The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco 46th Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) was held in Phoenix, Arizona, February 16-19, and it was one for the record books. Support for this thriving ministry soared to nearly record levels with over 3,500 participants. There were a total of 94 dance and choral groups registered, representing 30 parishes from the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington. Special guests for the weekend included His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Consul General of Greece in Los Angeles Ioannis Stamatekos.
This year’s FDF theme was Rise, symbolic of the Phoenix, the bird rising from the ashes, while also being connected to FDF rising back to the top, full of enthusiasm, excitement, and a renewed commitment to faith, dance, and fellowship.
On February 16 immediately prior to the Opening Ceremony, the FDF participants joined with the Metropolis Philoptochos, under the leadership of President Jeannie Ranglas. They worked side by side to assemble personal care items which were donated to the Sojourner Center, a leading non-profit organization that has been a safe haven from domestic violence for women and their children in Arizona. Jeannie Ranglas stated: “We pray that these women and their children can find healing and peace and that this small effort we made this weekend can ease their struggle and give them hope.”
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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Melikamp
