Beloved in the Lord,

This Christmas, December 25, 2014, marks the 10th anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Anthony, of blessed memory, for it was Christmas Day 2004, when he departed from among us. He was a hierarch and shepherd with unique vision, a faithful servant of God's Will, and a true father to many of clergy and laity during his inspired 25 year ministry.

I have been a grateful recipient of the fruits of his labors and, along with you, I have tried to continue and build upon his God-pleasing work here in the West Coast. Just three days before his passing, Metropolitan Anthony published the attached encyclical, The Mantle of Elijah, which is a sincere and meaningful message and accounting of his service to the faithful of this Metropolis. This is an important document for all of us as we endeavor to actualize and expand his dreams and vision for our Church. As we now find ourselves ten years after his repose, our task is to bring to fruition these dreams, augmenting the vision he left for us to complete.

Additionally, I am attaching a biographical and poignant personal account of the life and ministry of Metropolitan Anthony, written by one of his closest friends and co-workers, Father John Bakas, the Dean of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles. I believe his view of Metropolitan Anthony is exceptionally personal and warm, and reminds us of Metropolitan Anthony’s ever-youthful but bold spirit.

I am instructing all the clergy in our Metropolis to conduct a Memorial Service for the eternal memory and rest of this Spiritual Father of our Metropolis on Sunday December 21, 2014. Additionally I am directing our priests to share with their congregations their personal thoughts of Metropolitan Anthony, as well as the attached information, which I know your faithful will find both spiritually edifying and uplifting. The Metropolis will organize other events to mark this anniversary in the near future.

May the memory of Metropolitan Anthony – a shepherd, friend, and faithful servant of the Lord – be eternal!

With Love in Christ, 
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco 

Selected Writings about Metropolitan Anthony

Metropolitan Anthony 10 Year Commemoration by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos
The Mantle Of Elijah An Encyclical of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony 
A Reflection on the Life of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony by Rev. Fr. John Bakas
Celebrating the Life and Ministry of +Metropolitan Anthony by Rev. Father John Hondros
In Remembrance of +Metropolitan Anthony By Rev. Dr. Christopher Flesoras