TSN0920

4 THE SHEPHERD • SEPTEMBER 2020 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO continues 5 Hello St. Spyridon Families, First and foremost, I hope that each of you is keeping safe and healthy during these most di cult and trying times. One thing I know for sure is that I miss our St. Spyridon family and long for the time we can all pray togeth- er, embrace one another, and visit with each other. Our community has witnessed much sad- ness with the loss of several beloved parish- ioners, and I pray their families feel com- forted knowing that as a community, we are sending healing prayers and heartfelt sympa- thy. We also keep the people of Beirut, Leba- non in our prayers as their lives were forever changed in just minutes. God rest the souls of the deceased and prayers go out to rebuild, relief and recovery. We have sent out a link about how you can help with the relief fund. Our Anthousa Chapter continues to meet with Zoom meetings, and the consensus is that we feel it is imperative to connect with our church family now more than ever. We will start communicating with you about our upcoming virtual events and fundraisers so that you can mark your calendars to partici- pate. We know nothing can replace in person gatherings but we hope these events will of- fer some sense of normalcy and community. SAVE THE DATE: Our Munchies, Mimosas and More event is set for Sunday, September 27 and although we can not physically be together, we have decided that we would love to see you all virtually using the Zoom platform. is will be a great opportunity to update you with Philoptochos news and information while enjoying a Mimosa (or any refreshment) from the comfort of your home. I will send you the information to RSVP ahead of time and we encourage you to please join us as we truly miss seeing you! As you know our Agape Meals program, led by Stella Weil, o ers cooked and delivered meals to families in our community that can use some help during di cult times. We are here for you, so please do not hesitate to reach out. We make sure to follow all physi- cal distancing protocols. We also have been keeping in touch with our homebound parishioners over the past sev- eral months and are always welcomed with much enthusiasm and appreciation. We have received a generous donation from a parish- ioner who has been ordering and delivering groceries to those in need, once again fol- lowing proper protocols. We also continue to prepare dinner that is sent to feed the home- less at Gods Extended Hand. On a broader topic, our San Francisco Me- tropolis has created a fundraiser by selling embroidered Philoptochos masks to help support our Social Services ministry. is ministry (formerly know as the Emergency Relief Fund) helps those encountering a cri- sis and provides hope while preserving their dignity. If you are interested in donating to this very worthy cause, please go to sfphilop- tochos.org and click on donate to get your mask. Last but not least, if you feel now is the time you can o er to help those in need in any way, please reach out. If you have been think- ing of renewing or becoming a member of our Chapter, time is of the essence. It takes a village to make a di erence in one’s life and our Philoptochos has and will continue to keep caring for those in need as our top priority. Your membership (how ever much you can a ord) will help us continue to help others. For more Membership information, please contact our Chairs Kelly Samouris 619.871.4702 or Melanie Anastopulos 619. 218-9778. We are not certain of what the future may hold but we believe there will be families that will need our help. With your love and support, we will prevail through these dif- cult times. If you know of a family that might need our help, or you have questions, ideas, or concerns, please reach out to me at 619.520.3660. With much love and positive thoughts being sent your way. Marian Dougenis Anthousa Chapter President PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS A.H.E.P.A. AHEPA CHAPTER 223 LOSES TWO LONG-TIME MEMBERS Our Saint Spyridon family has lost beautiful souls this year. Our deepest condolences and prayers go to each family. May all their mem- ories be eternal. Before we mention our two members that recently le us allow us to extend our as- sistance to anyone and any family that may need a helping hand during these di cult times. Should you know of anyone in our community that has an economic need please approach us. In addition, should you know of anyone that needs a voice to talk to or to listen we are here. Our AHEPA brothers who feel asleep in the Lord: George Marinos was a lifetime member of AHEPA. He was initiated on May 20, 1953 and remained a member for 67 years. George was a native San Diegan, born on September 22, 1923. He attended SDSU and USC and then attended and graduated from USD Law School. He became an attorney, and prac- ticed law until he retired. George served as President of the St. Spyr- idon Parish Council and was an ardent sup- porter of the Church and proud of his Greek heritage. He was the Co-Founder of the Hellenic Cultural Society of San Diego and served as President for 24 years. He is survived by his son Savvas Marinos and daughter Eleni Rodriguez, four grandchil- dren, his younger brother James S. Marinos, along with cousins, nieces, and nephews. Peter Parashos was a member of AHEPA for 37 years. He was initiated on July 6, 1983. Peter was a native San Diegan, born on Sep- tember 11, 1930. Peter halted his education to serve his country in the Korean War. He was a supermarket manager, a region- al real estate acquisition director, and then turned to real estate development of com- mercial and residential properties. He was a tireless volunteer and member of the parish council, Co-Chairman of the 50th and 75th St. Spyridon Anniversary Celebrations, and awarded the Leon Balaban Memorial Award in 2018.