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15 THE SHEPHERD • FEBRUARY 2025 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO JR DIVISION: GRADE 7-9 TOPICS SR DIVISION: GRADE 10-12 TOPICS WE WILL Help you research, write and practice your speech! CONTACT Timmy Paraskevopoulos 714-931-2431 t_nicolaou@hotmail.com *Participants Register at https:// religioused.formstack.com/ forms/sjcof_participant TOPIC 1: Philanthropy is an important part of the Church’s mission. It involves more than giving money. Why is it important to support people in different ways besides just donating? In what ways can we offer support, and how can these other forms of help make a difference in the lives of individuals and the community? TOPIC 2: In Psalm 4, we are told to "be angry, but sin not." Why would we be encouraged to be angry? How does anger fit into the life of an Orthodox Christian? TOPIC 3: The Orthodox Church is filled with repetition: we sing “Lord, have mercy” dozens of times every service, we sing the Paschal Troparion all throughout Pascha, and we repeat the same Divine Liturgy every single time. What is the importance of repetition in the Orthodox Church? TOPIC 4: The Russian Orthodox novelist, Fyodor Dostoevsky, once said that “Beauty will save the world." What is the role of beauty in the Church and in the world at large? TOPIC 5: What is the symbolism of the liturgical vestments worn by a deacon, priest, and bishop, and how do these vestments reflect and correlate to their specific roles and responsibilities within the Divine Liturgy? TOPIC 1 : His All-Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch, is recognized as the highest Primate in the Church. This title signifies a unique leadership role within the Orthodox Church, where authority and primacy are balanced with equality among Patriarchs. Discuss the practical implications versus the theoretical aspects of His All-Holiness' role in the Orthodox Church. What does it mean for him to be both "first among equals" and "first without equals”? TOPIC 2: The Seven Ecumenical Councils are regarded as seven of the most important parts of Church History, which came after the completion of the Bible. Pick one of the Council’s and explain why it is important. TOPIC 3: The Bible is full of figures, both good and bad, who, while not talked about frequently, can be hugely helpful in understanding both salvation history and our place in it. Pick a lesser-known figure from the Bible, explain who they are, how they fit into the Biblical narrative, and what we can learn from them. TOPIC 4 : While every church building is different, there are specific guidelines and practices that describe how and why they are built the way they are. Research them, and then explain their theological significance. TOPIC 5: As the world grows increasingly tumultuous and fearful, today’s youth appear to be more anxious about the future. Discuss Christ's role as the bringer of hope and how that fits into modern life. GEORGE M. PLATIS ORATORICAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD In Memory of our son George, who proudly participated in our parish Oratorical Festival, we are offering a scholarship to our St. Spyridon festival participants. The first place speaker in both the junior division and senior division will earn a $250 scholarship. In addition, we will award another $250 scholarship to those who finish in first place at the Metropolis level. These scholarships will be distributed to any post high school educational/ job training institution of their choice. ST. JOHN ORATORICAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION : Elementary (grades 3-6) participants can compete at the parish level and write a speech on any of the topics below. Every participant receives a $20 gift card. In memory of their son (see below) Michael and Maria Platis sponsor a scholarship for St. Spyridon Festival winners at the Junior and Senior level. Additional scholarships are offered by the Metropolis and Archdiocese at the national level. JR DIVISION: GRADE 7-9 TOPICS SR DIVISION: GR D 1 I S WE WILL Help you research, write and practice your speech! CONTACT Timmy Paraskevopoulos 714-931-2431 t_nicolaou@hotmail.com *Participants Register at https:// religioused.formstack.com / forms/sjcof_participant TOPIC 1: Philanthropy is an important part of the Church’s mission. It involves more than giving money. Why is it important to support people in different way besid s just donating? In what ways can we offer support, and how can these oth r form of help make a difference i th liv s of individuals and the community? T T OPIC 2: In Psalm 4, we are told to "be angry, but sin not." Why would we be encouraged to be angry? How does anger fit into the life of an Orthodox Christian? TOPIC 3: The Orthodox Church is filled with repetition: we sing “Lord, have mercy” dozens of times every service, we sing the Paschal Troparion all throughout Pascha, and we repeat the same Divine Liturgy every single time. What is the importance of repetition in the Orthodox Church? TOPIC 4: The Russian Orthodox novelist, Fyodor Dostoevsky, once said that “Beauty will save the world." What is the role of beauty in the Church and in the world at large? TOPIC 5: What is the symbolism of the liturgical vestments worn by a deacon, priest, and bishop, and how do these vestments reflect and correlate to their specific roles and responsibilities within the Divine Liturgy? TOPIC 1 : His All-Holiness, the cum i is r cognized as the highest Primate in the Church. This title sig i s i r le within the Orthodox Church, where authority a r a lan d with equality among Patriarchs. Discuss the practical impli e t eoretical aspects of His All-Holiness' role in the Orthodox hur . h s it me for him to be both "first among equals" and "first with t ls TOPIC 2: The Seven Ecumenical Councils are regarded as seven of the most important parts of Church History, which ca e after the completion of the Bible. Pick one of the Council’s and explain why it is i portant. TOPIC 3: The Bible is full of figures, both good and bad, who, while not talked about frequently, can be hugely helpful in understanding both salvation history and our place in it. Pick a lesser-known figure from the Bible, explain who they are, how they fit into the Biblical narrative, and what we can learn from them. TOPIC 4 : While every church building is different, there are specific guidelines and practices that describe how and why they are built the way they are. Research