Archbishop His i ss Welcome 34 e jnay 2010 january 1 ue

th 2010 Annual Orthodox Folk Greek Festival DanceandChoral OLI t MAZI h e o f fi c i a l F Demetrios D F p u b l a ministryofthemetropolisSanFrancisco i c a t i o n E minence Church in America, and praythattheLord will continuetogrant and greetingstoHis as Primateofthe We extendourlove 10 Greek Orthodox him wisdomand E strength inhis celebrates his th minence ashe Anniversary ministry. Faith. Dance.Fellowship. R T H O O D O K X E E F R O L

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R A L ��� to the Bishop asking the Directors Mission Statement: The Circle congregation to exclaim, We are the Cultural edge and to improve our “Axios,” the Candidate is Ministers of the Greek teaching skills for the Fr. Gary’s Message lead around the Altar three Orthodox Folk Dance love of the FDF Ministry. Sacrament of Baptism, the times*, by brother priests, & Choral Festival of the Though FDF contains an Sacrament of Marriage and as they sing, “O Holy Mar- Metropolis of San Fran- element of competition, the Sacrament of Ordina- tyrs, who have fought the cisco. We are united this aspect shall never be tion. All three come at a good fight and have re- through the Orthodox the highlight or sole pur- climax in the ceremonies. ceived your crowns: en- faith in our commitment pose of our teaching. The None are ever performed treat the Lord that He have to teaching and perpetuat- ultimate achievement to alone, and all take place mercy on our souls.” This ing our Hellenic cultural be gained is the element hymn, celebrates the mind- heritage through dance, going counter-clockwise. of sharing, teaching, fulness of the new struggle song and music. We shall In the Sacrament of knowledge and love. We the young man has been carry out this commit- Baptism, as soon as the shall never promote the called to accomplish by ment by upholding the A common phrase I newly baptized is clothed idea or thought that one’s spreading the Good News teachings and principles hear exclaimed by dance in the radiant white attire he good fortune is another’s of Christ. of our Orthodox faith; directors is, “make a is brought back to the bap- misfortune, but strive to Each of these Sacra- serving as role models for circle!” As dancers we tismal font for a “dance.” see that all of us grow in ments is key in the lives our students; respecting all understand the defi- The sponsors, holding the spirit, strength and fel- of those of us that call clergy, fellow directors, nition of a circle. Web- new Christian, and led by lowship. We shall always ourselves Orthodox Chris- students, parents, judges, ster defines, a circle as, the clergy, sing in unison, seek to bring out the best tians. All are performed Board of Trustees mem- “ a simple shape of ge- “All those who have been in our teaching in terms in the Church, all are per- bers, Management Team ometry consist- baptized in Christ, have of ethics, morality and formed in community, members and site staff; ing of those points in put on Christ. (Galatians character, holding high and all are performed in a and by working in part- a plane which are equi- 3:27).” The first steps tak- the banner of Christian- CIRCLE! All of these then nership with fellow direc- distant from a given point en as a Christian are then a tors to expand our knowl- ity. ■ indicate the significance of called the center. The com- “dance” around the font, in the never-ending joy that mon distance of the points the Church, with, what is grows from the love of of a circle from its center is now, family! God! When you hear a di- called its radius.” Usually, In the Sacrament of rector yell, “make a circle,” after hearing that com- Marriage, after being mar- know that they are asking mand, we grab hands and ried, the couple is escorted you to do more than just spread out hoping to make by the Priest (holding the stand next to each other. that director happy. I don’t Gospel) around the wed- Get your 2010 FDF DVD’s Let this be a call to action, know if a formal study has ding table three times*. a renewal of our Baptismal Visit the Station 22 booth at the Civic Auditorium. DVD’s will be on sale ever been completed, but I The couple is accompa- pledge and a version of the throughout the weekend starting Thursday evening at Opening Ceremonies. am convinced, in my heart nied by their sponsors, vow of ordination. of hearts, that our Greek who along with the guests As we dance let’s not Culture has us dance in and clergy sing “O Isaiah forget that each step we circles, because of the im- dance with joy for the Vir- take and each hand we portant role the circle plays gin has conceived a child, hold evolves from an un- in our Orthodox Faith. An- the Emmanuel, both God derstanding that God is other example of the con- and Man: Dayspring is with us! We are connected nection between our Heri- His name; as we magnify through the joy of Christ, tage and our Faith. Him we call the Virgin the love of God and the fel- There are three, specif- Blessed.” lowship of the Holy Spirit! ic, occasions when dance Lastly, in the Sacra- ■ is used in Orthodoxy: the ment of Ordination, prior

Management Team Members 2010: Board of Trustees 2010: Fr. Gary Kyriacou – Chairman His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, Executive Chairman Spiro Beckas – Vice Chairman Father Gary Kyriacou – Chairman Michael Syrengelas – Director of Finance Spiro Beckas – Vice Chariman John Boudouvas – Director of Marketing/Public Relations Christa Barbas – Management Team Director Katia Bakas Boudouvas – Operations Officer Manoli Rodarakis – Director of Logistics Michael Syrengelas – Director of Finance Gus Sverkos – Director of Events/Entertainment John Boudouvas – Director of Marketing/Public Relations George Mitsopoulos – Director of Security Kathy Loukatos-Meck – Director of Choral Festival Kathy Meck – Director of Choral Festival Christa Barbas – Management Team Director Voula Kolios – Director of Competition Katherine Dikeakos – Division I Coordinator George Demos – Director of Endowment Vasili Dikeakos – Division I Coordinator – Secretary Liana Bekakos Kristina Plumis – Division II Coordinator John Buzas – Legal Consultant Lea John – Division III Coordinator Alex Papaefthimiou – Legal Consultant Michelle Hawe – Workshops/Diakonia Coordinator

Eleni Pappas Beckas – Director of Registration Marriott. Jose San the at Saturday and Friday George Nickols – Scholarship Manager Elizabeth Syrengelas – Director of Registration Anne Sirota – Judge Consultant Maria Vorgias – Opening Ceremonies Coordinator George Papangellin – Board Member Katina Mitsopoulos – Banquet Awards Coordinator Father Bob Fox – Chaperone Coordinator Ted Cocoles – Security Team Volunteer Father Peter Stratos – Diakonia Project Coordinator Soteria Syrengelas – Management Team Volunteer Kassandra Kirages – Management Team Volunteer Father John Hondros – Liturgical Coordinator Andrea Bakas – Management Team Volunteer in the Orthodox Faith? Deacon Niko Bekris – Metropolis Youth Director Anthony John – Management Team Volunteer Maria Barbas – Parent Representative/ North West Bob Barsakis – Management Team Volunteer Looking to tune up your skills t miss workshops this year. this workshops miss t Laurie Sahines – Parent Representative / North Fr. Michael Tervo – Liturgical Services ’

Amalia Chryssopoulos-Skarzenski – Deacon Niko Bekris – Workshops/Youth Director Don Parent Representative / South Pantelis Stathoudakis – Management Team Volunteer Danny Staveris – Director Representative / North Steve Gaihos – Management Team Volunteer A Message from His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos thodox Christians – as one vated by friendship and by to generations past, along family in united in Christ. the unity of all the partici- with the obligation to share As Saint Paul says, “… he pants who share the com- their knowledge with gen- who unites himself with mon threads of our faith erations to come. the Lord is one with Him and heritage. Throughout May the Lord bless this in spirit” I Corinthians the years, FDF has created gathering with His mighty 6:17. an environment much like hand, and may the indis- This year’s FDF theme, that of a family reunion. All soluble bond of our faith “Family Takes Center one has to do is witness the be a source of strength and Stage”, exemplifies the smiles, laughter, hugs and inspiration as we bring spirit of FDF. We are sur- tears shared by those from praise and glory to God in rounded by proud parents, near and far who cherish song, dance and unceasing grandparents, aunts, un- every moment together to prayer! cles, cousins and siblings see the deep impact of this who have all come togeth- ministry. With Love in Christ, er to show their support A remarkable ongo- for their loved ones who ing legacy is also found are dancing. Beyond this, in many aspects of FDF. XMetropolitan Gerasimos these relatives have also Dancers from the 1970’s of San Francisco embraced the entire group are now parents, directors as an extension of their and judges. Grandparents own family, recognizing have mentored their chil- the deep bonds of friend- dren and grandchildren on OLI ship which have been native instruments and mu- formed through the years. sic, passing down to them Some people say FDF the history of their ances- MAZI is driven by competition, tors and instilling in them

2010 the official FDF publication Dear Brothers and Sisters Choral Festival in San but I contend that it is moti- a deep-rooted connection in Christ, Jose, California. This gath- It is truly a joy to join ering is more than just an with so many of our be- expression of our faith and loved faithful for the 34th culture; it is a celebration Annual Folk Dance and of the bond we share as Or- “Some people say FDF is driven by competition, but I contend that As we gather together this it is motivated by weekend to celebrate the richness of our faith and culture,

friendship and let us, as one family of Orthodox

Christians, bring praise and

by the unity of all honor to God through our song, the participants dance and fellowship. who share the With Love in Christ, common threads ✠ Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco of our faith and heritage.”

