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5 THE SHEPHERD • MAY 2026 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO YOUTH MINISTRIES Fr. Andrew and the Beloved Members of Saint Spyridon Church, Christ is Risen! Although only a few days have passed since we parted, I would be remiss not to express the profound gratitude of our entire brother- hood for your warm hospitality during our Metropolis Clergy Retreat. Our time together was beautifully structured around the words of the Holy Prophet Jere- miah: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” For us, the “crossroad” marked our transition from the labors of Holy Week into the coming summer months. The “an- cient paths” reminded us that we never walk this road alone; we reconnected as brothers, shared our burdens, and enjoyed the unique gifts of our fellowship. We found the “good way” in the moments we spent in prayer and study, enriched by the wisdom of His Emi- nence, His Grace, and our fellow laborers— including your own insightful contributions, Fr. Andrew. Since returning home, I have heard from sev- eral brothers who were truly humbled by the welcome they received. Beyond providing a space for prayer and study, you nourished us with wonderful meals and fellowship. From the perfect breakfast buffets to the delicious pastichio lunch, every detail was a testament to a living faith, rooted in prayer and ex- pressed in tangible, meaningful ways. Please accept our prayers and love in Christ for your ministry and your families. May our Risen Lord, through the intercessions of St. Mark the Evangelist, grant your entire community every good and perfect gift from above. Respectfully, with love in the Risen Lord, and on behalf of Fr. Niko Bekris (Vice Pres- ident), Fr. Steve Tussing (Treasurer), Fr. Matthew Swehla (Secretary), Fr. James Ku- marelas (HCHC Representative), Fr. Michael Prevas (APC Representative), Fr. Nebojsa Pantic (ABC Representative), and myself, +Fr. Christopher Flesoras L et t e r f rom our Metrop ol i s Cl e rgy Syndesmos President