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5 THE SHEPHERD • DECEMBER 2020 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO Hello Saint Spyridon Families, I hope you and your families are do- ing well and remaining healthy. We would like to thank you for your continued support especially for your generosity of our only fundrais- er for the rest of the year, “A Taste of Greek Christmas”. ank you to our Chairwomen and committee members: Christine Tradas, Gina Balourdas, So a Samouris, Vicky Mellos, and Christina Marantos . Safety continues to be our main con- cern and we thank the committee for putting forth the e ort to make sure we followed all safety protocols ev- ery step of the way. Our homebound will also be receiving a gi from us and I thank Stella Pappas and Har- riet Kounaves for heading this up. We hope you are enjoying these de- licious treats made with love and we wish you a blessed Christmas season. Our safety protocols continue with Jenny Capetanakis taking the lead with preparing dinner for the home- less at God’s Extended Hand every month. We are also preparing and delivering meals safely to our parish- ioners in need through our Agape Meals program led by Stella Weil . We are here for you, so please do not hesitate to reach out. Our College Connection program is going well and by now our students should have received a letter with a gi card. If your student has not re- ceived one, please let Gina Balourdas or Erika Couris know so we can add them to our list. Light the Path , which supports the Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Stu- dent Aid Endowment Fund, will be a virtual event on December 5th at 2 PM – 3:30 PM. You can visit www.sfphiloptochos.org for more details including donation informa- tion. We are excited to share that although protocols won’t allow us to have our traditional Angels Christmas Par- ty in person, we have decided to host one virtually for our Kids ‘n’ Cancer families. e party will take place on December 14th via Zoom at 5pm . We are working on a fun- lled program which will include our traditional visit from Santa and each family will receive a gi , most likely a gi card via email. If you are interested in partaking in this joyous event, please let me know. is party will be a great way to put a smile on these adorable faces! More details to follow. Although the safety protocols are ever changing, we are hopeful to continue our Vasilopita cutting cer- emony in January, date to be deter- mined. We will also continue with our traditional Vasilopita mailer ask- ing for your continued generosity, as all proceeds from Vasilopita bene t Saint Basil Academy. As a reminder, if you would like to donate to Saints Cosmas and Dami- anos our Patron Saints, bene tting our philanthropic programs and charities of the Ecumenical Patri- archate, please send in your dona- tion to the o ce marked Sts. C and D. As you know, every year we pass a tray but were not able to this year. If becoming a member or renewing your membership feels like the right time, please do not hesitate to reach out. We would love to have you join our mission. Your membership (a $40 suggestion for the year, although any amount is accepted) will help us continue to help others. For more Membership information, please contact our Chairs Kelly Samouris 619-871-4702 or Melanie Anastopu- los 619-218-9778. As always, if you know of a fami- ly that might need our help, or you have questions, please do not hesi- tate to reach out to me at 619-520- 3660. We did form committees that reach out to our seniors and home- bound, but if you know anyone else that needs a check in, please let me know. ank you for your continued love and support. In Christ, Marian Dougenis Anthousa Chapter President Please follow us on Facebook PHILOPTOCHOS 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 Your greetings help make the publishing of this newsletter possible. Send your congratulatory and personal greetings and announcements for any occasion such as Name Days, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagements, etc., but also messages for sad circumstances and wishing well. Visit theshepherdnews.com for more details and to submit your greeting online. Thank you for your support! Personal Greetings!