Community Colleges( Anne is one of the Southern California* where he earned BS and MS degrees in engineering and an MBA( founders and leaders of the Caf9 Asteria Greek Dance Club in Los Angeles* and on the Board of Kypseli Greek Dance Center where we teach* dance and disseminate traditional Greek dance( Anne has been an FDF judge continuously Dimitrios Kontogiannis has been involved in traditional Greek dance since the age of .!( He danced with since .1## and an HDF judge for several years( Anne is currently a member of the FDF Board of Trustees as a judge several groups while growing up in Greece* and participated in European dance tours( It was also at a young consultant( age that he developed a keen interest in researching the historical dances* songs* and customs of traditional Greek culture( A6er moving to Canada* Dimitris began teaching Greek dance classes to both children and Bessie Stavropoulos has been involved in FDF for !': years either as a dancer* director or both( Born and raised in Las Vegas* Nevada* she -rst attended FDF in .1#" as a dancer from St( John the Baptist( In .11&* she began directing !" !# at the age of %& and one year later' her group was the (rst primary group to ever win sweepstakes in FDF history) Renee Cleary taught Greek Dance at Fullerton College and was a member of a performing Greek Dance Group for She continued dancing and directing well into her college years but stepped away for a short period to complete thirteen years' seven as the director)0 She has traveled widely through Greece' collecting and researching both her degree) Upon returning to the dance scene' she received the Division I * Director+s Award in !$$#) She costumes and dances)0 She observed both professional and amateur dance groups and village festivals)0 Renee has became the head director of her community and was directing as many as four groups at a time) Bessie has been involved continuously for over #& years with Greek dance workshops 3over &$4' festivals' consultations and as attended many seminars throughout the United States' Canada and Greece) For four consecutive summers from a teacher of Greek dancing)0 She (rst participated in FDF in %"-% and has been a costume or dance judge every year !$$,*!$%$' she studied dance in Greece which included attending seminars taught by some of Greece+s (nest since %"-&)0 instructors' touring Thrace and Macedonia and learning the many traditions and dances of her father+s region of 0 Preveza' Ipiros) With the help and support of the St) John+s Dance Ministry' Bessie organized the Horepse Dance Irene Peros is a native of Modesto' California) She has been dancing since a very young age) Her pride and love for Seminar in Las Vegas in !$$,' !$$-' !$$" and !$%! where they featured top instructors and musicians from all her Greek heritage have encouraged her to study Greek dance' costumes' and to help teach and share her over Greece and the United States) She directed the Las Vegas groups through !$%$ then moved on to become a knowledge and experience with people of diverse backgrounds) Her formal involvement in Greek folklore began in dance judge in !$%%) This will be her third year on the judges+ panel) Currently living in Greece' she continues to %"-1 when she was instrumental in forming' dancing and directing the Patriotes of Modesto) From %"-1 to %"""' attend various dance seminars and participates in the local traditions) she directed' assisted or danced in %$ di2erent dance groups in Modesto) She was also involved with the coordination' research and production of %% award*winning costumes) Irene also chaired # very successful FDF Symposia held in Modesto) Irene has been a costume judge since !$$%) Nikolaos Stefanidis was born in Chios' Greece and though he did not dance that much as a youngster' he did pay undivided attention to the dances performed by elders in his native island of Chios) His love of dancing was not put into action until he saw a performance by the Terpsichoreans in Philadelphia in %",. celebrating the country+s CHORAL JUDGES bicentennial) He remained an active dancer until August of %"-# when he le/ the east coast to pursue graduate studies in Los Angeles) He stumbled upon the Panygiri dance group while they were performing at the Greek Pini5 Dovalis Benetatos holds a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from CSULB and a Master+s Degree in Piano festival in Arcadia that very summer' and attended practices as time allowed) His (rst involvement with FDF was Performance from USC) Following the completion of the Master+s Degree' she continued post*graduate studies when he was invited to dance Chios dances for a memorial to Manoli Abazis in San Francisco) Nikos is a focusing on solo and duo*piano repertoire and concerti) Pinio has held sta2 positions in the dance and music psychologist in Los Angeles' working with homeless and troubled teens) He was the recipient of the !