San Diego – The sights and sounds of the 41st Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) will fill the Town and Country Resort in San Diego from February 16 – 19, 2017. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America will once again join this celebration of faith and culture. This exceptional ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, under the leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, will bring together over 3,000 people in celebration of Faith, Dance and Fellowship during four days of festivities, dance and choral competition, workshops, and ministry outreach.
The theme for this year’s FDF is “All For One” and emphasizes teamwork and unity, both of which are important aspects of this ministry. Through a new and exciting partnership with the Metropolis Philoptochos, the entire FDF family – dancers, singers, parents, grandparents, and friends – will package during registration on Thursday, February 16, 41,000 meals to benefit Feeding Children Everywhere, a national nonprofit organization working to combat childhood hunger in America. The FDF family will work together as a team to ensure that no child goes without food.
“I eagerly anticipate bringing together nearly all corners of our Metropolis at FDF. To witness this ministry in action and see the vibrancy of our faith and culture through the enthusiastic participation of our parishes is indeed a joyful experience,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco. “The added opportunity for FDF to expand its efforts through this exciting collaboration with Philoptochos to address childhood hunger makes us not just believers but doers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Nearly 100 dance and choral groups have registered for the 2017 FDF with participants from Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Two full days of competition, Friday and Saturday, will culminate in the exciting Advanced Senior competition round on Sunday afternoon. The choral competition will be held on Friday immediately following lunch and will feature Youth Choirs from around the Metropolis. Division III, a non-competitive exhibition featuring the youngest dancers taking to the stage for the very first time, will take place Saturday afternoon. This category will include 19 groups, thus demonstrating the excitement for this ministry and the promise of its future.
Under the leadership of the FDF Board of Trustees and Management Team, countless hours of planning have gone into making this an enriching, educational and inspiring weekend of Christian unity and fellowship.
Workshops offered during FDF have developed into a very popular component of the weekend. They include great topics and speakers covering issues pertinent to living out one’s faith in today’s society, raising emotionally and spiritually healthy children, Orthodox parenting, and much more. The workshops are open to all FDF attendees free of charge.
The Archons of the Metropolis and Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle will make a presentation, during the Archon’s Saturday evening dinner, focusing on the ongoing struggle for religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The exhibit area will feature the ministries offered by the Metropolis of San Francisco including Family Wellness, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the Greek Village Immersion Camp and Missions and Evangelism. A special entertainment area designated for younger FDF participants will be available during the weekend and includes movies, games, and other fun activities.
Website: www.yourfdf.org
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