FDF_Ad.indd 1 1/5/10 8:45:41 AM as those indigenous bouzoukia, the beat of the to Macedonia. He has drums, the strum of the Musician Bios: presented many aspects of guitar, and the powerful Paradosi OLI his research at conferences klarino, you know you are on traditional dance and listening to the Olympians music, in Greece and in Band. This is a signal to MAZI

many other countries, such dancers that the celebration 2010 the official FDF publication Paradosi is a Greek folk as Australia, England, has started and it is time to and so, another friend and band comprised of several Scotland, Holland, dance the night away to neighbor, Steve Opdahl, musicians from around Spain, France, Russia the band’s vast repertoire joined the band on drums. the United States. Their and Canada, and has of music people love so Though the Olympians goal is the preservation of collaborated with other much. Makedonikos Ichos continued to dance, the paradosi, or tradition, dance specialists of the A 15-year-old boy their first connection of Hellenism through of Greek traditional Balkans in presenting the by the name of George to FDF was in 1978 as music, song and dance. dance, specializing in the dances, music and folklore Karidakis, his 12-year- musicians when they Paradosi’s members culture and traditions of of specific geographical old brother Jim, and a provided entertainment include Yianni Themelis of Macedonia. He holds areas and various Balkan fifteen-year-old friend, for the “Evening of New York (laouto, violin, a degree in Education ethnic groups, i.e., Vlachs, Peter Begakis, did not Mediterranean Magic,” a lyra, sandouri, zourna, from the Pedagogy Roma, Sarakatsani, realize that the band they theatrical show where all saxophone), Dimitrios Academy of the Arvanites, etc.) Yannis formed in 1976 would dancers performed. The Dallas of Chicago University of Florina, is President and Artistic gro w not only into a local Olympians Band helped (tsabouna, clarinet, gaida, Greece, and a Master’s Director of the “Lygistes” Long Beach favorite, but develop and expand the zourna, lyra, laouto, degree in Language Cultural Association (with the favorite among many integration of live music violin, accordian), Dimitri and History from the branches in Athens and Greek communities across with Greek folk dance Papadimitriou of Atlanta University of Philosophy Florina), and a founding the United States. The performances. Groups (daouli, defi, doumbeleki, of Yugoslavia. His member of “The Academy band later recruited were no longer constrained drum set, guitar), Andrea knowledge of Greek dance of Traditional Folklore 17-year-old drummer Bill by cassette recordings; Goustas of New York began in his childhood, Dance and Music” located Contreras who was not the Olympians were able (lyra, violin) and Billy first with his father, in Athens, Greece. He only Peter’s neighbor and to take performances Hioureas of Anaheim Simos Konstantinou, is also actively involved childhood friend, but had a who was a lead dancer to a higher level, as the (gaida, kaval, floghera). with the “Association driver’s license! This gave and master teacher of musicians became an Having an extensive dance for the Preservation the group initial mobility Greek folkdances, and integral part of the dances. background and musical and Dissemination of to embark on a musical education from well-known later, with his very early Tragedy struck the Traditional Dance and legacy that has lasted for musicians and teachers, participation in dance band in 1986 when guitarist Music”. over 25 years. Their first the members of Paradosi performing groups. He Steve Kidd was fatally paying job was in 1977 for provide music from most is the principal organizer Olympians: injured in an automobile a Mother’s Day Luncheon regions of Greece. They of dance seminars held accident. The band went at the old Assumption all share a deep love for every summer in Prespes without a guitarist for a music as well as their in northwest Greece. Church Hall in Long couple of years, but saw rich Hellenic culture. Since 1990, Yannis Beach. They made $25.00 the talent and energy of For more information has conducted in-depth and received free meals for the group’s present, Jerry or booking, please research of the dances, their services. From that Thermos. George, Jim, visit www.paradosimusic. music, customs, and moment on, they built a list Peter, Jerry and Steve make com or e-mail info@ traditions of social groups of engagements, and added up the present members of paradosimusic.com. and ethnic minorities who Jim and George’s friend the band. They have been migrated to Macedonia and neighbor, Steve Kidd truly blessed as the band Makedonikos Ichos - such as the Vlachs and Olympians on guitar. Bill was unable members have played for Yannis Konstantinou refugees from Thrace When one hears the to continue further with the their own weddings and is a well-known teacher and Asia Minor, as well soulful sound of the band due to a full-time job, their children’s baptisms. ■ Past Humanitarian Award Recipients 2010 FDF Memorial Service 1985 His Grace Bishop Anthony - San Francisco, CA To be honored at Sunday’s Archieratical Divine Liturgy 2009 John Gianakopoulos Las Vegas, NV Dancer 1986 Don and Ellie Hiatt - San Diego, CA Dimitri Simvoulakis Modesto, CA Son of FDF Judge Irene Peros 1987 His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos - New York, NY 1988 William Korinthias - San Francisco, CA 2007 Father Efstathios Mylonas Pasadena, CA Priest 2006 Tasia Tsobanoudis Dancer 1989 Litsa Preovolos - San Diego, CA Jivko Bebelekov Musician 1990 Sydney McIntyre - Tacoma, WA 2005 His Eminence 1991 John Haretakis - Anaheim, CA Metropolitan Anthony San Francisco, CA Metropolitan & Spiritual Father of FDF For 1992 Andrea Kyprianides - Los Angeles, CA 25 Years

1993 Angelo Tsakopoulos - Sacramento, CA 2002 John Papadoupoulos Atlanta, GA Dancer, formerly with Dora Stratou Theatre 1994 George Kokalis - Phoenix, AZ 2001 Kathy Trapp Castro Valley, CA Choir Director Dena Stamos - Modesto, CA 2000 Anna Efstathiou Oakland, CA Dancer, Director, Researcher 1995 Christine Peratis - Long Beach, CA Vilma Matchette Lynwood, WA Dancer, Director, Researcher, Costume Judge, Author 1996 Nicholas Petris - Piedmont, CA Jim Papangellin San Jose, CA Dancer, Director 1997 Panos and Bertha Angels - Northridge, CA 1999 Elizabeth Angelis Harper Seattle, WA Dancer, Mother of three Fisher Theodore Harper Seattle, WA Son of Elizabeth Harper 1998 Helen Lambros - San Marino, CA Ian Joseph Harper Seattle, WA Son of Elizabeth Harper 1999 Anna Efstathiou - Oakland, CA Katherine Velthoen Modesto, CA Dancer 1998 John P. Angel Seattle, WA Dancer 2000 George M. Marcus - Palo Alto, CA 1997 Kim Efstathiou Castro Valley, CA Dancer, Director, FDF Officer 2001 Athan Karras - Tarzana, CA Paul Ginis Founder and Director of the Greek American 2002 Loula C. Anaston - Belmont, CA Folklore Society, Choreographer 1994 Nick Varvitsiotis Pasadena, CA Dancer, Director, Choreographer 2003 Fanis Economidis - Los Altos, CA Soula Kunelis Granada Hills, CA Mother of three FDF Dancers & Directors Evanthea N. Condakes - Boston, MA Chris Tsantilas Seattle, WA Dancer Manolis Abazis Redondo Beach, CA Dancer 2004 Mark Arapostathis - San Diego, CA 1993 Jim Markus Sacramento, CA Dance enthusiast and supporter, Researcher, 2005 His Grace Bishop Anthimos