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5 THE SHEPHERD • APRIL 2021 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO 909 Prospect Avenue 858.352.6588 spiroscuisine.com Now open in the heart of La Jolla! Extensive Greek & mediterranean menu Delicious Greek desserts Fine wines, local & imported draft beer Patio for outdoor seating A fulfilling dining experience Open for lunch & dinner, 11AM to 9PM Catering for all events, big & small Online order & delivery available G . O . Y . A . NEWS Last month we held a GOYA beach clean up at Torrey Pines State Beach. It was nice to see some of the kids and clean up the beach. When some of the people saw us they asked what we were doing and we said our youth group wanted to clean the beach and they all smiled. ank you, George Dougenis for organizing this ac- tivity. We look forward to the time (hopefully very soon) when we can gather together as fellow GOYAns as we continue to learn more about our precious Orthodox Faith. We hope and pray you are all hav- ing a blessed Lenten Season. In the spirit of Lent GOYA is asking you to join us by making a nancial con- tribution to St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. As you know, when the pandemic hit, St. Nicholas Ranch like every other retreat center had to shut their doors. What you may not know is that it costs this beautiful ministry of our Metropolis $30,000 a month to keep the “lights on.” As the bus chaperone for the SoCal campers for Week # 1 of summer camp for the last 6 years I have seen how our kids are transformed a er ONE week at Summer Camp. My fellow parish- ioners, your kids and my kids leave camp inspired with the Love of God and His Holy Orthodox Church. At St. Nicholas Ranch the kids can share their deepest thoughts and fears with their fellow campers and not be judged. I have seen kids that were in a bad place when arriving on Sunday, nish the week of camp as a new person. is truly is a mystical place. e quote below is from 2018 from that year’s GOYA President Mi- chael Defelippi about his experience at St. Nicholas Ranch. “As a rst-year camper at St. Nich- olas Ranch Summer Camp, I can without a doubt say it was unlike any week I’ve ever experienced. e sta at the ranch did an outstanding job with all the activities they had planned for us. We did so many fun activities including canoeing in the lake, swimming, basketball, shing, archery, arts and cra s, Greek danc- ing, and much more. e sta and my camp counselors served as great role models for the campers as the theme of the week was “Becoming Saints.” While there, I really enjoyed meeting and spending the entire week with new Orthodox Christian friends from other parts of the coun- try. Every camper I met was beam- ing with joy to be at camp and has a deep love for the faith. Meeting new people that share the same faith as I do really helped strengthen my bond with Christ because we could talk about, and learn from, our di erent experiences as Orthodox Christians. It was also so cool to visit the mon- astery at camp! When we were there, we had the opportunity to meet and spend time with a nun, who gave us a tour of the beautiful monastery. Overall, I had such a great time at St. Nicholas Ranch Summer Camp. I am so thankful for the opportunity, as it was a week full of great fun and friendship!” Michael started University of the Paci c that fall in Stockton, CA and started attending the Youth Bible Study at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church the Priest held once a week. As a young Orthodox Christian Mi- chael wanted to continue his walk in the faith a er attending Summer Camp. By now you have heard of the Lent- en appeal to support St. Nicholas Ranch (which has a goal to raise $1,000 each day during Lent). With 40 days of Lent and $1,000 each day these funds will help immensely. e Navrides family is going to make a donation in memory of our beloved Stephanie and we are asking our Church family to support the Ranch during this Lenten Season in what- ever amount works for your family. Please reach out to me if you have any questions. Wishing you all a Blessed and fruit- ful remainder of your Lenten season. Working in His Service, Bill Navrides GOYA Director St. Spyridon GOYA San Diego Happy 95th Birthday, Dad! We love you! Mom, Manny, & Dimitri Sponsored Announcement