“Wherever the bishop is, there let the people be; as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the whole church.” – St. Ignatius of Antioch

On October 20th the Church celebrates the feast of St. Gerasimos of Kefalonia. This year, the Metropolis of San Francisco also celebrates 20 years of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos’ faithful and dedicated service as our spiritual shepherd. This milestone serves as an opportunity to reflect upon the role and responsibility of the local hierarch as established from the time of the apostles. 

From the earliest tradition of the Church, each local Christian community gathered around its bishop to celebrate the Eucharist to personify the whole and complete body of Christ. The Orthodox faithful, under the omophorion and leadership of the local hierarch, embodies the person of the bishop, who likewise embodies the person of Jesus Christ. 

The bishop is the primary example of our faith and the center of the sacramental life of the Church. Through apostolic succession and the laying on of hands, the ministry of the bishop has direct continuity with that of the apostles. It is only through the blessing of the local hierarch that the priests pray and distribute the sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, Unction, and Holy Communion. Meaning, the authenticity and truest expression of Orthodox sacramental faith is first given by the blessing, teaching, and example of the local hierarch.

For 20 years and counting, the Holy Metropolis of San Francisco is blessed with the spiritual leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos who has baptized, chrismated, and ordained the faithful of this Metropolis. Through his leadership and spiritual discernment, the Metropolis has been blessed with an example of Jesus Christ as described by St. Ignatius. 

On October 20th the “island of Kefalonia calls upon multitudes of Orthodox to sing praises of thanksgiving to divine Gerasimos the great” (Kontakion of the Feast). May the Metropolis of San Francisco call upon the faithful to boldly proclaim during each Divine Liturgy as one body of Christ:  “Above all, remember, O Lord, our Archbishop Gerasimos; grant that he may serve Your holy churches in peace; keep him safe, honorable, and healthy for many years, to rightly teach the word of Your truth.”

We give glory to God for our spiritual teacher and shepherd and pray our Lord grant His Eminence many years of good health. Eis Polla Eti Despota!