METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO:

METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO APPOINTS NEW YOUTH DIRECTOR

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is pleased to announce that Mr. Paul Gikas is the new Youth Director for the Metropolis. Paul graduated from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2000 with a Master of Divinity degree and most recently served on the staff of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for over eight years. Paul brings with him extensive knowledge of our Church’s role and vision in this country; he also has a sincere desire to expand the work of our Metropolis and its parishes in the area of youth ministries.

“The Metropolis is excited to have Paul to lead our youth ministry efforts. I know that he will be a tremendous resource to our parishes in planning and implementing programs for the spiritual, social, educational and cultural enrichment of our youth and young adults,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos.

Paul, the son of Ted and Mary Gikas, grew up in San Diego, California and was an active parishioner at Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in San Diego. During his time there, he served as a youth advisor and was active in several parish ministries. He also participated in the Ionian Village summer camp program through the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Paul, his wife Sophia, and their three-year old son, Theodore, now reside in the Bay Area.

For the past three years, Father Niko Bekris has served as Youth Director for the Metropolis. Father Niko was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on August 15, 2011 and will be serving as the full-time Assistant Priest at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in San Francisco, California.