$$- departments at CSULB' CSUF' UCLA' California Institute of the Arts' and teaching positions at Orange Coast College Humanitarian Award) 0Nikos has taught dances from Chios at Kypseli' and consults with various groups in the and Kids+ College at Cypress College) Mrs) Benetatos is an active member of Music Teachers Association of Los Angeles area) Nikos has been an FDF judge since !$$.) California' Music Teachers National Association' CAPMT' American Guild of Organists' and the National Guild of Piano Teachers) She is Music Director6Organist of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Long Beach and also Aris Yortzidis has been involved with FDF for !1 years as a dancer' director' and member of the FDF Board of maintains a busy teaching schedule at her private music studio in Cypress where she and her husband' Harry Trustees) 0He began dancing in his home parish of St) George in Downey' CA in %"-! and also performed with reside) Pinio greatly enjoys her position as pianist and vocal coach for Meritage Vocal Arts Ensemble based in groups from the St) Anthony parish in Pasadena' CA and the Assumption parish in Long Beach' CA) 0In %""& and Orange County' California) until his departure from Southern California in !$$$' Aris directed groups at St) George' Downey' CA; Sts) Constantine and Helen' Cardi2*by*the*Sea' CA; and St) Katherine' Redondo Beach' CA) In %"".' Aris received an Athena Mertes currently resides in Las Vegas' NV where she is the choir director at St) John the Baptist Greek FDF Scholarship that provided him the opportunity to research the dances of Serres; the dances and traditions of Orthodox Church) She received her Master of Music degree in vocal performance and Bachelor of Music degree in his father+s village of Chrysochorafa 3Gagauzika4' Serres; the dances of the Vlachs of Serres; and the dances of music education from UNLV) Athena teaches middle school choir' and is an active performer of concert and opera Pontos in Serres' Katerini 3where his mother is from4' and Thessaloniki) repertoire) In addition to her success as an opera and concert performer' Athena has earned numerous awards for her performances' such as the Metropolitan Opera National Council Encouragement Award' winner of the Greek COSTUME JUDGES Women+s University Club National Competition' the National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Award' %st place in the Dean Allen Scholarship Competition' Classical Singer Convention AFE winner' (nalist in the Hennings* Ava Angeletopoulos has been involved with FDF for nearly #$ years) Her involvement progressed over the years Fischer Young Artist Competition and %st place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing 3NATS4 from dancer' director' and program director for both St) Nicholas Church in Northridge and St) Sophia Cathedral competition) in Los Angeles) Ava eventually became more involved in the management of FDF including serving as a member of the Board of Trustees and the Managing Director of FDF in %"",) She attended numerous dance and costume Christopher Yokas has been the organist at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral for the past #1 years)0 Aside symposia throughout the United States and Greece) Her experiences help foster a passion for teaching both from his many music activities and responsibilities at Saint Sophia including assistant director of music' Chris was dance and making traditional costumes) Ava is responsible for making multiple intricate costumes that have won the organist for the %"-. Clergy laity Congress in Dallas' Texas' the %""% National GOYAL Conference in Los numerous costume awards) Through this involved process' Ava developed an extensive knowledge of traditional Angeles' the %""& Mid*Eastern Choir Federation Conference in Ambridge' Pennsylvania' the %"", Patriarchal Divine costume techniques including textiles' embroidery' the manufacturing of trims and cording' regional pattern Liturgy in Los Angeles' and several San Francisco Metropolis Church Musician Conferences from %"-# to present)0 techniques' machine and hand sewing' along with the complex methods of properly worn headdresses) Her He was the principal organist for the three major services of the !