of Olympos Director Chris Tasulis Los Angeles, CA Judge, Dancer, Director, Producer, 2006 Frosene Phillips Maniatis - Orinda, CA Choreographer 2007 Reverend Father Thomas J. Paris - Oakland, CA Father A. Homer Demopulos Seattle, WA Priest 1992 Spiro Pathos Pasadena, CA Dancer 2008 Nikolaos Stefanidis, Ph.D - Los Angeles, CA Katerina Perivoliotis San Jose, CA Dancer 2009 Isidoros Garifalakis - Vancouver, WA 1988 Bill Angeles Seattle, WA Dancer Ted Petrides Athens, Greece Judge, Dancer, Musician, Professor 1986 Dora Stratou Athens, Greece Dancer, Choreographer, Researcher Valerie Roumeliotes 1980 Christos Papadimitrakis Bakersfield, CA Dancer The Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award 1979 Cynthia Anderson Castro Valley, CA Dancer support many worthwhile “Elios is proud to projects. Under her Presi- Dr. Kenneth Frangadakis honor its beloved Kenny dency, the Kids ‘n’ Cancer Frangadakis for his exem- Family Camp and Camp Elios Award 2010 plary contributions and Agape programs have the Church was recognized support to his profession grown to five active camps by the Ecumenical Patri- and the ideals and princi- throughout the Metropolis archate with Kenny being ples of our Hellenic culture of San Francisco. In No- an Archon of the Order of and Orthodox faith. He is a vember 2007, she chaired Saint Andrew the Apostle, remarkable man, eager to the very successful Na- the highest award given to help when the need arises, tional Children’s Medical a layperson in the Ortho- always giving more that he Fund Luncheon in New- dox Church. receives in recognition,” port Beach, California. The accomplishments One of the nation’s said Fanis Economidis, Valerie is chairman of the of current Metropolis of most prestigious awards, President of Elios. Bishop Anthony Philopto- San Francisco Philopto- Kenneth Frangadakis the Ellis Island Medal of A highly-respected chos Seminarian/Student chos President Valerie has been an active mem- Honor, was awarded to dentist, Kenny has received Aid Endowment Fund Roumeliotes are a living ber of the Greek Orthodox Kenny in 2004. This award numerous honors and ac- which awards scholarships testament to a life devoted Church throughout his en- pays tribute to individuals colades for his exemplary to students and seminar- both to her religion and to tire life. Both as a Church who have distinguished service to the community ians from the Metropolis of her family. She is a true leader and a dental profes- themselves in their profes- of his profession including San Francisco who attend philanthropist in every sional, Kenny has used his sion, community, and in the Medallion of Distinc- Hellenic College and Holy sense of the word – a lover skills and resources to help the American way of life. tion from the University Cross School of Theology of mankind – to which her others, especially in pro- This is the only award, of Pacific (UOP) School in Brookline, Massachu- successes in fostering nu- moting the Greek Ortho- other than the Congres- of Dentistry. He continues setts. merous charitable enter- dox faith and our Hellenic sional Medal of Honor, to to mentor prospective stu- She established the prises attests. heritage. be recognized by both the dents applying for dental Women’s Health and Well- A member of the Me- As a founding member House of Representatives school, and serves on the ness Program, a program tropolis Philoptochos of the Elios Society, Ken- and the Senate, with recip- UOP Freshman Orienta- for women focusing on Board for the last 22 years, ny has worked tirelessly ients’ names listed in the tion Committee. He has the mind, body, and spirit. and currently in her eighth as Vice President and Pro- Congressional Record. also received fellowships Valerie established the year as President of the grams Chairman contrib- Within the Metropolis honoring his outstanding Feastday events in honor Metropolis Philoptochos, uted countless hours plan- of San Francisco, Kenny work and research from the of His Eminence, Metro- Valerie has established a ning special events which has been active in the Saint International College of politan Gerasimos of the truly outstanding record raise funds to support Nicholas Greek Orthodox Dentists and the American Metropolis of San Francis- of dedication and magna- programs which promote Church in San Jose, Cali- College of Dentists. co, supporting the Family nimity. Valerie’s forte is Hellenism. Kenny is also a fornia for many years, and Kenny was honored Wellness Ministry and the fundraising, and she feels member of the Archbishop also served as a member of in 2004 with the Axion relocation of the Metropo- blessed to have chaired Iakovos Leadership 100 the Parish Council. He was Award presented by the lis offices. She also serves several beneficial events Endowment Fund, shar- also a member of the Board Hellenic American Pro- on the Executive Board of through the years and takes ing his generosity with of the All Saints Founda- fessional Society for out- the National Philoptochos, satisfaction in knowing the Church to allow for tion to raise funds for the standing contributions in the San Francisco Me- that the Metropolis Philop- the growth of many vital ministries of the Metropo- the field of dentistry and tochos has been able to see ROUMELIOTES on page 10 ministries. His service to lis of San Francisco. see Frangadakis on page 10 workshops, festivals, con- of 25 years spans regions tor, live in Seal Beach with Dance Judges sultations and as a teacher and borders, and he con- children Thanasi and Ma- of Greek dancing. She siders all Greek dances to ria. He is an active mem- Louise A. Bilman, Renee Cleary has first participated in FDF in be of special interest and ber of St. John the Baptist Lcsw (National Diplo- taught Greek Dance at Ful- 1981 and has been a cos- worthy of discovery, re- Greek Orthodox Church in mate) is a psychotherapist lerton College and was a tume or dance judge every search and preservation. Anaheim. Larry attended in private practice and su- member of a performing year since 1985. Larry’s Greek roots derive USC, where he earned BS pervisor of a training pro- Greek Dance Group for Larry Halfhill has 19 on his mother’s side from and MS degrees in aero- gram for psychotherapists thirteen years, seven as the years of FDF experience as Arcadia. He was born in space engineering and an in the Pasadena area. She director. She has traveled a dancer, director and cho- Marin County, Califor- MBA in finance and mar- was initially trained as a widely through Greece, reographer, and became nia, and has called many keting. musician and professional collecting and research- an FDF competition dance places home, including Yiannis Konstantinou accompanist in her native ing both costumes and judge in 2006. He wants the Pacific Northwest, Up- is a well-known teacher of Canada before moving to dances. She observed both to contribute back to a vi- state New York, the Neth- Greek traditional dance, California. professional and amateur tal youth program, and also erlands, Germany, and fi- specializing in the culture Louise Bilman has dance groups and village bring a different perspec- nally Southern California. and traditions of Macedo- pursued studies in Greek festivals. Renee has been tive to the judging process. Larry and his wife Bessie nia. He holds a degree in music since 1960. She involved continuously