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6 THE SHEPHERD • MAY 2026 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO Dear students, families and friends of our Greek School, As we enter the month of May, I would like to share a few important updates from our school. First, our 25η Μαρτίου γιορτή was truly wonderful this year. The students per- formed with pride, confidence, and joy — μπράβο σε όλα τα παιδιά! A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teachers for preparing the students so beautifully. Your hard work was evident in every poem, song, essay and performance. I would also like to extend a special thank you to our adult student from the advanced class, Maxime, who wrote his own original poem in Greek to commem- orate the Siege of Messolongi. His effort, creativity, and love for the Greek language were truly inspiring to all of us. And last but not least to offer a heartfelt thank you to the people who provided us with our wonderful meal for our luncheon. I would also like to remind all families that the Ellinomatheia Program and the place- ment tests for students in Level 4 and above will take place on Wednesday, May 8th at 7:15 PM and Wednesday, May 22nd at 7:15 PM . Beginning in the Fall 2026 semester, our school will officially launch the Ellino- matheia Greek Language Program, which aims to prepare students for the official El- linomatheia exams offered each May, with September available in special cases. This program is designed primarily for students in Level 4 and above, but younger students who wish to challenge themselves are wel- come to take the placement test (mandato- ry prior to participating). Because this is an exam‑preparation course, the program will follow stricter expectations regarding home- work, attendance, and overall commitment. Consistent practice is essential for success, and we want every student to feel supported and prepared. The Ellinomatheia certification is an inter- nationally recognized credential issued by the Greek Ministry of Education. It demon- strates formal proficiency in the Greek lan- guage, strengthens high school and college applications, supports heritage language de- velopment, and provides a lifelong credential that never expires. More information about the program will be shared in next month’s newsletter. Finally, our school is growing, and we are looking to add a teacher to our team for the upcoming school year. If you or someone you knowmay be interested, please reach out to me directly at 858‑366‑8771 or at stspyr- idongreekschool@gmail.com . Thank you for your continued support and for being part of our Greek school commu- nity. I wish everyone a wonderful month ahead. Warm regards, Dr. Eleni Sinopoulou San Diego Greek Language School Director GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΓΛΩΣΣΑΣ The Centennial Celebration year has be- gun with great enthusiasm, marked by a well-attended kickoff reception on January 15. During this gathering, the vision for the year was presented along with initial plans to bring the vision to life. The response from the community has been inspiring, with ap- proximately 65 parishioners volunteering to serve on various committees. Planning is now underway for a series of meaningful fes- tive events throughout the year beginning in January 2027. These include: • Epiphany celebration on January 10 at the Kona Kai Club, as an expanded venue and a more viewer friendly Blessing of the Wa- ters service • Philoptochos Presents a Founders Day Birthday Party on February 28 in the Cy- press Room and Church Patio • Panaghia’s Picnic on August 15 on the church grounds featuring a festive tent top and led by our youth ministries, featuring traditional folkloric entertainment and special 50th FDF surprise • “Lavish Evening Under the Stars” on Oc- tober 16 with the Mythos Band, venue to be determined • The year’s celebration will crescendo with the Saint Spyridon the Wonderworker’s Feast Day celebration beginning on De- cember 10 with a Christmas Concert fea- turing liturgical, folkloric, and traditional carol music • December 11–12, Great Vespers & Recep- tion, Feast Day Hierarchical Divine Litur- gy with luncheon to follow, currently in the early planning stages, and the passing of the next 100 years ceremony 100 th anniversary Saint Spyridon continues 7