Your Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, honorable clergy and dear faithful, beloved children in the Lord,
It is a special joy to be with you today both in prayer and in spirit, to see you face-to-face, in order to convey to all of you our personal paternal blessing and the love of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the opening of the Folk Dance Festival.
The Dance Festival of the Holy Metropolis of San Francisco combines all of the beautiful elements of our Orthodox Church and Hellenic Culture. Therefore, we wholeheartedly congratulate you for the extraordinary way in which you embrace and enjoy these invaluable traditions. We especially commend you for the exceptional way in which you maintain and continue these vital traditions.
You should remember that, during these days, you are in fact participating in a unique initiative that brings together the very best of our parishes and communities within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. For you are attending an event organized by your local churches, guided by your priests, attended by your families, joined by your friends, and supported by your communities.
“Dancing with songs and instruments” is how the Church describes the heavenly joy of the Kingdom of God. Therefore, the Church embraces and endorses everything that is beautiful, joyful, and good. It is our hope and wish that you will remember this throughout your festival, as well as throughout your lives.
We wish you every success in your festival competition.
May God bless you all.
