TSN1023

1 THE SHEPHERD • OCTOBER 2023 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO FROM THE DESK OF FATHER ANDREW www.theshepherdnews.com The Shepherd Newsletter My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As the summer months wane, I take this oppor- tunity to encourage you and your family to con- tinue to make the concerted effort to arrive on time for the celebration of the Divine Lit- urgy; and, have your children prepared and ready for the new Sunday School year. A big “thank you” goes out to our Parish Council as they continue to be attentive in providing the tools and texts to our committed Sunday School teachers, in their sincere attempt to teach our young people their beautiful Greek Orthodox Christian faith. Much has been done throughout the years to build a viable and solid Sunday School pro- gram, but it is only as strong as your serious commitment to it. It does “take a village to raise a child” and thus, it requires the help of not only dedicated parents to “build up the body of our youth” but grandparents, god- parents, aunts, uncles, and friends as well. Teaching the youth of our parish the impor- tance of their Greek Orthodox faith requires not only books and prepared lesson plans but earnest deeds as well. Being on time and prepared for worship and receiving the Sacraments of the Church requires being attentive to our spiritual life throughout the whole week. Thus, I encour- age you to use the whole week to help pre- pare yourselves and your children for Sun- day’s Divine Liturgy. Be vigilant and look for opportunities to talk with your children, for example, about the importance of the Di- vine Liturgy and Sun- day School; find time to read the Epistle and Gospel readings for the upcoming Sunday; fast (at the very least) on Wednesdays and Fri- days, in your earnest attempt to pass these Orthodox practices on to our/your children and loved ones/those around you. Summer has run its course; it’s now time to focus on the new Sunday School (Ecclesias- tical) year. Much has been done to provide a solid teaching program for our/your chil- dren. However, all will be for naught if you and your family members do not positively respond to this wonderful opportunity to teach your children accordingly both in and out of the classroom. This will require not only good lesson plans but dedication from you and all your family members as well: it does indeed take a village to raise a child. Once again, I would like to publicly thank Julie Dennis, our parish Youth Director, for all her efforts, talent, and her faithful dedica- tion to our Youth Ministries. Julie was with us through the pandemic and guided us out nicely. She and her staff of volunteers have worked hard to provide a safe and reward- ing atmosphere to the classroom. We are all looking forward to another fruitful Ecclesi- astical Year. Come and join us; it’s never too late. +A. The Shepherd The official newsletter publication for the parish of Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church of San Diego I S S U E 3 2 9 • O C TO B E R 2 0 2 3 IN THIS ISSUE FR. ANDREW ............................................. p. 1 PRESIDENT OF THE PARISH COUNCIL, WOMEN OF THE WORD, BOOKSTORE............................................... p. 2 DIVINE SERVICES, HOLY SACRAMENTS, MEMORIALS, NEWS FROM THE LOFT, BIRTHS, DEATHS, STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE ..............................................p. 3 YOUTH MINISTRIES ................................. p. 4 GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL ................ p. 5 YOUNG ADULT LEAGUE ........................ p. 6 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS, SENIORS ....... p. 9 PARISH CALENDAR ................................. p. 10 CONTACT INFORMATION....................... p. 12 SAVE THE DATE ! SUNDAY, J ANUARY 7 , 2 0 2 4 EPIPHANY CROSS DIVE LUNCHEON a t t h e S h e r a t o n S a n D i e g o Ho t e l & Ma r i n a L e o n Ba l a b a n Awa r d Re c i p i e n t : ELA I NE ARAPOSTATH I S