for Larry’s broad-based dance Nicolaou Halfhill, a for- Education from the Peda- taught the dance portion 35 years with Greek dance experience over a period mer FDF dancer and direc- JUDGES continue on page 7 of UCLA’s first course in Greek, which was given by Dr. Sotirios Chianis in 1966, and together they set up the first formal course of dance instruction in a Southern California Greek Orthodox church, which was pioneered by St. Kath- erine Church of Redondo Beach. In 1968 UCLA hired her to teach an academic course on Greek dance, “Greek Dance in its Cul- tural Context.” This at- tracted some people from the film industry and was popular enough to be con- tinued for seven years. At the same time, she began a series of study tours to Greece, initially with Dr. Chiannis and his fam- ily on an ethnomusicology course, subsequently each year independently. Her area of interest has taken her to extended visits to Samothrace, Epirus, South Western Greece and the Thracian-Bulgarian and Thracian-Turkish borders. In recent years she has focused her interest in Kalymnos and the cen- tral Dodecanese Islands. Because her study is not only the forms of dance but also its social utiliza- tion as a representation of community values, she is interested in the “raw ma- terial” - the dances and songs of shepherds and sponge fishermen of small villages - rather than the performance group as a vehicle to perpetuate tra- ditional values. She has also presented seminars on this topic for the ITHACA Cultural Study Program in Greece, which is under the direction of Dr. Nikos Ger- manakos. She has been serving as a judge since 1989 and was given the FDF Heri- tage Hall of Fame award in 1999. Louise Bilman cur- rently teaches dance class- es at Kypseli Folk Dance Center in Pasadena. JUDGES from page 6 Place of origin: Kalymnos/ Dodecanese islands Metropolis Greek Education and gogy Academy of the University Marital state: married with 2 of Florina, and a Master’s degree children Culture Committee Launches Greek in Language and History from the Occupation: pharmacist Village “Immersion” Summer Camp University of Philosophy of Yugo- I have been involved with slavia, (Belgrade and Pristina). traditional folk dance and sing- The Metropolis of San Fran- tion and Culture is committed His knowledge of Greek dance ing since the age of 6. From 1976 cisco Office of Greek Education to teaching and learning Greek began in his childhood, first with I was a member of the dance and Culture is pleased to an- through open minds, open hearts, his father, Simos Konstantinou, and choral group of the Lykeion nounce a Greek Village “Immer- and open doors. Led by a dedi- who was a lead dancer and mas- of Greek Women of Kalymnos, sion” Camp from June 12 – 19, cated volunteer committee, this ter teacher of Greek folkdances, where my mother, Popi Mavrou 2010 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and group is committed to the mission and later, with his very early par- is the president. I attended the Retreat Center. This one-week of developing a strong and endur- ticipation in dance performing School of Pharmacology at Aristo- program, designed for youth ages ing organization of learners, fac- groups. He was a charter member teleion University of Thessaloniki. 6 – 11, will focus on developing ulty, and staff through informed in the development and organisa- While studying there I was danc- tion of seminars of Greek tradi- Greek language skills and learn- leadership and sustainable de- ing in various groups and I was a ing the customs and traditions of velopment. To accomplish this, tional dance organised for dance dance teacher at the Association of teachers and dancers in the village our Hellenic heritage, all while there is a need for open minds the Dodecanese People of Thessa- forming friendships with other that would drive organizational of Agios Germanos in the Prespes loniki. region, and is now the principal children who share the common improvement, open hearts that Kalamata became my perma- elements of our Orthodox faith would ensure the continuing pa- organiser of these seminars, which nent place of residence in 1990 currently educate between 50 and and Greek culture. Registration thos for teaching, and open doors and since then I have been an ac- forms will be available shortly, that would enable all learners to 60 dance specialists from around tive member of the local Lykeion the world per year. but please save the date as space achieve and thrive. of Greek Women, taking part in is limited. We are eager to work with Since 1990, Yiannis has con- all performances and festivals in “The Greek Village Immer- educators, clergy, administrators, ducted in-depth research of the Greece and abroad. In 1997 I be- sion Camp has been a goal of the and all parishioners towards rais- dances, music, customs, and tradi- came a member of the board of the Metropolis, and through the gen- ing the bar in meeting the diverse tions of social groups and ethnic Lykeion of Kalamata, responsible erosity of Dr. and Mrs. James Kal- educational needs of our parishes minorities who migrated to Mace- for the choir and dance groups. I lins and family, this program will throughout the Greek Orthodox donia - such as the Vlachs and ref- coordinate the dance teachers and ugees from Thrace and Asia Mi- I also teach teenagers traditional become a reality in June 2010. Metropolis of San Francisco. nor, as well as those indigenous to dance, as well as instructing the Saint Nicholas Ranch offers a For more information on Macedonia. He also has been in- adult group in Aegean dances .I am beautiful setting, and the children the Greek Village “Immersion” volved with comparative research also responsible for the research, who participate will experience Camp, or how you can be in- studies of social communities be- spoken texts and stage scenery for our Greek language and culture volved with preserving our Greek yond the Greek borders. all choir performances. In 2006 in a fun, loving and nurturing en- language and culture in your par- He has presented many as- and 2007 I was honored to be a vironment,” said His Eminence ish and at the Metropolis level, pects of his research at conferenc- member of the judges panel at FDF Metropolitan Gerasimos of San please contact Theodora Kou- es on traditional dance and music, in California. I also teach dances Francisco. nalakis at: sfgreekeducation@ in Greece and in many other coun- and songs of Kalymnos and the The Office of Greek Educa- sanfran.goarch.org. ■ tries, such as Australia, England, general Dodecanese at seminars Scotland, Holland, Spain, France, in Greece and abroad. Students Excel in Greek Language, Russia and Canada, and has col- George Nickols is a native Los laborated with other dance special- Angeleno, holds a BA in Math- Earn Certificate of Attainment ists of the Balkans in presenting ematics and is currently employed the dances, music and folklore of by a public data networking and specific geographical areas and Francisco is an examination cen- telecommunications corporation. Evangelia Koutsou tre for the Western States since various Balkan ethnic groups, i.e., His devotion to his ethnic Greek Consul for Educational 1999. The first examinations were Vlachs, Roma, Sarakatsani, Ar- heritage in both dance and theatre Affairs – Western States conducted in May 2000 and since