His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos invite the faithful to gather for Light the Path – A Christmas Reception, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Centre, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California. The annual event will benefit the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund, which provides financial assistance to seminarians and students from the Metropolis of San Francisco attending Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Make your reservations and donations here!
Established in 1984 through the vision of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory and the Metropolis Philoptochos, the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund has provided vital assistance to generations of students preparing to serve the Church. Today, 60 students from the Metropolis of San Francisco are enrolled at Hellenic College Holy Cross, making continued support of this important ministry especially significant.
“Supporting our seminarians and students is an investment in the future of our Church,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “Through Light the Path, we have the opportunity to encourage these dedicated young men and women as they pursue their education and prepare for lives of service. I remain deeply grateful to our Metropolis Philoptochos and to the faithful throughout our Metropolis whose generosity continues to strengthen this important ministry.”
Over the past decade alone, the Metropolis Philoptochos has contributed over $2 million toward the educational expenses of Metropolis students. Philoptochos chapters also personally support students by “adopting” them throughout the academic year, maintaining connections through encouraging messages, care packages and gifts. Members of the Metropolis Philoptochos Board travel annually to Brookline, Massachusetts, to celebrate the students and their achievements at Hellenic College Holy Cross Commencement.
The financial demands facing students are substantial. Annual tuition is currently $21,940, with additional expenses for housing, meals, books and student fees. Light the Path helps ease these burdens so students may remain focused on their education, spiritual formation and preparation for service to the Church.
“Light the Path is about more than financial assistance. It is about letting our students know that their Metropolis family believes in them and is walking beside them,” stated Metropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie Ranglas. “We are blessed by their commitment to the Church, and it is our privilege to help them pursue the calling God has placed before them.”
The 2026 Light the Path gathering will offer an afternoon of fellowship while raising awareness and support for this enduring ministry of the Metropolis Philoptochos. Sponsorships and donations are encouraged, providing individuals, families, parishes and Philoptochos chapters with an opportunity to directly support the education of the future clergy and lay leaders of the Church.
For additional information about Light the Path, sponsorship opportunities or donations, please visit the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos website, call 415-431-2600, or email office@sfphiloptochos.org.
