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2 THE SHEPHERD • NOVEMBER 2026 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO WHERE TO GO FOR HELP In a surprising finding of a recent study on success, researchers found one element that held true of those who have great degree of success and satisfaction in their lives--not simply financial or career success, but in matters most important to them--that the one difference was they were consistent in asking for help! This is different from del- egating work, but actively enlisting the wis- dom, experience, and support of others. This is abundantly true in our spiritual lives, as we work out our salvation in communion with God and community with others. It re- quires a blessed openness and humility that produces much fruit. In our study so far this year, we have discov- ered that we must have the help of the Holy Spirit to understand the Holy Spirit! Even as we go to the Scriptures, we must look to the Person beyond the page, the Comforter giv- en by Our Lord to help us live joyful lives of peace and repentance. We have adopted this as our viewpoint as we have explored our first themes of the year: The Holy Spirit in the Trinity, the foundations of the Church, and through the Old Testament. Our discus- sions have been filled with insight, laughter, and genuine kindness for one another. It is not too late to join us in studying our chosen book and additional Scripture refer- ences. Please see our handy “landing page” for full information and registration. Should you have questions, please reach out to our ministry leader, Kay Harkins at kayharkins@ mac.com https://wowsandiego.carrd.co NOTE: Just for our November 14th meeting we will gather in the parish Hall at our regular 10:30 time for our study and a fun activity that we will report on in our next Shepherd article. Last month, Father Andrew reminded us that the parable of the sower is about cultivating the soil in our hearts so that God’s seed can take root. As Fall approaches, my mind al- ways drifts back to my upbringing in Wyo- ming. Think of the lyrics from California Dreamin; “all the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray.” The fields are tilled in anticipa- tion of the coming snow, as the farmers have done their work in anticipation of the coming Spring. Like the fields, we must prepare our hearts. It’s said that the word of God is sown into each our hearts, but its growth is dependent upon us genuinely listening, hearing, and embracing His message, and letting His mes- sage change our lives. Twenty years ago, my mother passed away in her sleep. In the sudden loss, my heart went quiet for a time. In my writings, I wrote about finding solace in my faith; realizing that the graying days of Winter always usher in the renewing life of Spring. On my return to California from her funer- al, I found a new voice in my life, Father An- drew. Over the last 20 years, Father has been our spiritual leader and has become a dear friend. My mind, like your’s I’m sure, is filled with many memories of him in our lives; in times of joy; in times of celebration; and in times of sorrow. Through all the seasons of our lives, Father has been a constant remind- er of the power of our faith. I hope you will join us on Sunday, Novem- ber 8th at the end of the Divine Liturgy as we recognize Father Andrew’s 20th Anniversary with us. Many blessings, Jim Gilpin, Parish Council President FROM THE P.C. PRESIDENT What do you see at Liturgy? I see candles that were lit, I see our priest praising God, I see a censer producing smoke, I see saints who in- spire me. These quotes are from a wonder- ful board book that can help children begin to understand their Faith at an early age. It contains photographs of things they will see in church with matching text. Great ad- dition to your children’s library of learning about our Orthodox Faith. Let’s Take a Walk Through Our Orthodox Church is anoth- er great addition to your children’s library, written by Fr. Anthony Coniaris. It is for el- ementary school ages and takes a child on a tour through our Orthodox Church, clearly and simply explaining icons, architecture, candles, votive lights, chandeliers, and vest- ments. When we come to worship in the Orthodox Church, we are surrounded by a variety of sights and hymns that conspire to keep our attention focused on the worship of God. An easy to understand commentary on the Divine Liturgy worship is found in the book: Christ Among Us. It is intended for young people and adults. It will answer ques- tions such as- why is the Gospel Book closed during the Small Entrance? What does the Great Entrance Symbolize? What is the Tri- sagion Hymn? and more. Another recently published book: Blessed is the Kingdom: Reflections on the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom will help us to pray the Liturgy and to understand and appreciate the mys- tery that unfolds each Sunday or feast day it is celebrated. Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis is au- thor of this book. His writing is full of humil- ity, and deep thoughtfulness as he takes the reader through the service as a daily devo- tional. Whether you are a cradle Orthodox, a new convert to the Faith, or somewhere in between, you’ll see the Liturgy with new eyes after reading this book. During this “season of giving” we would like to thank Steven Hochberger for his generous donation to the Bookstore. Happy Fall, many blessings, Stephanie Mourafetis, Mary Mastorakos, Francesca Captain, Hitomi Shue, and Kay- lin Marino BOOKSTORE STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE REMINDER The Stewardship Committee extends its heartfelt appreciation for your steadfast gen- erosity in support of our vibrant community. Through your thoughtful offerings, you help to sustain the life of our church, enable us to gather together in faithful worship, partake of the Holy Sacraments, and joyfully serve the needs of others; all in the pursuit of our own theosis. Our parish continues to grow, and so too do the needs of our community and the min- istries that enrich our lives. We ask each of our stewards to consider how you might further contribute to the life of our church, whether through the giving of your time, the sharing of your God-given talents, or the of- fering of financial gifts. Each of these, given with a sincere and loving heart, becomes an expression of our gratitude to God and our commitment to one another in the Body of Christ. As we near the close of another fruitful year, we ask all of our faithful stewards to take a moment and review your pledge commit- ment. If you are able, please make thoughtful plans to fulfill your annual pledge before year end. If God has blessed you with the means to do more, we invite you to consider an ad- ditional offering. We thank you all for your continued stew- ardship of our St. Spyridon Church. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and your families abundantly and may the grace of the Holy Spirit guide us in all that we do. The Stewardship Committee: Ben De La Riva, Jim Gilpin, Bill Navrides, Timmy Paraskevopoulos, Stephen Thiros, Nektarios Tradas, and Spero Tzathas STEWARDSHIP CORNER WOMEN WORD OF THE