vanites, etc.. has brought him immense joy and Yiannis is President and Artis- then a Certificate of Attainment in pleasure. George has been in- The Certificate of Attainment tic Director of the “Lygistes” Cul- Greek has been awarded to over volved in Greek dance since 1963, in Greek was established in No- tural Association (with branches in 150 students. A special awards has participated in many Greek vember 1998 (Presidential Decree Athens and Florina), and a found- presentation will be included in the cultural events, productions, inter- 363/1998) by the Greek Ministry ing member of “The Academy of Cultural Night program on Satur- national festivals, TV and films. of National Education, in order to Traditional Folklore Dance and day, January 16, 2010. Please join George is a member of the FDF provide official certification of the Music” located in Athens, Greece. us in supporting and congratulat- Board of Trustees and is the desig- Greek Language. He is also actively involved with ing past and future candidates. nate Scholarship Chairperson. He The Center for the Greek Lan- the “Association for the Preserva- “I extend to these students my has been a judge since 1986, “the guage (CGL) has been assigned the tion and Dissemination of Tradi- congratulations for their outstand- year of the great flood” in San Di- exclusive and overall responsibil- tional Dance and Music”. ing efforts to obtain such proficien- ego. ity for the examination procedures Yiannis is highly regarded in cy in the Greek language. They are George Papangellin began through which the Certificate of at- Greece and abroad, not only be- to be commended for this tremen- dancing in 1974 with the Ionian tainment in Greek may be awarded cause of his comprehensive re- dous achievement, and I hope that Dancers, at St. Nicholas parish and has been conducting the exam- search and fieldwork, but because others will strive to earn this Cer- in San Jose. He helped start the inations since 1999 in Greece and of his professional dance and tificate in future years. Knowledge Parnassos Dancers for Holy Cross around the world. Celebrating the of the Greek language will benefit teaching skills, and his knowledge parish, Belmont in 1981. In 1983, 10 years since the establishment these students throughout their of both the theoretical and practi- he directed the Epirus Dancers at of the Certificate, we wish to ac- lives and careers,” stated His Emi- cal aspects of this field. His stu- St. Nicholas in San Jose. After knowledge and congratulate all the nence Metropolitan Gerasimos of dents are taught the most neces- moving to Fresno, he joined and successful candidates who have San Francisco. sary information about the various directed the Kefi Dancers, for St. been awarded with any of the four Visit yourfdf.org for student and complex cultural aspects of George. levels of attainment. and certificate info. ■ the many regions of Greece, and During his time in both Frenso The Education Office in San receive instruction on teaching, re- and San Jose, he stage directed var- searching, and transcribing dance ious Greek variety (music, dance, patterns (‘simeographia’). Since skit) performances in San Jose, Groups save 30% 2001, he has been a teacher for the San Francisco, Phoenix, Fresno at Located in Downtown San student dance group of the Balkan The Tech Museum and Seattle. In Fresno, he choreo- Jose, the Capital of Silicon Valley. FDF attendees get a Studies department of the Aristotle graphed “Zorba, the musical” for special price to visit The Tech Museum’s regular University of Thessalonika. The Good Company Players. $7.00 Anna Mavrou; Place of gallery exhibits and choose an educational IMAX movie. birth:Thessaloniki JUDGES continue on page 8 JUDGES from page 7 born in Chrysoupoulis Ioannina, Epirus. Anne and Santa Monica Com- He continues to either near Kavala, in Macedo- has studied, performed, munity Colleges. Anne OLI direct or work with various nia, Greece, where his par- and taught Greek dance is one of the founders and dance groups in Fresno’s ents settled after leaving for over 40 years. She was leaders of the Café Asteria MAZI St. George Greek Com- Pontos. His father played assistant director and lead Greek Dance Club in Los 2010 the official FDF publication munity, and teach Greek the Pontian lyra, and as a dancer of the Ellas Dance Angeles, preserving and and Pontos. He also has folk dance, traditions and young boy, he learned Pon- Theater, directed by Char- disseminating traditional provided consultation with costumes to Elder Hos- tian dances and folklore. lie Kyriacou for four years, dance. Anne has been an various dance directors tel classes at St. Nicholas At the age of seven, he as well as a member of sev- FDF judge continuously throughout the southland. Ranch, in Dunlap. entered the Pontian Club eral other Los Angeles per- since 1988 and an HDF George has held sev- and participated in dance forming companies includ- judge since 2003. Costume Judges eral positions within the performances at festivals. ing the Intersection Greek Nikos Stefanidis was Bertha Angels: My governing and operational Nikos moved to Athens, Dancers, Panegyri, direct- born in Chios, Greece and name is Bertha Angels and bodies of the Folk Dance where he danced in vari- ed by Nikos Varvitsiotis, though he did not dance I am excited to be rejoining the cast of judges partici- and Choral Festival (FDF) ous Pontian organizations and O Pontos, directed by that much as a youngster, pating in this years’ FDF. I of the Metropolis of San and acted in Pontian the- Nikos Savvidis. Anne trav- he did pay undivided at- first got involved in FDF in Francisco. During the ater. In Athens, he became els to Greece often and has tention to the dances per- 1983 as an observer and my past 13 years, he served interested in dance from all concentrated her studies of formed by elders in his involvement progressed as Dance Judge Coordina- parts of Greece and was Greek dance on Pontian native island of Chios. His tor, and most recently as a invited by Dora Stratou to and Macedonian villages over the years as my chil- love of dancing was not dren embraced Greek Folk dance judge. He has also join the National Ensemble in Northern Greece, attend- put into action until he saw been a dance judge at the dancing. Through this in- of Greece. With them, he ing festivals, weddings, a performance by the Terp- HDF in Georgia, North volvement I developed a toured Greece, Europe and seminars, classes and per- sichoreans in Philadelphia Carolina, and most recent- passion for costumes that Asia. In the US, Nikos has formances in Greece and in 1976 celebrating the ly at the innaugural AGDC given workshops and insti- the United States. She pre- has led to years of contin- country’s bicentennial. He (American Greek Dance tutes and directed perform- sented a paper on “A Wed- ued research and learning. remained an active dancer Competition) in Chicago. ing groups. He also makes ding in Florina” at the In- As a result of my efforts, I until August of 1983 when He has traveled and sells handcrafted Pon- ternational Organization of have previously served as a he left the east coast to throughout Greece and, tian lyras. Nikos has been Folk Arts (IOFA) in 2000 costume judge at FDF. pursue graduate studies in together with Dr. Mary an FDF judge since 1985. and has written articles for I’ve been