$$! Clergy*Laity Congress held in Los Angeles' passionate commitment to maintaining the rich cultural traditions is evident in her expression and sharing of her California and was recently the organist for the !$%! Clergy*Laity Congress in Phoenix' Arizona) He served as a extensive knowledge throughout the years) choral judge at the !$$"' !$%% and !$%!0Metropolis of San Francisco Folk Dance and Choral Festivals) In February %"",' Chris received the national Forum Patriarch Athenagoras I Award for Distinguished Service to the Metropolis Bertha Angels (rst got involved in FDF in %"-# as an observer and her involvement progressed over the years as of San Francisco) Chris resides in Burbank' California with his wife' Eleni) her children embraced Greek Folk dancing) Through this involvement Bertha developed a passion for costumes that has led to years of continued research and learning) Bertha has been fortunate to be part of several communities in the Los Angeles area) Currently' she is an active member of Saint Sophia Cathedral)0Over the years she+s done extensive research and made costumes from every region of Greece in support of multiple communities) In the course of researching costumes' Bertha has gained extensive exposure in materials' pattern making' embroidery' crocheting trim and detailed sewing in an e2ort to preserve the rich authentic Greek traditions of costume making) !" #$ In negotiating an international agreement$ it is about preparation 9like an FDF suite:# To prepare$ I borrowed from the director It worked# I was accepted into The George Washington University Elliott School of International A&airs# During Bottom lineAit is a two way street# Everything we learn is cumulative and applicable across our professional and graduate school$ I started my career in the federal government doing entry level project management work for personal activities; knowing this sooner rather than later will allow us to help our younger generations succeed not attorneys working alternative dispute resolution 9mediations$ etc: issues# I had the dispute resolution /! /" !"#"#$"!%&'()*!($"+),"-( Best wishes for a #".!)/)+%.0&(0&.1)&2( successful event! )3($+"44"-(#"#)!2( 1%4(-!"0#(3)!(35-535(104($"6)#"(!"0+%.25( .1)*40&-4()3()*!(30%.13*+(3+)67(","!2(2"0!8(&).( )&+2(.)(-0&6"(0&-(4%&'55($*.(.)(3""+(/0!.()3(910.( 35-535(!"0++2(%4!( +),"(3)!()*!(30%.1( Kenneth ( /0*+(:(",0&'"+%0(4)').%4(:(30#%+2(((( Frangadakis (((((((((((0!61)&()!/10&).!)/1)4( !"##$%&"'(&)&*%+&,$%)-./#%0%/(&"-,%+#1'23-,%4567 %1/(#)8,#%&+%#3#.'1 !"#$%&'()*+,-$#'$(*./)*01.2 Malibu Santa Salinas Monterey Carmel San Avila Palisades El Simeon Capitan Monica '29# #3#.'% ,&/-'2&. Santa Ventura Sunset !"#$$#%&%'()*+,% -./0123420$#5647.1 8490:09%;4773$$,%<=; Barbara '()*+,%&%>()*+,% ?.4,%@0#.%A+1 8490:09%;4773$$,%B=C Executive Ante Room >()*+,%&%D()*+,% E+.#0#/%B.3.,$#F B470:$3#04%;4773$$, G(**+,%&%!!(**+,% -./0123420$#5647.1 8490:09%;4773$$,%<=; Executive Concourse Lido A Balboa A HI#20#/2$#=%847$1%J.3K.1=%L4#M4224#=%B4+01234#$=%-.K$#K$=%64#24% Boardroom Level La Jolla Coronado G(**+,%&%!"(**4,% 8349209.%-$$,1% L$#094=%L470NI=%64#%B7.,.#2.=%E9.4#10K.%O:$I32M%:7$$3P Lido B Balboa B Fourth Floor G(**+,%&%!*()*+, C03.92$3Q1%;30.:0#/% 8490:09%;4773$$,%B=C Balboa C G(**+,%R%!*()*+,% B7.3/F%L..20#/%4#K%-.9.+20$# J0124%@$I#/.%O:$I32..#2M%:7$$3P Lido C +$3&'()*+,-$#'$(*.4)*01.2 San S()*4,%&%!*(**+,% -./0123420$#5647.1 ;4773$$,%-./%C.1T Manhattan Redondo Palos Verdes Huntington Laguna Capistrano Clemente Oceanside U7%B4+024#=%847014K.1=%64#24%L$#094=%L470NI=%E9.4#10K.=%64#% D(**4,%&%!"(**4, 8349209.%-$$,1 B7.,.#2.%O:$I32M%:7$$3P D(**4,%&%S(**+,% C0V010$#%WW%6.,0RX0#47%B$,+.2020$# 8490:09%;4773$$,%B=C D(**4,%&%D(**+, C0V010$#%W%6.,0RX0#47%B$,+.2020$# B470:$3#04%;4773$$, 14 13 D(**4,%&%D(**+,% Y3$I+%8M$2$1 @4/I#4%O:$I32M%:7$$3P% 1 12 D(**4,%&%S(**+,% UZM0N021%[%J.#K$31 B470:$3#04%83$,.#4K. 2 11 B4+01234#$=%HI#20#/2$#=%847$1%J.3K.1=%-.K$#K$=%L4#M4224#% A B C O:$I32M%:7$$3P Mezzanine !*(**4,%&%'(**+,% \$3T1M$+1 3 10 !!(**4,%&%"(**+,% ;3I#9M% 8490:09%;4773$$,%<=; Mezzanine Level !!(**4,%&%S(**+,% ]0K1%U#2.3240#,.#2 B42470#4%'=>=S%O7$^.3%7.V.7P 4 Offices 9 Third Floor !"()*+,%&%"()*+,% BM$347%%B$,+.2020$# 8490:09%;4773$$,%B=C 5 8 '(**+,%R%>(**+, 8434T7.101 S(**+,%&%G(**+,% <^43K1%B.3.,$#F%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% B470:$3#04%;4773$$, 1 2 D(**+,%R%G()*+, Y3$I+%8M$2$1 B470:$3#04%83$,.#4K. G()*+,%&%"(**4,% Y7.#K0%:.42`%?M.%E7F,+04#1 8490:09%<=;=B=C !" !# competition schedule competition schedule workshop schedule inside back cover