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4 THE SHEPHERD • MARCH 2022 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL “Χαίρετε” (Hérete / Greetings), is is eocharis Papatrechas, the new di- rector of the Saint Spyridon Greek Language School. Writing for the rst time for this newsletter, I would like to take a moment and express how honored and delighted I am to be taking over this crucial role for our Greek society. I am extending my sincere gratitude to Mrs. Athena Kotinopoulos Georges, Fa- ther Andrew, the Parish Council, and the School’s Board for showing con dence in me and for their support and assistance in help- ing me transition into this position. I am inviting you all to join me to thank Mrs. Athena Kotinopoulos Georges for her service leading the school for the last six years. Not only has Mrs. Athena been an in- credible mentor preparing me for this role, she is an inspiration to me moving forward. Her tireless and exceptional work in creat- ing an environment where the community can enjoy a thorough and multidimensional educational experience has transformed our Greek School into a very special place. Fol- lowing her shoes will not be easy, but, with your support and assistance, I am committed to do my best to maintain the high standards she has set. In addition, I cannot thank enough Ms. Ma- ria Xourafas for her instrumental role in leading the administrative facets of the or- ganization. And, I would like to thank our wonderful team of teachers for their quali- ty work, sharing with our community their knowledge and passion for the Greek lan- guage. Being at the onset of the Spring Semester, our enrollment is still ongoing! For those of you who have not yet joined our community at the School, it’s not too late to register for classes. e entire teaching sta and I would be pleased to embark on an educational journey with you to explore the beauty and depths of this magni cent language. If you are interested, feel free to visit our website for information www.stspyridongreekschool. org and/or contact me personally at info@ stspyridongreekschool.org and 619-800- 8355. e month of March carries signi cant meaning for the history of Greece and the principles and values it represents. On the 25th day, the nation celebrates the beginning of the “Ελληνική Επανάσταση” (Ellinikí Ep- anástasi / Greek Revolution) as proclaimed in 1821 by the leader of the “Φιλική Εταιρία” (Philikí Etería / Friendly Society), Alexan- dros Ypsilantis. It is the day we honor the uprising of Greek slaves for freedom and self-determination against the Turkish tyrant a er 400 years of domination. e events were prepared by the “Φιλική Εταιρία”, a secret organization that was founded in 1814 with aim to overthrow the Ottoman rule and liberate Greece. e movement of the “Ελληνικός Διαφωτισμός” (Ellinikós Diafotismós / Greek Enlighten- ment) that was established and operated during the 18th century further contributed to its success. Despite the Sultan’s attempt at repression, the revolution managed to survive, leading a er a series of interna- tional treaties, between 1827 and 1832, to the creation of an independent Greek state. Notable gures at the revolutionary bat- tles include, among others, “Θεόδωρος Κολοκοτρώνης” ( eódoros Kolokotrónis), “Γεώργιος Καραϊσκάκης” (Geórgios Karays- kákis), “Οδυσσέας Ανδρούτσος” (Odysséas Androútsos), “Παπαφλέσσας” (Papa éssas), “Μπουμπουλίνα” (Bouboulína). Theodoros Vryzakis: The Bishop of Old Patras Germanos Blesses the Flag of Revolution, 1865 e proposal for celebration was made a few years later, in 1834, by Panagiotis Soutsos, while it was o cially established in 1838 a er a Royal Order by the Government of Otto. It is in fact the most important date in the his- tory of Modern Greece, as the starting point of national palingenesis. “H Eπανάσταση του ‘21” (I Epanástasi tou ’21 / e Revo- lution of ’21) is commemorated every year with military and student parades. On ev- ery anniversary, most public buildings and residences are decorated with national ags. Schools and all places of work are closed. Theodoros Vryzakis: The Exodus fromMessolonghi, 1853 is year, March 25th marks 201 years since those historical instances. We, at the Greek School, would like to bring our community together to honor that moment that proved to be central into the formation and founda- tion of Hellenism. Our students are current- ly working hard in preparation to present to you a fully immersive program that involves prose, poetry, acting, music, singing, and dancing. e event will take place on Sun- day, March 27th at our Church’s Hall. Please, mark your calendars! I look forward to meeting you all there and sharing with you that day of festivity, synergy, solidarity, and freedom. eocharis Papatrechas Greek Language School Director PAPANICOLAOU SCHOLARSHIP Notice: e Papanicolaou Scholar- ship Fund isn’t o ering a scholarship this year. As soon as the committee reviews its policies and procedures and is ready to restart o ering the scholarship, we will notify you. ank you, e Papanicolaou Scholarship Committee