fortunate to Coros, prepared the Ka- Anne Gani Sirota was Oli Mazi. She consults fre- Los Angeles. He stumbled be part of several Commu- mari Dance Group, St. born in the Greek commu- quently with dance groups upon the Panygiri dance nities in the Los Angeles George, Fresno, to perform nity in Alexandria, Egypt, and has taught Greek danc- group while they were area. at various venues in Crete where her grandparents ing classes at Kypseli performing at the Greek Currently, I’m an ac- in the summer of 1999. immigrated in the early Greek Dance Center in festival in Arcadia that tive member of Saint So- Nikos Savvidis was 20th century from Arta and Pasadena as well as Pierce very summer, and attended phia Cathedral. Over the practices as time allowed. years I’ve done extensive His first involvement with research and made cos- FDF was when he was in- tumes from every region of vited to dance Chios danc- Greece in support of mul- es for a memorial to Mano- tiple communities. In the Save the Date li Abazis in San Francisco. course of researching cos- Nikos is a psychologist in tumes, I have gained exten- Los Angeles, working with sive exposure in materials, st homeless and troubled pattern making, embroi- 1 Annual Greek Immersion teens. He was the recipi- dery, crocheting trim and ent of the 2008 Humani- detailed sewing in an ef- Summer Camp tarian Award. Nikos has fort to preserve the rich au- for children ages 6-11 taught dances from Chios thentic Greek traditions of at Kypseli, and consults costume making. I hope to translate my experience in with various groups in the critical support of the tre- “The Greek Village” Los Angeles area. Nikos mendous efforts shared by Fun for the summer – Memories for a lifetime has been an FDF judge all at FDF this year. since 2006. Julie Mamalis has Stelios Zoumbera- been involved in the folk kis has been participating June 12-19 2010 dance movement for the in FDF for over 25 years last 28 years, where she St. Nicholas Ranch through dancing, direct- has researched and created ing, and organizing. He Greek costumes for the An- Dunlap, CA began his dancing ca- nunciation parish in Sacra- reer at St. George Parish mento. She is instrumental in Downey, California and in presenting a “cultural later at Assumption in Long exhibit” for the parish’s Metropolis of San Francisco Beach, California. He annual Greek festival, pro- started directing 15 years viding visitors a historical Hellenic Education and Culture Committee ago at various churches overview of ancient Greece in the southland includ- to the present, through the ing St. Sophia, St. George, display of a vast collection For Additional Information and Assumption, and has of photographs, authentic gained a vast amount items and clothing. She Please call 650.594.9585 of experience with many currently serves as a mem- regions throughout ber of Annunciation’s par- Greece. He has extensive- ish council, and is a long- ly studied the dances and time member of the church traditions of Rethimno, choir, where she was the Crete, which is where his organist for 25 years. Ju- lie has retired from a long family originates, and has a career at the State Capitol broad knowledge of dances where she worked as an and traditions from the Cy- administrative assistant clades, Dodecanesa, Ep- for a state assemblymem- tanisa, Macedonia, Thrace, JUDGES continue on page 9 JUDGES from page 8 the California Arts Council from Meet-the-Composer, Committee of the Greek bachelor’s degree at ber and senator. Julie is for Lifetime Achievement the Onassis Foundation, Orthodox Metropolis of UCLA, he obtained his first the mother of two grown in the Arts in 2002. Dena American Music Center San Francisco Church Mu- bouzouki and began teach- children, who both partici- has been an FDF costume and the French Ministry of sic Federation. ing himself how to play pated in FDF, and now en- judge since 1999 and is Culture. Awards include the Jim Hronas the instrument in his spare joys watching three grand- also a costume judge for George Ladd Prix de Paris, Jim’s love of and in- time. Upon graduating children who are presently HDF. the Hertz Fellowship, the volvement with Greek de- from college, he joined the enthusiastic participants of Choral Judges: Henry Mancini Award, 1st motic and liturgical music Hellenic Sounds orchestra FDF! prize in the Mediterranean began nearly five decades and, along with playing for Yiorgos Vassilandon- Irene Peros is a native Music Center International ago when as an altar boy, hundreds of wedding and akis holds MA and PhD of Modesto, California. Competition, the Hellenic he took many of his cues baptismal receptions, and degrees in Composition She has been dancing since Composers Union Award, for what to do during the Greek festivals all over the from UC Berkeley, and has a very young age. Her pride as well as the Nicola di Divine Liturgy from the western United States, he also studied at UCLA, and and love for her Greek her- Lorenzo and Eisner Prizes hymns he heard coming had the opportunity to play at the École Nationale de itage have encouraged her in Music. A dedicated edu- from the choir loft and for some of the earliest Musique et de Danse, Erik to study Greek dance, cos- cator, Dr. Vassilandonakis psaltirion at Saint Nicholas FDF events when the folk Satie in Paris. His music tumes, and to help teach has taught Composition Greek Orthodox Church in dance ministry was still in is widely performed, and and share her knowledge and Music Theory at the Northridge, California. its infancy. has been commissioned and experience with people University of Virginia, the In the mid sixties as a In 1975, Jim mar- and premiered among oth- of diverse backgrounds. University of California, member of the clarinet sec- ried his darling wife Ma- ers by the National Opera Her formal involvement Berkeley, the Centre de tion in junior high school ria, who at the time was of Greece, the New York in Greek folklore began in Création Musicale, Iannis orchestra and high school a member of the Hellenic New Music Ensemble, the 1984 when she was instru- Xenakis in Paris as well marching band, he decided Dancers, one of the pre- SF Contemporary Music mental in forming, dancing as the John Adams Young it was time to form a group mier Greek folk dance en- Players, Nouvel Ensemble and directing the Patriotes Composers Program at the with some of his fellow sembles in southern Cali- Moderne, the Juilliard Per- of Modesto. From 1984 to Crowden School. He is the Goyans for the purpose fornia. This courtship was cussion Ensemble, ALEA 1999, she directed, assisted Music Director at the Oak- of playing Greek music at literally the story of “the III, and the Athens Cam- or danced in 10 different land Ascension Cathedral various parish functions. boy in the band who met erata, supported by grants dance groups in Modesto. and serves on the Music While pursuing his JUDGES continue on page 10 She was also involved with the coordination, re- search and production of 11 award-winning cos- tumes. Irene also chaired 3 very successful FDF Sym- posia held in Modesto. Irene has served on the FDF Board of Trustees in several positions and has been involved with various aspects of FDF. Irene has been a costume judge at FDF since 2001. Dena Stamos has been involved in Greek dance since her childhood in Chi- cago. She first performed at age seven. She