2021 marks the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution. The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco celebrates and honors this historic milestone, and embraces it as an opportunity to educate and inspire our faithful. Please visit this page regularly for the latest updates and resources for you in the Metropolis, and also visit the dedicated page from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America with other national and international programs being offered this year.

Doxology Service

All parishes in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco are asked to read the Encyclical of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and pray the Doxology Service in observance of the 200 year anniversary of the Greek Revolution on Thursday, March 25 and Sunday, March 28 at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.

Greek Language and Culture

Resources for our Greek Schools and families compiled by the expert volunteers leading the Metropolis Greek Language and Culture Ministry.

Video

What is Greek Independence Day?

A history of the Greek War of Independence by Dr. Elias Petrou, Research Associate Specialist for the Digital Database/Library Thesaurus Linguae Graecae® at UC, Irvine.

Greek Village Camp

The 2021 Greek Village Camp will be held June 19 – 26, 2021. The theme for this year’s camp will focus on the 200 Year Commemoration of the Greek Revolution of 1821. Youth are invited to join in this immersive educational experience (virtual or in-person to be determined). This has been an exceptional program that focuses on language instruction, history, art, music and more, all while celebrating our ancestral heritage.

Program information and registration details coming soon at www.ourgreekvillage.org.

Christian Education

In addition to the celebration of Greek Independence Day, March 25 is the celebration of the Feast of the Theotokos, when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would bear a child. Here are some excellent educational resources to use in your Sunday School programs or even as at-home lessons.

Educational Resources for Sunday School students of all ages.

Video

On the Feast of the Annunciation

Discussion starter video for the Orthodox Feast of the Annunciation

Adult Seminar “A New Hope”

A special one-hour presentation “A New Hope: The Annunciation” will be offered on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. PST as part of our Adult Christian Education ministry.

This will be a fast-paced visual presentation on the epic story of salvation through the icons and hymns of the Great Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. All ages are welcome!

REGISTER TODAY »

Guest Presenter: Dr. Eve Tibbs, chair of the Christian Education Ministry for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. She attends Saint Paul Church in Irvine, CA, where she is the Church School Director and Chair of the Church School Board. Dr. Tibbs holds a Ph.D. in Theology with a minor in Church History and an M.A. in Theology with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. She is an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, where she has taught graduate-level theology courses since 2005. She recently authored a text, A Basic Guide to Eastern Orthodox Theology: Introducing Beliefs and Practices, which is being published in July 2021 by Baker Academic Publishing.

Church Music

The hymns from the Feast of the Annunciation to the Theotokos teach us about the importance of this day, and honor her obedience to God which ultimately brought salvation to the world. These YouTube videos prepared by the Metropolis Church Music Federation Ministry are great teaching tools for adults and youth.

Visit the Church Music Ministry YouTube channel to learn the Apolytikion and Kontakion for the Feast of the Annunciation.

Folk Dance and Choral Festival

Coming Soon! A special virtual symposium presented by our talented FDF judges on the music and dances of the Greek Revolution will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021. Check back for more details!

Summer Camp

The Metropolis of San Francisco Summer Camp is planning for this summer’s program (virtual or in-person to be determined). The Faith and Culture lessons will include an overview of the Greek War of Independence and the importance of the Greek Revolution on world history.

Details for Summer Camp 2021 will be posted here soon!

Young Adult League Conference (YAL)

Plans are being developed for an in-person YAL Conference over Labor Day weekend, September 2 – 6, 2021 (if permitted by local regulations). During this program, young adults will have the opportunity to learn more about their ancestral heritage and the many ways the Greek civilization and the valiant efforts of our forebears in the Greek Revolution have benefited our modern society. Keep up with latest from YAL!

Civic Observances in the Metropolis

Due to the pandemic, civic observances are limited. We know that our government officials join with us in honoring this celebration.

  • March 25, 2021: San Francisco City Hall – Greek Flag raising with the Consul General of Greece in San Francisco Socrates Sourvinos (private event due to COVID restrictions)

Affiliated Events

The United Hellenic American Societies of California (UHAS) has worked with local officials and business to commemorate the 200-Year Anniversary of the Greek Revolution with the following patriotic displays:

  • San Francisco City Hall in blue and white on March 25, 2021.
  • South San Francisco City Hall will fly the Greek flag from March 18 – 25.
  • Fresno City Hall will fly the Greek flag from March 18 – 25.
  • San Jose City Hall will be illuminated in Greek colors from March 23 – 28. This was the result of the combined efforts of UHAS, AHEPA, and the Daughters of Penelope.
  • The California State Capital in Sacramento will be lit in blue and white on March 25 in honor of Greek Independence.
  • San Francisco City Hall will be illuminated with the colors of the Greek flag on March 25.
  • The iconic Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco will fly the Greek flag from March 25 – 28.