Greek Dance
“To create and strengthen lifetime bonds within our Orthodox Christian community, through the education and performance of Greek folk dance, music and language.”
Lia Forakis leads the Greek Orthodox Youth Association - GOYA - ministry and helps support our other youth and young adult ministries. Lia grew up in Modesto, California, and was a member of the Annunciation parish. She attended Modesto Junior College and Long Beach City College. Lia has served the church as a Greek dance teacher at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno; as a youth director at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento, California; and as a San Francisco Metropolis camp counselor at St. Nicholas Ranch for many years. In her spare time, she enjoys Greek dancing and playing music, and finding cool places to eat with friends.
Renée established our strategic communications plan for the parish. She manages our website and social media channels, and previously designed and produced the Resurrection monthly magazine. Renée has years of experience leading strategic communications and employee engagement for large companies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Renée lives in San Ramon with her husband, Brad, and in her spare time, enjoys caring for her grandson, Eddie, entertaining, and rooting for the San Francisco Giants.
Roberto Jaquez is the parish "go-to person" for all operational needs. He has worked for the parish for over 20 years and became our facilities manager in 2018. Roberto loves his job and the parish. He can be found at the church almost all hours of the day and night, while also being the primary caretaker for his father. Roberto was born in Mexico and came to the United States in 1989, where he attended Laney College in Oakland, CA. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his big, loving family, going on long hikes, and to the movies. He's a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, dogs, and Ron Burgundy.
Father Niko was born in Seattle, Washington and was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation in Amaliada, Greece. After graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s degree in History, he enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, having felt a calling from the Lord to become a priest. He finished his studies in 2008, graduating with a Master of Divinity. Upon completing his studies, he served as the Youth Director of the Metropolis of San Francisco for three years while also serving at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in San Francisco. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on December 14, 2008, at his home parish and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on August 15, 2011 at the Annunciation Cathedral, after which he began serving at the Cathedral as the full-time associate pastor.
Archdeacon Justin was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos on Sunday, April 18, 2021. He was elevated to Archdeacon on Sunday, December 24, 2023. He is a 2020 graduate of Deaconate program at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Archdeacon Justin is currently the Second Vice President of the Board of Directors for Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. He also assists the Metropolis with various legal matters. Archdeacon Justin graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and is a former partner in a law firm in Oakland, CA. In addition, he earned a post-graduate Certificate from the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge, UK and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is currently studying toward a Master of Theology from the University of Balamand.
Greek Dance teaches our youth about the Hellenic culture through dance and provides another way for the youth to gather in fellowship. Resurrection's Greek Dance & Music program was founded in the early 1970’s. The parish was one of the founding communities of the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF), which is sponsored by the Metropolis of San Francisco and held annually in February.
Over the years, our varied dance groups have received numerous awards for their authentic dance costumes, choral renditions, and dance performances. They have also entertained residents and attendees at many events such as nursing homes, senior centers, and local schools. Our dancers have also entertained attendees at many community events such as nursing homes, senior centers, and local schools. Dance families fundraise throughout the year to continually enrich the program with new costumes, music, and further research.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- bring people together in Orthodox Christian fellowship as a way to integrate our Orthodox Christian faith into our daily life through unity, family and community.
- create greater communion and stronger ties with our participants, while teaching the values of teamwork and commitment that will allow them to be respectable leaders in our community.
- preserve the traditional Hellenic Culture & Greek folk dance and music by teaching our participants authentic performance and dance techniques, including music with local instruments and authentic costumes.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Each of the dance groups practice at the church at set times weekly. Check the church calendar for each individual dance group practice times.
Greek Dance
“To create and strengthen lifetime bonds within our Orthodox Christian community, through the education and performance of Greek folk dance, music and language.”
Lia Forakis leads the Greek Orthodox Youth Association - GOYA - ministry and helps support our other youth and young adult ministries. Lia grew up in Modesto, California, and was a member of the Annunciation parish. She attended Modesto Junior College and Long Beach City College. Lia has served the church as a Greek dance teacher at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno; as a youth director at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento, California; and as a San Francisco Metropolis camp counselor at St. Nicholas Ranch for many years. In her spare time, she enjoys Greek dancing and playing music, and finding cool places to eat with friends.
Renée established our strategic communications plan for the parish. She manages our website and social media channels, and previously designed and produced the Resurrection monthly magazine. Renée has years of experience leading strategic communications and employee engagement for large companies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Renée lives in San Ramon with her husband, Brad, and in her spare time, enjoys caring for her grandson, Eddie, entertaining, and rooting for the San Francisco Giants.