became involved in FDF eighteen years ago as Executive Di- rector of the Modesto dance Your next major groups. During this time the Modesto representation grew from twelve dancers in two groups to 140 danc- ers and seven groups. Dena is respected and admired performance for the accomplishments of the Modesto groups at FDF: 57 awards, includ- ing 6 Sweepstakes medals and 19 First Place medals. Her expertise in costum- ing is also evident in the is just one 8 costume awards won by Modesto teams. She did the research for those win- ning costumes, and parents and dancers did the work with her help. Dena has click away. one of the largest private collections of Greek Folk Costumes on the West Now accepting applications for 2011 Management Team. Coast and has done mul- For more info and a copy of the official application form, email [email protected] tiple exhibits throughout the state. Dena has been involved with FDF for 25 years, including serving on the FDF Board of Trustees. She was a recipient of the FDF Humanitarian Award. She was also honored by ROUMELIOTES from page 5 cisco. fornia for 40 years. A Preserving the Past tropolis Council and Saint Valerie’s religious faithful steward of the The Greek Orthodox of the Metropolis of San Nicholas Ranch and Re- foundation began in the Holy Cross Church in Folk Dance and Cho- Francisco. These videos treat Center Board. Annunciation Greek Or- Belmont for many years, ral Festival and Board of will be used for historical “Valerie’s tireless thodox Church in Dover, Valerie served the church Trustees extends its sincere reference as well as for de- leadership and abundant New Hampshire where her as a Philoptochos Chapter President, and as a past thanks to the Preovolos velopment of new videos energy have been a tre- family was very active. leader of GOYA (a youth family for their 32 years and promotional materials. mendous blessing to the While residing on the east Metropolis of San Fran- coast, Valerie earned de- organization). of service and leadership This important step, thanks Despite the many cisco. As an individual, grees in Liberal Arts and of the FDF ministry. Most to the help of past FDF hours spent in the service she truly exemplifies the Interior Design. Valerie is recently, the Preovolos member Peter Preovolos to her faith, Valerie finds a specialist in Asian Arts family collected, compiled and his family, will create a work of Philoptochos, time and energy to be a and artifacts owning her and digitized past FDF stronger foundation for the always being concerned highly successful entre- video archives that will FDF ministry and its fruit- about the welfare of oth- own businesses with her preneur in two enterprises now reside in the library ful future. ■ ers, especially through her husband Demetri of 40 which she created and of work on the Kids ‘n’ Can- years. Demetri and Valerie which she is CEO: Valerie cer program and with the have traveled extensively FDF Hosts 1976 - Present Roum Designs and Ko- Student Aid Endowment throughout Asia, China, pella Jewelry. 1976 St. Spyridon, San Diego Fund. Valerie is truly de- and the Philippines, and Valerie’s love and de- 1978 St. Spyridon, San Diego serving of this honor, and along with their daughter votion to her church and 1979 St. Spyridon, San Diego her faithfulness and com- Stefanie, they have trav- Philoptochos will con- 1980 St. Nicholas, San Jose mitment to the Church eled to the land of their ori- tinue to be ever-present in 1981 St. Spyridon, San Diego should serve as an inspira- gins on several occasions. her life. The Metropolis of 1982 St. George, Fresno tion to others,” stated His The Roumeliotes fam- San Francisco is the richer 1983 St. Spyridon, San Diego Eminence Metropolitan ily has lived in San Fran- for her devotion and dedi- 1984 The Annunciation, Sacramento Gerasimos of San Fran- cisco and Belmont, Cali- cation. ■ 1985 Resurrection, Castro Valley Frangadakis from page 5 1986 St. Spyridon, San Diego JUDGES from page 9 since 1986 to devote time 1987 Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Long Beach to his family and career the Greek community. Re- 1988 The Annunciation, Sacramento fornia. This courtship was literally the story of as a sales representative maining close to his ethnic 1989 Ascension, Oakland for Johnson and Johnson, roots, Kenny is also active 1990 St. Demetrios, Seattle “the boy in the band who Jim’s love of liturgical mu- in the Pan-Cretan Associa- 1991 Folk Dance Festival Council – Los Angeles met and fell in love with the sic, and his desire to be a tion, Ikaros Chapter, hav- 1992 St. John’s, Anaheim girl in the dance group!” member once again of a ing previously served as 1993 Folk Dance Festival Council – Sacramento Their two daughters, Anas- performing group, prompt- 1994 Folk Dance Festival Council – Phoenix tasia and Nicole have par- President. 1995 Folk Dance Festival Council – Ontario ticipated in dozens of folk ed him to join the choir at Kenny is the son of 1996 Folk Dance Festival Council – San Francisco dance festivals (with their Saint Anthony Greek Or- George and Kay Franga- 1997 Folk Dance Festival Council – Ontario adoring parents as either thodox Church of Pasade- dakis. He and his wife, 1998 Folk Dance Festival Council – Ontario active “behind the scenes” na, California in 1999. He Angie, reside in Saratoga, 1999 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Ontario participants or spectators). has been the choir direc- California. They have two 2000 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – San Jose With his musical per- tor there for the last three children, George and Naki, 2001 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Pasadena formance days on hold years. ■ son-in-law Michael Bauer, 2002 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Spokane and are the proud grand- 2003 Folk Dance Festival Board of Trustees – Anaheim parents of Zoe and Dylan

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Hrisi Thisavri, St. John the Baptist, Nea Ellas, Assumption, Long Souliotes, St. Demetrios, Seattle, FDF 2010 Dance Group List Las Vegas, NV, Advanced Primary Beach, CA, Advanced Intermediate WA, Advanced Intermediate Aeti, St. Demetrios, Tucson, AZ, Eirini, Annunciation Cathedral, San I Parea, St. George, Downey, CA, Nea Genea, Holy Trinity, San Spartiates, St. Demetrios, Seattle, Advanced Intermediate Francisco, CA, Primary Primary Francisco, CA, Intermediate WA, Junior Aidhonia, St. Demetrios, Seattle, Ekrixi, St. Demetrios, Concord, CA, Junior Olympians, Assumption, Neo Kyma, Sts. Constantine and Spithes, Annunciation Cathedral, WA, Choral - Div I Junior Long Beach, CA, Advanced Junior Helen, Cardiff, CA, Division III San Francisco, CA, Division III Akrites, St. Demetrios, Seattle, WA, Ekrixi, Annunciation Cathedral, San Kardoules, St. Demetrios, Seattle, Neo Kyma, Annunciation, St. John the Baptist Youth Choir, Advanced Senior Francisco, CA, Advanced Junior WA, Division III Sacramento, CA, Advanced St. John the Baptist, Las Vegas, NV, Choral - Div II Anagennisis, Annunciation, Eliaktithes, St. Katherine, Chandler, Kateyitha, St. George, Fresno, CA, Intermediate Modesto, CA, Senior AZ, Advanced Intermediate Junior Oikogeneia, St. George, Fresno, Stavroforoi, Resurrection, Castro Valley, CA, Division III Anastasi, Resurrection Church, Elliniki Floga, St. Nicholas, San