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5 THE SHEPHERD • OCTOBER 2022 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL Χαίρετε! Hérete! In early September, our school opened its doors again and wel- comed back its community, new and continuing students, who are curious and adventurous enough to embark upon the journey of discovering the beauty and depths of the Greek lan- guage. At the Greek School, we take our mission seriously and feel it is cru- cial to invest energy and resources in order to deliver the best possible educational circumstances for the students. Our teaching team worked hard during the summer season and we are proud to implement several changes in the teaching structure and Greek School curriculum, aiming to engage our students to an enhanced and immersive learning experience. • Introducing meticulously struc- tured syllabi for every level • Focusing on increasing Greek vo- cabulary • Securing xed timeframe per class for speaking • Introducing midterm examina- tions • Introducing parent-teacher con- ferences in the middle and end of each semester • Introducing detailed progress re- ports at the end of each semester To learn more about our work, join our classes, and/or support our ef- forts by graciously submitting a do- nation, visit our website at: www. stspyridongreekschool.org October / Oκτώβριος October, essentially the rst month of Autumn (typically the second), takes its name from the Latin word Octo (Οκτώ), meaning “eight”, as it was the eighth in order in the ancient Roman calendar of ten months. Ιmportant October Events in Greece is year, the 28th of October marks the eighty-second anniversary of the great “No” (Όχι) Ioannis Metax- as responded to the ultimatum of Benito Mussolini who demanded the surrender of Greece to the Ital- ian troops. From there, the last great chapter of Greece’s modern history started to get written with the ghts in the mountains of Epirus and Alba- nia, leading ultimately to the events in the Second World War. October 28th is not only a national milestone; it is the golden achieve- ment of virtue that expresses the ideals of individual freedom and de- mocracy. For the whole Greek histo- ry, the 28th of October 1940 is equal in signi cance with the anniversary of the 25th of March 1821, equal in signi cance with the anniversaries of the ghts in Marathona, ermopyl- es, Salamina, and Plataies in 500 BC. By that heroic «Όχι» Konstantinos Cava s was inspired to write his Ital- ian-titled “Che fece . . . il gran ri u- to” (What he did… the great refusal). e rst two lines read: Σε μερικούς ανθρώπους έρχεται μια μέρα που πρέπει το μεγάλο Ναι ή το μεγάλο το Όχι να πούνε. (A day ar- rives for some men when they must Utter the great Yes or the great No.) Ioannis Metaxas: “We shall be victori- ous! But for the Greeks, Glory is high- er than Victory.” Favorite Greek Destinations in October: Monemvasia / Μονεμβασιά Τhe magni cent Byzantine cas- tle-state of Monemvasia is located in the southeastern Peloponnese. e architectural scheme of the small city consists of stone tower houses, narrow cobblestone streets and lab- yrinthine alley. e name "Monem- vasia" as explained in the “Chronicle of Moreos”, a historical document of the late Byzantine period, describes the «μόνη έμβαση», i.e. the sole en- trance to the island over the bridge. I wish you a wonderful and suc- cessful school year! Σας εύχομαι μία υπέροχη και επιτυχή σχολική χρονιά! eocharis Papatrechas Greek Language School Director 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 ank you to Alexios and John Savvides for serving in the Holy Altar with Metropolitan Gerasimos during the Young Adult Conference in San Diego Labor Day weekend. May God bless you both and ALL our youth, now and always. Bill Navrides