The Metropolis Council for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco met for the first meeting of the 2024 – 2026 term on Wednesday, November 13 at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Belmont, CA.
The day began with Divine Liturgy for the Feast of Saint John Chrysostom, followed by the Installation Service for the Metropolis Council.
Metropolitan Gerasimos, as President of the Council, then convened a meeting of all the members, and the following officers were elected: Isidoros Garifalakis – Vice President; Honorable (Ret.) Connie Contes – Secretary; and Michael Syrengelas – Treasurer.
In his remarks to the Metropolis Council, Metropolitan Gerasimos challenged the members by stating, “We need to become agents of change. We need to build upon the foundation – that is the Gospel and our faith – but look through a new lens at the opportunities ahead of us as the Orthodox Church. We have been given the possibility of changing the message – not the dogma – but the way we deliver the messages of peace, love, and salvation to the world. Let us accept this challenge, first within ourselves, and then take this message to the ends of the world.”
Eight clergy and eight lay members of the Metropolis Council were elected at the March 2024 Clergy-Laity Assembly, and an additional eight members were appointed by Metropolitan Gerasimos. The Council members are: Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, Theodore Angelis, Philippos Athanasiades, Fr. Andrew Barakos, Spiro Beckas, Fr. Niko Bekris, Archdeacon Justin Bosl, (Ret.) Connie Contes, Steven Counelis, George C. Demos, Isidoros Garifalakis, Fr. Dean Kouldukis, Vasilios Marutsos, George Psefteas, George Psihogios, Jeannie Ranglas, Fr. Peter Salmas, Fr. Panagiotis Sotiras, Dionysios Stefanopoulos, Fr. Peter Stratos, Michael Syrengelas, Dr. Eve Tibbs, Dr. Anna Yallourakis, Fr. Thomas Zaferes, Demosthenis Zeppos. Metropolis Council Advocates: George Anagnostopoulos, James Eleopoulos, Chris Kalabokes, Paul Sogotis. Vice-President Emeritus Theofanis Economidis.
Photo: Kristen Bruskas