Keravnos, St. Sophia Cathedral, CA, Intermediate Castro Valley, CA, Primary Jose, CA, Advanced Primary Los Angeles, CA, Advanced Primary Olympian Dancers, Assumption, Stavroforoi, St. John the Baptist, Las Vegas, NV, Intermediate Anatoli, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Elliniki Klironomia, St. Nicholas, Kleftopoula, St. Nectarios, Covina, Long Beach, CA, Advanced Senior Portland, OR, Advanced Primary San Jose, CA, Advanced Junior CA, Senior Oneropoula, Annunciation, Ta Angeloudakia, Assumption, Long Beach, CA, Junior Anemos, Ascension Cathedral, Elliniki Psihi, St. George, Downey, Ksefteria, St. Nicholas, San Jose, Modesto, CA, Primary Oakland, CA, Advanced CA, Division III CA, Advanced Senior Opalakia, Sts. Constantine and Ta Angeloudia, Annunciation, Sacramento, CA, Primary Intermediate Ellinopoula, St. Nicholas, Kymata, St. Sophia Cathedral, Los Helen, Cardiff, CA, Advanced Antilali, St. Demetrios, Tucson, AZ, Northridge, Primary Angeles, CA, Intermediate Primary Ta Asterakia, St. Anthony, Pasadena, CA, Advanced Choral - Div II Elpida, Sts. Constantine and Helen, Levendia, St. John the Baptist, Orama, Annunciation, Modesto, CA, Intermediate Astaria, Holy Cross, Belmont, CA, Cardiff, CA, Advanced Junior Anaheim, CA, Advanced Senior Advanced Primary Annunciation, Division III Enomenoi, Holy Cross, Belmont, Liondaria, St. John the Baptist, Las Orpheus, St. Nicholas , Northridge, Ta Levendopeda, Sacramento, CA, Advanced Junior Astrape, Ascension Cathedral, CA, Senior Vegas, NV, Division III Advanced Junior Assumption, Long Oakland, CA, Advanced Junior Epithia, Holy Cross, Belmont, CA, Little Minoans, Nativity of Christ, Paradosi, Holy Trinity, San Ta Patriotakia, Beach, CA, Division III Astrapi, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Intermediate Marin County, CA, Division III Francisco, CA, Senior Annunciation, Phoenix, AZ, Intermediate Filarakia, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Maniates, Resurrection Church, Peloponnisos, St. Nicholas, San Ta Pedakia, Sacramento, CA, Junior Athanatoi, Annunciation, Phoenix, AZ, Primary Castro Valley, CA, Junior Jose, CA, Intermediate Holy Trinity , San Sacramento, CA, Senior Filarakia, St. Anthony, Pasadena, Methorios, Greek Orthodox Periyali, St. Katherine, Redondo Ta Xadelfakia, Francisco, CA, Division III Avyerinos, St. George, Downey, CA, Advanced Primary Mission, San Juan Capistrano, CA, Beach, CA, Intermediate St. Anthony, CA, Junior Fourtouna, St. Sophia, Los Advanced Junior Philopatria, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Terpsichoreans, Pasadena, CA, Junior Axios, St. Nicholas, San Jose, CA, Angeles, CA, Senior Mikra Asteria, Assumption, Long Portland, OR, Advanced Junior Annunciation, Modesto, Division III Glendi Dancers, Resurrection Beach, CA, Primary Poulakia, Annunciation, Modesto, Thorivos, CA, Intermediate Bouboukakia, St. Anthony, Church, Castro Valley, CA, Minoan Dancers I, Nativity of CA, Division III Pasadena, CA, Division III Advanced Intermediate Christ, Marin County, CA, Advanced Romiosini, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Thyrsos, Holy Trinity, San Francisco, CA, Junior Chrysi Aeti, Ascension Cathedral, Hara, Annunciation, Sacramento, Senior Portland, OR, Senior Oakland, CA, Advanced Senior CA, Choral - Div I Minoan Dancers II, Nativity of Rythmos, St. Katherine, Redondo To Thavma Tou Pnevmatos, St. Barbara, Santa Barbara, Senior Delfinia, St. John the Baptist, Las Helidonia, Greek Orthodox Mission, Christ, Marin County, CA, Advanced Beach, CA, Junior Vegas, NV, Primary San Juan Capistrano, CA, Advanced Junior Seismos, Ascension Cathedral, Veryina, St. George, Downey, CA, Senior Dynami, Holy Cross, Belmont, CA, Primary Mnemosyne, Holy Trinity, San Oakland, CA, Advanced Primary Advanced Primary Helidonia (Choir), Annunciation, Francisco, CA, Advanced Senior Seizmos, Annunciation Cathedral, Zoi, St. Barbara, Santa Barbara, Primary Dynami Choir, Annunciation, Modesto, CA, Choral - Div II Nae Zoe, Ascension Cathedral, San Francisco, CA, Senior Modesto, CA, Choral - Div I Oakland, CA, Division III would soon meet in Gero- Greece 2009 St. Demetrios Dancers Seattle limenas, Mani the southern most part of the Pelopon- nese. The second part of our journey began at the villa of Kostas and Linda Ky- rimis, who, with the assis- tance of the Mayor of Ar- eopolis, arranged song and Visiting Greece is al- their death to prevent be- dance performances by St. ways an adventure, but ing captured by the Turks. Demetrios and several oth- traveling with our St. The next day we visited er groups including their Demetrios Dance Group the Archaeological Sites of local Mani dancers. With was an extraordinary expe- Nikopolis , Ancient Kas- ers and chorale group sang Our final performance warm hospitality, Kostas and Linda also very gener- rience. sopi and a Sarakatzani Vil- and danced for an audience in Kanali was shared with ously opened their home in This summer 71 danc- lage. of over 800 villagers. The groups from Leros, Pre- Gerolimenas hosting our ers, musicians, parents, Sunday morning, Au- cheers and tears from the veza and Kanali to a crowd families from Seattle along grandparents and dance gust 2 we attended liturgy crowd left us with memo- of over 1000 spectators. with arranging for our friends from Saint Deme- with Metropolitan Me- ries we will never forget. In true Grecian form, we dancers to visit the Diros trios in Seattle toured the letios of Preveza at Agia Later that evening, we were up till the wee hours Caves. Epirus region of Greece. Paraskavi Church in Kana- were hosted by the local enjoying the music of our Although our initial The main purpose of our li; Fr. Photios Dumont and people; we all ate, drank Pangeo and the local band intent was based on per- trip was to perform for the Fr. John Contoravdis offi- and danced to the music with dinner provided by formance, in our hearts we Greek people in various ciated. After services, we provided by Mr. Nikos the local community offi- achieved so much more. parts of this area by invi- gathered for breakfast with Philipides , his fellow mu- cials. The connections we creat- tation of Kostas Mitsis. the Metropolitan and other sicians and our Christos The morning of Au- ed with our culture, home- Mr. Mitsis is the director Kanali officials while our Govetas. It was magical! gust 5 we all said good bye land, and those we met will of the local dance group chorale, under the direc- The following morn- to Epirus knowing many last a lifetime. ■ in Preveza, and has con- tion of Ruth Hunter, per- ing before leaving Konitsa, ducted dance symposiums formed Byzantine hymns. we explored the beauti- throughout the United By invitation from ful Konitsa Bridge built States, Canada, Australia Demetrios Tellis, Presi- in 1870; then on to an af- and Europe. dent of the Organizing ternoon in Ioannina. That Our adventure began Committee, Brotherhood evening Kostas hosted on July 31, 2009 in Kanali Agias Paraskevis Konitsas a glendi at his home in with a tour to the cliffs of “To Kerasovo”, our group Kanali where the dancers Zalogo . We climbed the traveled to Konitsa and from Leros with Antonis 410 steps to the Monument then on to Kerasavo (Agia and Roula Dallaris joined where the women and chil- Paraskevi near the Alba- us for a wonderful evening dren of Souli jumped to nian border) . Our danc- of dancing and song.