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A History of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral San Francisco, Cathedral Church for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco
During World War II, the [http://www.annunciation.org Annunciation community Community]led several Greek War Relief efforts. [http://www.sanfranciscogreeks.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=18&pid=219#top_display_media Anastasios Mountanos], [http://www.sanfranciscogreeks.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=19 Peter Boudoures], Nick Dallas, and Gus Daldas accomplished a lot on behalf of Greek War Relief and were recognized for their efforts. During the 1940s and 1950s, a Greek radio program was broadcast from the Cathedral. The program was the voice of the Greek community. During Christmas live concerts were broadcast. The concerts were so popular that parishioners and neighborhood residents stood outside the Cathedral to enjoy holiday music.
1987- -- [http://www.annunciation.org/index.php/en/about-us/father-stephen-kyriacou Rev. Fr. Stephen H. Kyriacou]
Annunciation maintains a number of programs for our senior population. Its youthful character is also apparent. One only has to look at the diversity of our youth programs: Sunday School, Greek Language School, GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America), YAL (Young Adult League), Boys and Girls Basketball for ages seven through eighteen, Adult Basketball, Bible Study, Orthodox Church Life, Greek Folk Dancing, and Summer Camp. As if this were not enough, in 1997 we added a Sunday pre-school class, a Women’s Basketball Team, a Junior Varsity Girls Team and a Booster Program. Needless to say, Annunciation’s pride is in its youth.
On October 9, 2013, the Annunciation community signed a contract with McNely Construction to rebuild the cathedral. The project includes underground parking and a courtyard for events and is expected to last 18 months. Annunciation looks ahead to serving the larger Orthodox Christian community as well, in addition to the immediate neighborhood, which is mostly Latino. One of the considerations in deciding to remain in its present location was the commitment to the neighborhood, where the church provides a sense of order, purpose and stability. In doing so, the community is committed to serving all people, in San Francisco and beyond.
About the author: Jim Lucas is the President of the Greek Historical Society of the San Francisco Bay Area, a California non-profit corporation based at Annunciation Cathedral. He is a San Francisco Bay Area Greek community historian.
