TSN0126

3 THE SHEPHERD • JANUARY 2026 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO For most, January is an exciting time of renewal and intro- spection. We all know someone who makes a bold resolution for the new year, and for at least a little while, we want to be- lieve that they will succeed in achieving it. But changing our behavior isn’t simple at all. Even when we know the change is good for us, an internal struggle ensues and only time will tell if the change will be lasting or if we will just try again later. Last year we began a conversation that would, for some, challenge previous notions regarding the true meaning of stewardship. We were asked to look past our traditional view of budgets and expenses and appreciate, with humility and gratitude, the totality of personal giving and sacrifice that routinely occurs within our community. We also explored our stewardship obligations to all of God’s children and even to our own well-being. When we take the time to recognize the many gifts that are offered by so many within our parish and how they are intri- cately woven into our traditions and culture, it should lift our hearts and assure us that the spirit of giving is a significant part of our Greek Orthodox legacy and one that strengthens us in Christ. Your Stewardship Committee would like to thank you for your continued generosity in supporting the ever-chang- ing needs of our community. If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to complete and submit your 2026 Pledge Card to our church office. As we look to the future, let us continue to challenge, in our- selves, the true meaning of stewardship as it pertains to our spiritual lives and let us strive to do more for His glory. The Stewardship Committee: Ben De La Riva, Jim Gilpin, Bill Navrides, Timmy Paraskevopoulos, Stephen Thiros, Nektarios Tradas, and Spero Tzathas DIVINE SERVICES SUNDAY, JANUARY 4: Sunday before Epiphany Orthros 9:00 AM ✟ Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Epistle : II Timothy 4:5-8 ✟ Gospel : Mark 1:1-8 TUE, JANUARY 6: The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ Orthros 9:00 AM ✟ Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Epistle : Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7 ✟ Gospel : Matthew 3:13-17 SUNDAY, JANUARY 11: Sunday after Epiphany Orthros 9:00 AM ✟ Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Epistle : Hebrews 13:7-16 ✟ Gospel : Matthew 4:12-17 SUNDAY, JANUARY 18: 12th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00 AM ✟ Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Epistle : Hebrews 13:7-16 ✟ Gospel : Luke 17:12-19 SUNDAY, JANUARY 25: 15th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00 AM ✟ Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Epistle : Hebrews 7:26-28; 8:1-2 ✟ Gospel : Luke 19:1-10 MEMORIALS DEC 21: Ritsa (Eleftheria) Horeftis – 40 days JAN 11: Clem Samouris – 10 yrs JAN 18: Emmanuel Pegas – 3 yrs Marina Pegas – 4 mos JAN 25: Nitsa Crosby – 22 yrs Ray (John) Crosby 48 yrs FEB 1 Bess Michas – 6 yrs Luke Michas – 48 yrs NEWS FROM THE LOFT DEATHS NOV 17: Ritsa (Eleftheria) Horeftis 89 years old Dear Friends of the Choir: Thank you, dear parish family, for your tremendous support in mak- ing our Christmas Concert such a beautiful success. We were blessed to have over 140 people in attendance, and the evening was filled with joy, music, and the spirit of the season. My heartfelt thanks to Anthony Kyriakidis, the Parish Council, Philoptochos, Olympia Kyriakidis, Kelly Samouris, Ioanna Stathorakis, and Fred Georggin . Your time, love, and dedication helped bring every detail together. From the delicious desserts to the beautiful decorations, it truly took many hands to create an event worthy of our community. A special note of pride goes to our Adult and Youth Choirs , who worked so hard in preparation and offered an amazing performance. I am so proud of each of them—their commitment, teamwork, and love for this ministry shines through in everything they do. I would also like to express my deep- est gratitude to all our generous donors whose contributions helped make this concert possible. Your kindness and support allowed us to offer a beautiful evening of music and fellowship to our parish. We are truly blessed by your generosity. We extend warm birthday wishes this month to Collette Pepelis, Tim- my Paraskevopoulos, and Daralyne Baddour. May God grant themmany years filled with health, joy, and blessings! Wishing everyone a blessed New Year! Singing His Praises, Katherine Loukatos Meck Choir Master STEWARDSHIP CORNER