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6 THE SHEPHERD • AUGUST 2024 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO The 47 Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress took place in San Diego June 30th through July 4th. Affiliated organizations such as National Philoptochos, National YAL, National Fo- rum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, Retired Clergy Association, Archdiocesan Monastic Synaxis, Military and Institution- al Chaplains, and the National Sisterhood of Presbyteres, also convened in conjunction with the Congress. Along with our sister Church of Saints Con- stantine & Helen, the Saint Spyridon com- munity provided several volunteers for the successful completion of the event. Jim& An- gel Gilpin served tirelessly as volunteer coor- dinators while Presvytera Diane , Alexandra Mouzas and their team organized the beauti- ful Clergy Family event at the Kona Kai. On June 30th, the Synodal Divine Liturgy was celebrated at Saint Spyridon, marking the beginning of the 2024 Clergy-Laity Con- gress. His Eminence Archbishop Elpido- phoros of America concelebrated with Their Eminences Metropolitans Gerasimos of San Francisco, Apostolos of New Jersey, and Constantine of Denver. Patriarchal Repre- sentatives to the Congress, Their Eminences Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain and Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia, as well as His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston along with several other Bishops and dignitaries also attended. Hundreds of faithful filled the space, joined by the voices of men and wom- en cantors as well as of the National Forum of Church Musicians and our Youth Choir. The diversity of participation enriched an already inspiring service. Metropolitan Ger- asimos welcomed the faithful to San Diego, and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed gratitude to the Metropolitan, Fr. Andrew, and the community of St. Spyridon for their warm hospitality, noting the tireless contributions of the women of Philoptochos. Conference events included Moonlight on the USS Midway Welcome Dinner, Cler- gy Family event, Cyprus-Land of Embrace Concert, Ministry Panels, and a Grand Ban- quet on the bay.