The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco hosted its biennial Gala, “Celebrating Our Ministries and Honoring Extraordinary Leadership,” on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort. The exquisitely decorated ballroom provided a fitting setting for an evening that combined elegance, heartfelt faith, and shared purpose. The Gala was co-chaired by George and Vickie Demos and Gig and Kathleen Kyriacou, whose leadership, together with a dedicated committee of faithful stewards from throughout the Metropolis, ensured an evening of exceptional grace and meaning. The Gala brought together 520 guests from across the Metropolis to celebrate the dynamic ministries that enrich parish life and to honor the faithful leaders whose dedication strengthens the Church’s mission.
At the heart of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Theofanis Economidis Award for Extraordinary Leadership to Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis, whose unwavering faith, philanthropy, and devotion to the traditions of the Greek Orthodox Church have touched countless lives. Their remarkable journey, from humble beginnings as immigrants to respected leaders in the life of the Church, embodies the power of perseverance, stewardship, and love for family, faith, and community.
The evening’s program was most capably led by Master of Ceremonies, Vivianne Linou Gabriel, a writer and producer from KNX News in Los Angeles. Tributes from around the world were shared including a Patriarchal Exhortation from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who stated, “In this festive gathering, we join you in honoring Archon Nikiforos and Mrs. Georgia Valaskantjis, whose lives of faith, humility, and generosity. have adorned the Church with beauty and strength. Through their philanthropic labors, they have supported your Metropolis's parishes, monastic communities, and charitable endeavors with a selfless spirit rooted in deep love for God and devotion to His Holy Church. Their stewardship, inspired by gratitude and reverence, constitutes a true example of Christian discipleship and diakonia.”
In a tribute letter from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America he remarked, “This evening, you come together to recognize the blessed fruits produced by a God-pleasing service to one’s fellow neighbor and to contemplate a vital truth of the Gospel: that when faithful stewards give themselves to Christ, their lives become a blessing multiplied for many. In this spirit, then, I extend my warmest congratulations and heartfelt blessings to Archon Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis, who are the esteemed recipients of the 2025 Theofanis Economidis Award — a very special distinction that honors leadership shaped by prayer, perseverance and love for the Church.”
His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos reflected on the ministries of the Metropolis sharing with the attendees, “Your presence tonight, your prayers, your time, and your support, strengthens them. It builds a foundation for the future, a future where the light of Christ continues to illuminate every corner of our Metropolis.” His Eminence continued, “Tonight we also gather to honor the extraordinary leadership of Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis. Leadership that is not measured by titles or accolades, but by faithfulness, humility, and service. Leadership that inspires others to give of themselves and to live their faith through action.”
At the conclusion of his remarks, Metropolitan Gerasimos invited the Gala Co-Chairs back to the stage, along with Metropolis Council Vice-President Isidoros Garifalakis to present the Theofanis Economidis Award to Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis – a beautiful hand-painted icon of their patron saints – Saint Nikiforos and Saint George – that was prayerful written by the sisters of the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring.
Upon receiving the icon, the Valaskantjis’ conveyed their gratitude to His Eminence and the Metropolis, while also giving thanks to God for the blessings they have received and the opportunity to share them with others.
The Metropolis extends its sincere gratitude to the event’s major sponsors, whose generosity helped make the evening possible. Legacy Sponsors ($100,000+): Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis, George and Georgia Valaskantjis and Family; Illustrious Sponsors ($50,000): Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas; and Signature Sponsors ($25,000): Hugo and Irene Aviles, George and Vickie Demos, Isidoros and Maria Garifalakis, Gig and Kathleen Kyriacou, and Dr. Michael Patzakis in loving memory of his wife Susan Giokaris Patzakis. There were many other sponsors and table hosts, in addition to generous donations from parishes throughout Metropolis which all contributed to the evening’s success with more than $900,000 raised to strengthen and expand the ministries of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco.
During the Gala, Special messages of love and gratitude were also shared by Gerontissa Markella of the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life Giving Spring in Dunlap, California, who expressed deep appreciation for the honorees’ generosity and faith. A moving tribute was offered by the Valaskantjis’ grandchildren, whose heartfelt reflections revealed the depth of love and admiration they hold for their beloved yiayia and papou.
Additional greetings were received from the Metropolitan Eusebios of Samos and Ikaria, Gerontissa Eunike of the Holy Monastery of Life-Giving Spring, and Gerontissa Agni of the Panagia Epano Chrepas Monastery in Tripoli, each offering warm words of appreciation and spiritual encouragement.
Other congratulatory messages included special tribute letters from the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate from Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, Archon Grand Aktouarios; and from Leadership 100 from Board of Trustees Chairman Demetrios Logothetis and Paulette Poulos, Executive Director.
Two beautifully produced videos highlighted the evening’s themes. “Celebrating Our Ministries” featured the 13 vibrant ministries of the Metropolis that connect parishes, clergy, and faithful across seven states in a shared journey of salvation. A second video, “Honoring Extraordinary Leadership,” offered an inspiring look at the life of Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis, chronicling their faith, hard work, and commitment to giving back to the Church and community.
Musical tributes added to the evening’s elegance, with Mythos Band vocalists Sylvia Gundunas Kalivitis and Akis Deloukas performing two beloved Greek songs that reflected the honorees’ heritage and love for Hellenic culture.
The evening concluded with guests dancing to the music from Mythos. The 2025 Gala was certainly one for the record books, not only for celebrating ministries and honoring extraordinary leadership, but also strengthening the foundation upon which the Church continues to grow — ensuring that the light of Christ shines brightly in every corner of the Metropolis for generations to come.
Photo Credit: Allen Altchech Photography
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