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8 THE SHEPHERD • AUGUST 2026 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO We all know San Diego is America’s Finest City, but on July 11, we got to see how beau- tiful our own church neighborhood is, as we embarked on a scenic hike through historic San Diego by taking the San Diego 7 Bridges Walk. The weather was perfect, as we met at 8:00AM in the church parking lot, then Sofia led us on a beautiful and invigorating tour through Balboa Park and the surrounding neighborhoods, along with sharing educa- tional tidbits of information about the bridg- es. A good time was had by all! WELCOME BACKΜEMBERSHIP EVENT Saturday August 29, 1:00pm Cypress Room Please join us for our Welcome Back Mem- bership Event as we present Paint & Sip . We would like to invite all members and potential new members to join us as you will get step- by-step painting instructions, and then take home a masterpiece of your own creation. Dessert and beverages will be provided. See enclosed flyer for more information and to make your reservations. Questions? Contact Maria Platis at mplatis@hotmail.com . SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP Please consider sponsoring a Sunday Fellow- ship Hour with your friends and family by providing simple refreshments (donuts or bagels, fruit and juice). You can honor fam- ily members or celebrate special occasions. Contact Olympia Kyriakidis at 619-507-6521 or karpenisiotisa@gmail.com ICON ADORNMENT Philoptochos invites every family to com- memorate a special Feast Day in honor of your special someone by offering a donation to cover the cost of decorating the icon with beautiful fresh flowers for veneration in the Narthex. The liturgical year presents many opportunities to honor your family mem- bers and an important day in the life of the Church (suggested donation is $85). Please contact Soula at 619.297.4165 to reserve your date now. Last month Sasha Savvides and myself repre- sented our Anthousa Chapter at the Bi-An- nual Philoptochos Convention in Cleveland Ohio from June 29 to July 3. It was a won- derful week filled with camaraderie and ed- ucation on all things Philoptochos. We had discussions and speakers on topics such as Hunger & Homeless, Prison Ministries, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Neighborhood Re- siliency, AI, and more. We passed resolutions and voted on Treasury issues and the list goes on and on. We also heard inspirational mes- sages fromHis Eminence Archbishop Elpido- phoros and Philoptochos’ spiritual leader His Grace Bishop Athenagoras, among others. The work of Philoptochos truly does make a difference to those who receive our funds- internationally, nationally and locally. Thank you all for donating and helping to make our Anthousa Chapter strong. I hope to see many of you at our August 29 Paint & Sip member- ship event! WE ARE PHILOPTOCHOS! In Christ’s Sisterhood, PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS ΝΕΑ ΤΗΣ ΦΙΛΟΠΤΩΧΟΥ Fellowship Lunch Served by the Ladies of Philoptochos after the Divine Liturgy on Saturday, August 15. Sponsored by the Minas Savvas family in memory of their beloved Minas. & Sip Saturday, August 29th 1:00–3:30pm, The Cypress Room Enjoy Dessert, Wine, and Coffee • Philoptochos members $25 • Non-Members $35 Paid reservations are required by August 24 Reserve online at anthousa.net or with the form below. Not a member yet? Join online and get the member discount! Join us for an afternoon of creativity, laughter, fellowship, and fun! You’ll leave with a masterpiece you created! Instructor Tracy Lewin, has been teaching art for years. She brings a fun vibe and lots of patience. Come paint, sip and enjoy a wonderful afternoon with friends, both old and new. All supplies are provided- just bring a willingness to try! Sponsored by Philoptochos Anthousa Chapter Name(s) _________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________ Email _______________________________________ Enclosed is $ ___________________ for _____________ reservations Please make checks payable to Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society and mail this form to Philoptochos Anthousa Chapter, c/o St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 3655 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92103 Paint Michelle Defelippi Anthousa Chapter President