Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announced today that the 47th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress and the National Philoptochos Biennial Convention will take place simultaneously from June 30 to July 4, 2024, in San Diego, California.
The Metropolis of San Francisco will serve as host, under the leadership of Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.
The theme of the Clergy-Laity Congress will be “In Christ, We Are One” based on Romans 12:4-5. The Congress will be led by Honorary Co-Chairs Archon George and Judy Marcus, and Congress Co-Chairs Archon Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas and Archon Isidoros and Maria Garifalakis. A planning committee has been formed and is comprised of representatives from both the Metropolis of San Francisco and other major representations of the Archdiocese.
The 2024 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention will also be Chaired by Jeannie Ranglas with Co-Chairs Valine Georgeson, Anita B. Kartalopoulos, and Cynthia Kezos.
Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed his excitement for the upcoming Clergy-Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Convention, stating:
“The Clergy-Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Convention provide the delegates the opportunity to be the voice of their parishes, their families, and friends. As we gather with the clergy and lay leaders from each parish, with the members of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, as well as with each organization, ministry, and institution of our sacred Archdiocese, it is vital for us to maximize this opportunity. The Clergy-Laity Congress is an important event in the life of the church, most critically as we continue to discuss and explore the ways in which the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and indeed every parish can meet the needs of our ever-changing world, and how we can focus on expanding our Orthodox presence in America. And we need each voice there to be heard.”