Roberto Jaquez is the parish "go-to person" for all operational needs. He has worked for the parish for over 20 years and became our facilities manager in 2018. Roberto loves his job and the parish. He can be found at the church almost all hours of the day and night, while also being the primary caretaker for his father. Roberto was born in Mexico and came to the United States in 1989, where he attended Laney College in Oakland, CA. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his big, loving family, going on long hikes, and to the movies. He's a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, dogs, and Ron Burgundy.
Father Niko was born in Seattle, Washington and was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation in Amaliada, Greece. After graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s degree in History, he enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, having felt a calling from the Lord to become a priest. He finished his studies in 2008, graduating with a Master of Divinity. Upon completing his studies, he served as the Youth Director of the Metropolis of San Francisco for three years while also serving at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in San Francisco. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on December 14, 2008, at his home parish and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on August 15, 2011 at the Annunciation Cathedral, after which he began serving at the Cathedral as the full-time associate pastor.
Archdeacon Justin was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos on Sunday, April 18, 2021. He was elevated to Archdeacon on Sunday, December 24, 2023. He is a 2020 graduate of Deaconate program at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Archdeacon Justin is currently the Second Vice President of the Board of Directors for Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. He also assists the Metropolis with various legal matters. Archdeacon Justin graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and is a former partner in a law firm in Oakland, CA. In addition, he earned a post-graduate Certificate from the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge, UK and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is currently studying toward a Master of Theology from the University of Balamand.
Greek Dance teaches our youth about the Hellenic culture through dance and provides another way for the youth to gather in fellowship. Resurrection's Greek Dance & Music program was founded in the early 1970’s. The parish was one of the founding communities of the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF), which is sponsored by the Metropolis of San Francisco and held annually in February.
Over the years, our varied dance groups have received numerous awards for their authentic dance costumes, choral renditions, and dance performances. They have also entertained residents and attendees at many events such as nursing homes, senior centers, and local schools. Our dancers have also entertained attendees at many community events such as nursing homes, senior centers, and local schools. Dance families fundraise throughout the year to continually enrich the program with new costumes, music, and further research.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- bring people together in Orthodox Christian fellowship as a way to integrate our Orthodox Christian faith into our daily life through unity, family and community.
- create greater communion and stronger ties with our participants, while teaching the values of teamwork and commitment that will allow them to be respectable leaders in our community.
- preserve the traditional Hellenic Culture & Greek folk dance and music by teaching our participants authentic performance and dance techniques, including music with local instruments and authentic costumes.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Each of the dance groups practice at the church at set times weekly. Check the church calendar for each individual dance group practice times.
Greek Dance
“To create and strengthen lifetime bonds within our Orthodox Christian community, through the education and performance of Greek folk dance, music and language.”
Lia Forakis leads the Greek Orthodox Youth Association - GOYA - ministry and helps support our other youth and young adult ministries. Lia grew up in Modesto, California, and was a member of the Annunciation parish. She attended Modesto Junior College and Long Beach City College. Lia has served the church as a Greek dance teacher at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno; as a youth director at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento, California; and as a San Francisco Metropolis camp counselor at St. Nicholas Ranch for many years. In her spare time, she enjoys Greek dancing and playing music, and finding cool places to eat with friends.
Renée established our strategic communications plan for the parish. She manages our website and social media channels, and previously designed and produced the Resurrection monthly magazine. Renée has years of experience leading strategic communications and employee engagement for large companies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Renée lives in San Ramon with her husband, Brad, and in her spare time, enjoys caring for her grandson, Eddie, entertaining, and rooting for the San Francisco Giants.
Roberto Jaquez is the parish "go-to person" for all operational needs. He has worked for the parish for over 20 years and became our facilities manager in 2018. Roberto loves his job and the parish. He can be found at the church almost all hours of the day and night, while also being the primary caretaker for his father. Roberto was born in Mexico and came to the United States in 1989, where he attended Laney College in Oakland, CA. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his big, loving family, going on long hikes, and to the movies. He's a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, dogs, and Ron Burgundy.
Father Niko was born in Seattle, Washington and was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation in Amaliada, Greece. After graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s degree in History, he enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, having felt a calling from the Lord to become a priest. He finished his studies in 2008, graduating with a Master of Divinity. Upon completing his studies, he served as the Youth Director of the Metropolis of San Francisco for three years while also serving at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in San Francisco. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on December 14, 2008, at his home parish and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on August 15, 2011 at the Annunciation Cathedral, after which he began serving at the Cathedral as the full-time associate pastor.
