TSN1124

8 THE SHEPHERD • NOVEMBER 2024 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO We celebrated the start of our Ecclesias- tical Year at the Munchies, Mimosas, and More event on Sunday, October 20th! This was an opportunity to thank the St. Spyridon community for your sup- port and to showcase the good works of Philoptochos and our Anthousa Chap- ter. Special thanks to Melanie Anastop- ulos and Kelly Samouris for organizing this beautiful event. Philoptochos is the official charitable arm of the Greek Orthodox Church and the second-largest Christian phil- anthropic organization in the Western Hemisphere. Some of the ministries our chapter supports include: Kids ‘n Can- cer, Feeding the Homeless, Hellenic Col- lege/Holy Cross, Hellenic College/Holy Cross Adopt a Student, Children’s Medi- cal Fund, International Orthodox Chris- tian Charities, Assistance for our Troops and Veterans, Disaster Relief, and many more. This year, our chapter has donated $30,000 to these organizations and caus- es, thanks to the support and generosity of our members and community. The foundation of our local Anthousa Philoptochos Chapter is to support our church community and beyond through ongoing year-round activities. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Andreas Capet- anakis and his team for their dedicated work with “FOCUS” Charity, preparing 150-200 meals monthly for the homeless in San Diego. Last month, Andreas hosted a group of Coronado High School students eager to perform community outreach as part of their Feeding San Diego Club. He re- ported that it was not only great to have their help but also fulfilling to assist them in their outreach project. Andreas plans to expand the ways we can serve our im- poverished neighbors. Be on the lookout for a large receptacle in our church hall where you can drop off much-needed toiletries, blankets, and gently used or new clothing and athletic shoes. The mission of FOCUS is to serve the poor by bringing together Orthodox Christian churches and community partners to provide Food, Occupation, Clothing, and Shelter. We continue to support FOCUS’s efforts on a month- ly basis. Members and Non-Members: Looking for ways to help? Please contact Andreas Capetanakis at (619) 948-0902. We have many wonderful events planned for the coming months, Holiday Season and the New Year! Please visit our up- dated website at www.anthousa.org to learn more about our Anthousa Chapter, make reservations and become a mem- ber. SUSAN G. KOMEN BREAST CAN- CER WALK – Sunday, November 3rd: As a member of Team Anthousa, we are each playing a part in helping Susan G. Komen® in their ONE mission to end breast cancer forever. We’re stronger to- gether. United as ONE, we can support those who need help today, while fearlessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Please join Team Anthousa as we support, honor, and celebrate our survivors! Join online at www.anthousa.org Questions? Con- tact Sofia Samouris at ssamouris22@ gmail.com THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON – Sunday, November 10th: Bring your family and friends to enjoy this delicious holiday meal with all the trimmings. Sunday, November 10th, 2024 at 12:00 PM. Adults $30 | Children 12 & Under $15. Dine-in only. Seating is limited. Prepaid reservations only! Reserve On- line at www.anthousa.org | Questions? Please contact Michelle Defelippi at 619.417.4414 or mdefelippi@san.rr.com SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP: Our cher- ished tradition of gathering to visit with church family is only possible with the support of our parishioners. Please sponsor a Sunday Fellowship Hour with friends and family by providing simple refreshments: donuts or bagels, fruit, juice. Contact Christina Frangos at christinafrangos1@gmail.com or 858- 220-0071. ICON ADORNMENT: Philoptochos invites every family to commemorate a special Feast Day in honor of your someone special by offering a donation to cover the cost of decorating the icon with beautiful fresh flowers for display in the Narthex. The liturgical year presents many opportunities to honor your fam- ily member and an important day in the life of the Church (suggested donation is $85). Please contact Soula at 619.297- 4165 or office@stspyridon.org to reserve your date now. Please join us as we continue to put faith into action through our Philoptochos ministry which provides many gratify- ing opportunities to serve our communi- ty, to make new friends, and to embrace and celebrate our Orthodox beliefs. We welcome and encourage your participa- tion and membership. Yours in Christ, Sofia Samouris Anthousa Chapter President 619.518.4537 | ssamouris22@gmail.com PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS SAVE THESE DATES! Sunday, November 3rd Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk with Team Anthousa Sunday, November 10th Thanksgiving Luncheon Sunday, November 24th Christmas Tree Decorating Party Sunday, December 8th Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon at Parc Bistro Monday, December 16th Angels Christmas Party Sunday, January 5th Vasilopita Cutting