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8 THE SHEPHERD • MARCH 2025 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO One of the primary purposes of the Zathas Foundation is to provide financial assistance to high school graduat- ing seniors, community college students transferring to a 4-year college, and to full-time undergraduate college / university students. The amount of the scholarship awards, to be granted to a few qualifying students, varies from $500.00 to $1,500.00 each. The requirements are as follows: 1. Completed applications must be received before May 1, 2025 . 2. Eligibility is limited to high school graduating seniors, community college students transferring to a 4-year college, and to full-time undergraduate 4-year college / university students. 3. Scholarships will be granted only to qualified members of the Greek Orthodox faith residing in the County of San Diego. 4. Scholarships MUST be applied for tuition. 5. Scholarships will be paid directly to the college /university on the student’s behalf. 6. The primary criterion for granting scholarships will be financial need. Other criteria will be prior academic performance, scores of tests, character, motivation, potential, honors, and activities. If you would like an application, please contact Spero Tzathas at spe1@cox.net MEMBERSHIP IS IN THE AIR! We in- vite you to join our Anthousa Philoptochos Chapter. We welcome all ladies and gentle- men to help us make a difference in the lives of many. If you cannot actively participate, your membership pledge helps us continue to support many charitable endeavors within our parish as well as local, national, and in- ternational communities. By joining Philoptochos, you will have the opportunity to meet new people, share ex- periences and knowledge, and feel the joy in your heart of helping others who desperately need support. Our philanthropic outreach is extended to causes and charities that are rel- evant to our community and further our Or- thodox faith and traditions. Your continued love and support are greatly appreciated, and the need is apparent—now more than ever! To join or renew, visit www.Anthousa.net and click on the Membership tab at the top. (The National and Metropolis Philoptochos treasuries each receive $15 of every member- ship donation; any amount over $30 remains in our local chapter’s treasury.) Please con- tact Melanie Anastopulos at melanieanas- topulos@gmail.com or Kalliopi Samouris at nyckelly@cox.net with any questions. FELLOWSHIP: I want to thank Christina Frangos for overseeing our Fellowship com- mittee since 2023! Her dedication and com- mitment have ensured that our cherished tra- dition carries on. Sunday Fellowship is offered most Sundays after church. It is a time to gath- er and visit with our church family, made pos- sible through the support of our parishioners. Please sponsor a Sunday Fellowship Hour with your friends and family by providing simple refreshments (such as donuts or ba- gels, fruit, juice, etc.). Please contact Christina Frangos to schedule a date at 858.220.0071 or christinafrangos1@gmail.com . OPERATION CLASSROOM: Our chapter continues its support of Dewey Elementary School, located in the Midway neighborhood of Point Loma. Operation Classroom, one of our many outreach programs, provides support and resources to teachers and stu- dents in underfunded schools. Committee members Linda Farrell and Paulette Gallanis recently purchased and delivered nearly 60 books, from the school’s Library Wish List, for 4th grade students. The vast majority of the school’s 300 students in Pre-K through 4th grade are from young military families. PASCHA BAKE SALE: The season is al- most upon us to enjoy fresh tsourekia and koulourakia for Pascha! Made by the loving hands of our Ladies of Philoptochos, these delicious breads and cookies will be avail- able for pickup on Palm Sunday, April 13th. Please see ordering form for details. AGAPE – A CELEBRATION OF LOVE: Save the Date! Sunday, April 27th, 2:00 PM at the Newport Beach Country Club. This special event will benefit the Greek Ortho- dox Metropolis of San Francisco Ladies Philoptochos Kids ‘n’ Cancer Ministry. FEED THE HUNGRY: The foundation of our local Anthousa Philoptochos Chapter is not only to support our church community but also to extend our reach through year- round activities. A special thank you to An- dreas Capetanakis and his team, including students from Coronado High School, who prepared 200 meals in February. They are collaborating with the FOCUS North Amer- ica charity, which aims to serve the poor by uniting Orthodox Christian churches and community partners to provide Food, Occu- pation, Clothing, and Shelter. We continue to support FOCUS' efforts monthly. Members and non-members looking to help can con- tact Andreas Capetanakis at (619) 948-0902. AGAPE MEALS are offered to our commu- nity members who are in need or who have fallen on difficult times. If you know of a person or family who needs help, or if you are interested in helping to prepare meals, please reach out to Marian Dougenis at 619.520.3660 or mkdougenis@prodigy.net . FEAST DAY ICONS: We invite you to com- memorate a Feast Day or special event in the life of your family by offering a beautifully decorated icon to be displayed in the Nar- thex for all to venerate. The suggested dona- tion amount is $85. Please make checks pay- able to the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philopto- chos Society. To reserve an icon, contact the church office at (619) 297-4165. As we begin the Lenten season, may you use this time to renew your faith and reflect on the blessings that surround you. Join us as we continue to put our faith into action through our many philanthropic ministries. Yours in Christ, Sofia Samouris Anthousa Chapter President 619.518.4537 | ssamouris22@gmail.com PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS