Yesterday, thousands of parishioners from across the American West converged on Phoenix, Arizona in anticipation of the Metropolis of San Francisco’s 49th Annual Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF).
This year’s theme is “SHINE,” representing the sun as a common thread between Arizona and Greece. The theme also signifies how FDF participants reflect the light of Christ by celebrating their shared faith and culture.
“You are letting your light shine … by realizing that each and every one of you is a reflection of one another,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at the event’s opening. “The hard work that you put in, in order to be here and to represent your communities, is a shared enterprise.”
Last night’s Opening Ceremony began with team entrances, where each parish was introduced before a crowd of cheering parents and clergy. Several teams carried props representing their hometown, such as Disneyland paraphernalia or inflatable dice.
While the majority of dancers come from California, other Metropolis teams hail from as far in Seattle, Las Vegas, and Honolulu. The largest FDF yet, the event also welcomes teams from Chicago and Boston this year.
Following team introductions, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, and His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea led an Agiasmos service, blessing the participants with holy water.
Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco addresses FDF participants at the Opening Ceremony. Photo by Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman
“You shine through your willingness to work hard, to practice, and to offer your very best,” Metropolitan Gerasimos encouraged the participants, “and you remind us that our Orthodox faith is not something we simply preserve, but something we live and share.”
Today, FDF will continue with the Division I and II Semi-Final Dance Competitions, as well as the Division II Choral Competition.
Photos by Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman
