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5 THE SHEPHERD • OCTOBER 2021 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO G . O . Y . A . NEWS 909 Prospect Avenue 858.352.6588 spiroscuisine.com Now open in the heart of La Jolla! Extensive Greek & mediterranean menu Delicious Greek desserts Fine wines, local & imported draft beer Patio for outdoor seating A fulfilling dining experience Open for lunch & dinner, 11AM to 9PM Catering for all events, big & small Online order & delivery available For October’s newsletter, I want to spend some time talking about “ e Relationship Project” and why this is so important for ALL our GOYAns. e Relationship Project is an all-in- clusive program that engages our teens in having today’s most need- ed conversations. is compelling group study allows facilitators to lead our youth in discovering who they are in Christ by exploring ques- tions like: What is our true identi- ty? What does it mean to be a child of God? What is the true meaning of intimacy? and, What does the Church say about good mental health? It pro- vides extensive support as facilitators create a safe space for our teens to wrestle with the possible di erences between what the world may sug- gest, versus what the Church teaches as truth. Teens will have fun con- necting with their peers and leaders as they learn the timeless wisdom and freedom that is found in the Orthodox Faith. His Eminence Met- ropolitan Gerasimos, the Greek Or- thodox Metropolis of San Francisco and Steve Christoforou (Director, Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and the Bee the Bee guy) have endorsed e Relationship Project 100%. We already have four volunteers with experience in teach- ing who will lead e Relationship Project. is is a big commitment for our kids and GOYA will underwrite all costs, and in the end, it will be well worth it, I promise you. Families, I have been leading our GOYA ( rst with my wife Stephanie) and now by myself for over 8 years now. Our kids need to feel like they belong in our Church, in their school and in their respective communities. I have attended many ZOOMS over the last year plus through my work on how to help our kids navigate the pandemic. My brothers and sisters in Christ the last 18 months have been the hardest our kids have ever faced. To be turned away at a moment’s no- tice from all their friends, their reg- ular routine, sports, etc. has taken its toll on the teenagers. Just ask them and they will tell you. e Relationship Project will not take the place of our monthly GOYA ac- tivities and a calendar will be set. e Relationship Project will contribute to the good, spiritual, mental and physical health of our teens. Parents, please allow your son or daughter to be a part of this endeavor. If you have any questions please reach out to me. Working in His Service, Bill Navrides, GOYA Director St. Spyridon GOYA San Diego SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2022 De t a i l s t o fo l l ow SAVE THE DATE ! Ep i phany Day Θ Ε Ο Φ Α Ν Ε Ι Α A Charmed Heart In Memory of our son George M. Platis Shop for the Holidays at www.acharmedheart.com to give a gift from your heart. 100% of the net proceeds go to Rady Children’s Hospital Heart Institute.