FDF 2022 Brings Faithful “Mazi”
It was a long awaited weekend of Faith, Dance and Fellowship. After two years, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Folk Dance and Choral Festival returned from February 17 – 20, 2022 in Phoenix, AZ and being together – Mazi – was the focus of the weekend. Longtime friendships were rekindled, new friends were made, and the Valley of the Sun was filled with a display of Greek folk dancing, elaborate costumes, melodious voices, and an undeniable spirit of excitement to be celebrating a weekend of faith and culture marking the 45th Folk Dance and Choral Festival for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco.
This year’s event brought together nearly 2,000 people including dancers, singers, clergy, and spectators, representing 23 parishes from the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New York and Oregon.
It was a blessing to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to FDF where he remarked, “This 45th Annual Folk Dance and Choral Festival is a source of pride all across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.” During the weekend, Archbishop Elpidophoros enjoyed the beautiful sights and sounds of the intricate dance suites representing various regions of Greece. Witnessing the love and support the Archbishop has for this ministry which brings together the largest number of youth in our Archdiocese at a singular event was especially uplifting.
Thursday evening included a Welcome Social in place of the traditional Opening Ceremony. This new format was well-received and provided an opportunity for the FDF participants to gather in an informal setting and reconnect and share their excitement of the weekend.
From morning to evening on both Friday and Saturday, dance competition reverberated throughout the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown hotel which served as the site host for the weekend. The choral competition was held mid-day on Friday, and young and aspiring Division III dancers graced the stage with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos on Saturday, eagerly anticipating when they will move up the ranks into competition in the coming years. As His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros addressed the young children and shared with them the celebration of the 100 year anniversary of our Archdiocese he stated, “We belong to the first century of the Archdiocese. You are the ones writing the history of the second century.”
Workshops were held during the weekend which provided an opportunity for the dancers and their parents to engage in meaningful discussions on topics such as: Building Your Daily Rule of Prayer, Athletes for Christ, Knowledge and Faith Together: Orthodox Education at Hellenic College, Better Together, and From Memes to Meaning: A CrossRoad Session on Vocation and Purpose.
The Archieratical Divine Liturgy, celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, was another opportunity to exemplify the theme “Mazi”, as everyone came together in prayer and to partake of the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, Archbishop Elpidophoros reflected on the Parable of the Prodigal Son stating, “Our music and dancing – they would fit in very well with the great feast the father holds for his prodigal son. Even when the older brother complains, because he wants a party of his own. Perhaps the lesson here at FDF in this Parable is that it’s not about competition; it’s about celebration. It’s not about winning; it’s about the welcome that we can offer to one another, whatever our circumstances have been.” Also serving at the Divine Liturgy were His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, and several clergy from throughout the Metropolis.
At the conclusion of the service, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros presented His Grace Bishop Spyridon of Amastris with the Metropolitan Anthony Humanitarian Award in honor of his distinguished ministry and “his energy, his commitment, his fidelity, and his service,” stated Archbishop Elpidophoros. Metropolitan Gerasimos also articulated many accomplishments of Bishop Spyridon including being the founder of Narthex Press, serving on the Board of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, chairing the Liturgical Translation Committee of the Archdiocese, sponsoring conferences against Human Trafficking in the United States and abroad, and demonstrating his ongoing commitment to education and philanthropy by providing scholarships for charitable organizations, missionary endeavors and educational programs.
The Metropolis Philoptochos, under the leadership of Jeannie Ranglas, hosted the traditional Clergy Family Brunch at which they presented to Archbishop Elpidophoros a donation for the “Gifts of Love” campaign sponsored by the Archdiocesan Presbyters Council and the National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Joint Benevolent Fund, which offers assistance for priests, presvyteres and their families during times of family crisis, medical emergency, or extreme financial need. As a tangible reminder of the Archbishop’s visit to the southwest, the Metropolis Philoptochos also presented a limited edition vintage Ted DeGrazia porcelain figurine. DeGrazia was a world-renowned artist and the “Los Ninos” design was one of his signature pieces showing children holding hands, united in a circle of dance and friendship. In her remarks, President Jeannie Ranglas stated, “Beyond dancing, this gift also signifies that as a church – from our parishes, to the Metropolis, to the Archdiocese and the Ecumenical Patriarchate – we are holding hands, united in our faith, united in the hope of the Resurrection, and united in the love of Jesus Christ.”
At the Awards Ceremony, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos congratulated the FDF participants remarking, “You rose above all the challenges and you made it here to this stage and you were shining like stars in heaven!” He continued on to share, “This year’s theme, ‘Mazi’, has so many meanings, because it is not just about being together while dancing and singing. It is about reuniting, bringing people back together, and celebrating that even during our times of separation we remained together through our faith, together through our love, and together through the Holy Eucharist. We are one Body in Christ, and whether or not we are physically together, we are one in the faith!”
In his Archpastoral message, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America emphasized to the attendees that, “it is as much about celebration as it is about competition. Each of you has offered your very best efforts and talents. Therefore, despite the rankings, each of you is a champion. The awards that are given out tonight are reflections of the light inside each and every one of you. And the source of that light is our Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the world.”
The FDF Scholarship Committee presented 12 scholarships, each in the amount of $1,000, for students pursuing continuing education. Applicants are considered based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, parish involvement, and community service.
Sweepstakes honors for FDF 2022 went to dance groups: Sirines – Saint Nicholas Church, San Jose, CA (Division I); and Trikimia – Saint Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA (Division II). In the Choral Competition, First Place Division I – Aloha Youth Choir, Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral, Honolulu, HI; and First Place Division II – Effonia – Saint Nicholas Church, San Jose, CA.
Special thanks are due to the FDF Board of Trustees under the executive leadership of Rev. Father Gary Kyriacou – Chairman, Spiro Beckas – Vice Chairman, and Michael Syrengelas – Director of Finance, for their ongoing dedication to this ministry. The FDF 2022 Management Team was led by Christine Karambelas from Saint Demetrios Church in Seattle, WA, who guided a team of nearly 40 young adults in planning an amazing weekend of Faith, Dance and Fellowship. In recognition of her leadership, Christine Karambelas was honored with the Managing Director Award, and the FDF Director of Registration, Anthony Bussa, was presented with the Metropolitan Anthony Leadership Award.
Though FDF was smaller in numbers this year, it did not lack spirit and enthusiasm. The participants showcased their love of this ministry through their outstanding performances, and exemplified their faith in action throughout the weekend. For those not in attendance, FDF reached a worldwide audience through livestreaming on YouTube which garnered thousands of viewers in the United States, Greece and Canada.
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, in his concluding remarks commented, “I want to leave you with one more thought about the church. It is your home. It is a place where you belong. It is where we worship and journey together through the joys and challenges of life. We are all striving toward salvation. By loving one another, forgiving one another, accepting one another, and especially by praying together we can make even greater things happen for the Glory of God.”