them, and then explain their theological significance. TOPIC 5: As the world grows increasingly tumultuous and fearful, today’s youth appear to be more anxious about the future. Discuss Christ's role as the bringer of hope and how that fits into modern life. GEORGE M. PLATIS ORATORICAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD In Memory of our son George, who proudly participated in our parish Oratorical Festival, we are offering a scholarship to our St. Spyridon festival participants. The first place speaker in both the junio divisi n and nior division will earn a $250 scholarsh p. In addition, we will award anothe $250 scholarship to t ose w finish in first place at the Metropolis level. These scholarships will be distributed to any post high school educational/ job training institution of their choice. ST. JOHN ORATORICAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION : Elementary (grades 3-6) participants can compete at the parish level and write a speech on any of the topics below. Every participant receives a $20 gift card. In memory of their son ( e bel w) Michael and Maria Platis sponsor a scholarship for St. Spyridon Festival winners at the Junior and Senior level. Additional scholarships are offered by the Metropolis an Archdiocese at the national level. JR DIVISION: GRADE 7-9 TOPICS SR DIVISION: GRADE 10-12 TOPICS WE WILL Help you research, write and practice your speech! CONTACT Timmy Paraskevopoulos 714-931-2431 t_nicolaou@hotmail.com *Participants Register at https:// religioused.formstack.com/ forms/sjcof_participant TOPIC 1: Philanthropy is an important part of the Church’s mission. It involves more than giving money. Why is it important to support people in different ways besides just donating? In what ways can we offer support, and how can these other forms of help make a difference in the lives of individuals and the community? TOPIC 2: In Psalm 4, we are told to "be angry, but sin not." Why would we be encouraged to be angry? How does anger fit into the life of an Orthodox Christian? TOPIC 3: The Orthodox Church is filled with repetition: we sing “Lord, have mercy” dozens of times every service, we sing the Paschal Troparion all throughout Pascha, and we repeat the same Divine Liturgy every single time. What is the importance of repetition in the Orthodox Church? TOPIC 4: The Russian Orthodox novelist, Fyodor Dostoevsky, once said that “Beauty will save the world." What is the role of beauty in the Church and in the world at large? TOPIC 5: What is the symbolism of the liturgical vestments worn by a deacon, priest, and bishop, and how do these vestments reflect and correlate to their specific roles and responsibilities within the Divine Liturgy? TOPIC 1 : His All-Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch, is recognized as the highest Primate in the Church. This title signifies a unique leadership role within the Orthodox Church, where authority and primacy are balanced with equality among Patriarchs. Discuss the practical implications versus the theoretical aspects of His All-Holiness' role in the Orthodox Church. What does it mean for him to be both "first among equals" and "first without equals”? T PIC 2: The Seven Ecumenical Councils are regarded as seven of the most important parts of Church History, which came after the completion of the Bible. Pick one of the Council’s and explain why it is important. TOPIC 3: The Bible is full of figures, both good and bad, who, while not talked about frequently, can be hugely helpful in understanding both salvation history and our place in it. Pick a lesser-known figure from the Bible, explain who they are, how they fit into the Biblical narrative, and what we can learn from them. TOPIC 4 : While every church building is different, there are specific guidelines and practices that describe how and why they are built the way they are. Research them, and then explain their theological significance. TOPIC 5: As the world grows increasingly tumultuous and fearful, today’s youth appear to be more anxious about the future. Discuss Christ's role as the bringer of hope and how that fits into modern life. GEORGE M. PLATIS ORATORICAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD In Memory of our son George, who proudly participated in our parish Oratorical Festival, we are offering a scholarship to our St. Spyridon festival participants. The first place speaker in both the junior division and senior division will earn a $250 scholarship. In addition, we will award another $250 scholarship to those who finish in first place at the Metropolis level. These scholarships will be distributed to any post high school educational/ job training institution of their choice. topics below. Every participant receives a $20 gift card. In memory of their son (see below) Michael and Maria Platis sponsor a scholarship for St. Spyridon Festival winners at the Junior and Senior level. Additional scholarships a e offered by he Me ropolis and Archdiocese at th national level. Last month, Young at Heart mem- bers welcomed in the New Year with a fun social enjoyed by all in atten- dance. Our continued deep appre- ciation to Vicky Mellos for another delicious lunch which included a special glass of red wine bottled by her husband Costa. Thank you also to all who brought an assortment of desserts to share. Following our lunch Eleni Petropoulos once again led us in a gentle stretching session; thank you Eleni. Lastly, thank you to our board members Nick & Connie Pappas , Libby Diamond , and Linda Farrell who sponsored lunch with their best wishes to all members for a happy, healthy New Year! This month we’ll meet on Tuesday, February 11 . Our featured speaker will be Nicholas Mellos, MD , who will discuss ways to maintain good mental health and how we can help support one another. His discussion will be followed by Q&A. This meet- ing will be open to all parishioners. Nicholas Mellos, MD Young at Heart welcomes our pa- rishioners who would like to join our seniors’ group. Annual dues are $20 and may be paid when checking in. Meetings begin at 11am with lunch served at 11:30. Kindly remember to let Cynthia Samarkos know at (619-582-4109) by Sunday, February 9, if you plan to attend. YOUNG AT HEART SENIORS ADVERTISE IN THE SHEPHERD NEWSLETTER! BUSINESS ADS AND PERSONAL GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS AVAILABLE AT LOW RATES! FOR DETAILS, EMAIL INFO@THESHEPHERDNEWS.COM OR CALL 858.292.6070 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!