TSN0326

8 THE SHEPHERD • MARCH 2026 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO One of the primary purposes of the Zathas Foundation is to provide financial assis- tance to high school graduating seniors, community college students transferring to a 4-year college, and to full-time under- graduate 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, 2026 . 2. Eligibility is limited to high school graduating seniors, community college students transferring to a 4-year col- lege, and to full-time undergraduate 4-year college / uni- versity 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 per- formance, scores of tests, character, motivation, poten- tial, honors, and activities. If you would like an application, please contact Spero Tzathas at spe1@cox.net Pa u cek and Lage Vacation BIBLE School Vacation BIBLE School July 13 - 17, 2026 9 am - 12 pm , dail y Af t ercare u n t il 4:00 pm Preschool - 5 grade : Par t icipan t s t h 6 - 12 grade : Yo ut h Leaders t h t h More Informa t ion : 619-618-5116 y o ut hminis t ries @ s t sp y ridon . org h tt ps ://t in yu rl . com / s t sp y ridon y o ut h You’re Invited! Come Join the Fun! at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church From the first section/Friday we hear about the Biblical reference of the Arch- angel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she has been chosen by God to give birth to the Christ Child. We will hear about her questions, her doubts, her visit to her cousin Elizabeth, Joseph’s bewilderment and ultimately the joy of her revelation. In the second section/Friday, we hear about Christ’s birth. We hear about the visit and adoration of the Shepherds and of the Magi. We hear about the flight into Egypt, and the presentation of the Baby Jesus into the Temple, met there by the righteous Simeon and the prophetess Anna. The third section/Friday we hear about the renewal of the world. The poem rejoices in the rebirth of humanity brought about by God becoming Incarnate. We rejoice, because out of love, God took the initiative and through the Vir- gin’s free will consent, she bore the Savior of the world. The fourth and last section/Friday, praise is offered to the Virgin for accept- ing to be the unique vessel of God. She accepted the challenge to bring forth the Savior of the world and is worthy of all praise. She is the Theotokos (the birth-giver of God), and thus we see her standing between Him and us and, therefore, have no problem lifting our voices unto her for assistance and pro- tection. My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, may this very brief explanation of the Lent- en services give us a better understanding of our corporate prayer life. May this explanation lead to a greater participation in our corporate worship expe- rience. May it help us to stay continually focused upon Christ our God, for our spiritual growth and His glorification. +A 1 FR. ANDREW