Beloved Clergy and Parish Councils of the Metropolis of San Francisco,

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another,  as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” 1 Peter 4:10

Preparations are underway for the 2026 Clergy-Laity Assembly for our Metropolis. This is an opportunity for our clergy and lay leaders of our parishes to come together, to learn and grow in our faith, gain new insights into the ministries and programs offered by our Metropolis, and take an active role in the governance of our Church.

This year’s Assembly will be held on Tuesday, January 27 beginning at 12:00 p.m., and will conclude on Wednesday, January 28 at 4:00 p.m. The theme of our gathering is “Ministry in Action. Faith in Motion.” and will highlight the ministries of our Metropolis through workshops, panel discussions, and an interactive Ministry Pavilion. We will once again meet at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. There will be optional ministry workshops from 9:00 a.m. until Noon on Tuesday, January 27 for delegates who wish to arrive on Monday evening or early in the morning on Tuesday.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Ranch, a beautiful gathering space and cornerstone ministry of our Metropolis. A detailed agenda and registration materials will be provided in the coming weeks with further details on the schedule as well as a registration link.

As specified in the 2019 Uniform Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, each parish is expected to have four delegates in attendance at the Clergy-Laity Assembly, comprised of the following:

1. The Parish Priest.
2. The President of the Parish Council, and in his or her absence the Vice President, or in his or her absence any member of the Parish Council designated by it.
3. Two members of the Parish elected by the Parish Assembly.

Please make sure this important item is placed on the agenda of your upcoming Parish Assembly Meeting so that you may elect these delegates to ensure full participation from your parish.

I look forward to the active participation of all our communities. Please come with an open mind and an open heart, ready and willing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and be a beacon of God’s love in your parishes.

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