Archdeacon Justin was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos on Sunday, April 18, 2021. He was elevated to Archdeacon on Sunday, December 24, 2023. He is a 2020 graduate of Deaconate program at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Archdeacon Justin is currently the Second Vice President of the Board of Directors for Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. He also assists the Metropolis with various legal matters. Archdeacon Justin graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and is a former partner in a law firm in Oakland, CA. In addition, he earned a post-graduate Certificate from the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge, UK and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is currently studying toward a Master of Theology from the University of Balamand.
Greek Dance teaches our youth about the Hellenic culture through dance and provides another way for the youth to gather in fellowship. Resurrection's Greek Dance & Music program was founded in the early 1970’s. The parish was one of the founding communities of the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF), which is sponsored by the Metropolis of San Francisco and held annually in February.
Over the years, our varied dance groups have received numerous awards for their authentic dance costumes, choral renditions, and dance performances. They have also entertained residents and attendees at many events such as nursing homes, senior centers, and local schools. Our dancers have also entertained attendees at many community events such as nursing homes, senior centers, and local schools. Dance families fundraise throughout the year to continually enrich the program with new costumes, music, and further research.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- bring people together in Orthodox Christian fellowship as a way to integrate our Orthodox Christian faith into our daily life through unity, family and community.
- create greater communion and stronger ties with our participants, while teaching the values of teamwork and commitment that will allow them to be respectable leaders in our community.
- preserve the traditional Hellenic Culture & Greek folk dance and music by teaching our participants authentic performance and dance techniques, including music with local instruments and authentic costumes.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Each of the dance groups practice at the church at set times weekly. Check the church calendar for each individual dance group practice times.
Greek Dance
“To create and strengthen lifetime bonds within our Orthodox Christian community, through the education and performance of Greek folk dance, music and language.”
Greek Dance teaches our youth about the Hellenic culture through dance and provides another way for the youth to gather in fellowship. Resurrection's Greek Dance & Music program was founded in the early 1970’s. The parish was one of the founding communities of the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF), which is sponsored by the Metropolis of San Francisco and held annually in February.
Over the years, our varied dance groups have received numerous awards for their authentic dance costumes, choral renditions, and dance performances. They have also entertained residents and attendees at many events such as nursing homes, senior centers, and local schools. Our dancers have also entertained attendees at many community events such as nursing homes, senior centers, and local schools. Dance families fundraise throughout the year to continually enrich the program with new costumes, music, and further research.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- bring people together in Orthodox Christian fellowship as a way to integrate our Orthodox Christian faith into our daily life through unity, family and community.
- create greater communion and stronger ties with our participants, while teaching the values of teamwork and commitment that will allow them to be respectable leaders in our community.
- preserve the traditional Hellenic Culture & Greek folk dance and music by teaching our participants authentic performance and dance techniques, including music with local instruments and authentic costumes.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Each of the dance groups practice at the church at set times weekly. Check the church calendar for each individual dance group practice times.
Greek Dance
“To create and strengthen lifetime bonds within our Orthodox Christian community, through the education and performance of Greek folk dance, music and language.”
Greek Dance teaches our youth about the Hellenic culture through dance and provides another way for the youth to gather in fellowship. Resurrection's Greek Dance & Music program was founded in the early 1970’s. The parish was one of the founding communities of the Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF), which is sponsored by the Metropolis of San Francisco and held annually in February.
Over the years, our varied dance groups have received numerous awards for their authentic dance costumes, choral renditions, and dance performances. They have also entertained residents and attendees at many events such as nursing homes, senior centers, and local schools. Our dancers have also entertained attendees at many community events such as nursing homes, senior centers, and local schools. Dance families fundraise throughout the year to continually enrich the program with new costumes, music, and further research.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- bring people together in Orthodox Christian fellowship as a way to integrate our Orthodox Christian faith into our daily life through unity, family and community.
- create greater communion and stronger ties with our participants, while teaching the values of teamwork and commitment that will allow them to be respectable leaders in our community.
- preserve the traditional Hellenic Culture & Greek folk dance and music by teaching our participants authentic performance and dance techniques, including music with local instruments and authentic costumes.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Each of the dance groups practice at the church at set times weekly. Check the church calendar for each individual dance group practice times.
