As a Reminder - Face Masks are Still Required for Inside the Sanctuary
Regardless of vaccination status, it is once again time to wear a face mask while inside, i.e. - while inside our sanctuary and/or fellowship hall.
Until further notice, we, as good Orthodox Christians and as good friends and neighbors, will comply with the requirement, direction, and guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the County of San Diego, to mask up while inside our sanctuary.
Besides vaccination, the face mask is the other most viable and useful weapon/tool we have to help combat the rise in covid cases. Thus, let us all comply with this new requirement and temporary minor inconvenience in our communal effort to protect ourselves and one another. ...there is no greater love than that... (John 15:12;13).
Once again, your consideration, patience, understanding, love, and support are greatly appreciated.
Stewardship Corner
Our parish Stewardship ministry has begun in earnest as we enter the second month of 2022.
We, the Stewardship Committee, first, would once again like to say “thank you” for your continuing financial support of our stewardship ministry. Because of your faithful and dedicated financial giving 2021 was a successful year for the community and we, the Stewardship Committee, are most grateful.
And, as a reminder, though our parish community continues to navigate cautiously and safely along with our greater community because of the pandemic, I remind you that the “church”, as we know it, has enjoyed and prospered through every major achievement and endured and navigated through every low moment that our society has endured: the church doors remain open to all as we strive to live the great commission of becoming more “Christ-like” by living the Gospel and thus, “loving thy neighbor”. Thus, regarding our own parish history and our almost one hundred years as St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, we respectively ask you once again to do what you can do to financially support your church parish as we continue to navigate through this historic and unique time.
If you have not completed your pledge card for 2022 please do so at your earliest convenience. If you need a 2022 pledge card please call the church office and one will be sent to you. You can also go to our parish website www.stspyridon.org and click on the Stewardship Giving button to donate electronically as well.
On behalf of the Parish Council, the Stewardship Committee once again says “thank you” and God bless you during these extraordinary times and always.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
The Stewardship Committee of Saint Spyridon GOC
John Kalas - Stewardship Chair Fr. Andrew Scordalakis
Ben De La Riva, Jim Gilpin, Stephen Thiros, and Spero Tzathas
Please see the 2022 Stewardship Card in the "Inserts & Fliers" section below.
New Greek School Director
Dear St. Spyridon Community, I’ve had the pleasure and honor of serving our community as Greek School Director for the last six years. Now, the time has come to pass the torch over to someone else. Mr. Theocharis Papatrechas has been selected as the new Greek School Director. Mr. Papatrechas, Greek-born and educated both in Greece and the United States, has received his Ph.D. in Music Composition from UCSD. His warm, heartfelt approach to teaching along with his love of the Greek language and culture will continue to sustain our Greek School. He possesses high qualifications and is well-skilled in all phases of education. We feel confident that Mr. Papatrechas will continue to provide our students with the best educational experience possible. Thank you all - Fr. Andrew, Parish Council, school board, teachers, parents, and students - for all of your support during my time as your Greek School Director.
Wishing you all abundant blessings and success!
Sincerely, Athena Georges
St. Spyridon Bookstore
Preparing for Lent? Fr Andrew asked us all: What time of year is it? It is the period of the Triodion. Come get your copy of the Lenten Triodion. This service book of the Church is translated by Archimandrite Ware and Mother Mary; it provides the texts for the divine services for Pre-Lenten weeks of preparation.
Philoptochos Beautifully Decorated Icons for Veneration Inside the Church
Philoptochos invites you and your family to commemorate a special Feast Day by offering a donation towards the cost of a beautifully decorated icon which will be displayed in the church Narthex for all to venerate. This offering, a floral adornment around the blessed icon, is a perfect way to honor both your family member(s) as well as an important day in the life of the Church. Throughout the liturgical year there are many opportunities to select a decorated icon, so please reserve your dates now (see below). A suggested donation of $75 payable to St. Spyridon Philoptochos is much appreciated. To reserve your date, please contact the office: (619) 297-4165 or office@stspyridon.org. Thank you!
Icons Currently Available for March:
Forgiveness Sunday - March 6th
Sunday of Orthodoxy - March 13th
St. Alexios Man of God - March 17th
St. Gregory of Palamas - March 20th
Annunciation of the Theotokos - March 25th
Sunday of the Adoration of the Holy Cross - March 27th
Philoptochos Membership Luncheon
We invite you to attend the Annual Philoptochos Membership Drive and Luncheon on Saturday, March 5th at 11:30 a.m. in the Cypress Room. Please make your reservations with the Church office - (619)297-4165 or office@stspyridon.org
Please see the Philoptochos Membership flyer in the "Inserts & Fliers" section.
Save the Date - Saturday, February 26th
GOYA will make care packages and deliver them to the homeless on February 26th. Meet at Church in the GOYA room at 9:30 am. Parents pick your kids up at Church at Noon. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. RSVP by Feb. 24th to Maggie Samouris at 619-457-3272 or maggiesamouris@gmail.com.
Philoptochos is Asking for Sunday Fellowship Sponsors
We need your help in providing the refreshments that we share during this time of fellowship. Please consider sponsoring with your friends and family. Let's keep it simple by providing cookies or donuts, fruit, and juice. To sign up contact Anne Zouvas at (619) 248-6644. Thank you for your support!
Give Back 0.5% From “Amazon Smile” Foundation
We remind you to please participate in the AmazonSmile program. When you shop on Amazon, the AmazonSmile Foundation will give back 0.5% of your purchase price to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church. That’s right, every eligible/registered purchase you or someone else makes at AmazonSmile 0.5% will be donated back to your parish!!!
It's quick and easy to register by visiting AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) and select “St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church” before you make your first purchase (be sure to select St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church - San Diego, California).
For more information about AmazonSmile, go to http://smile.amazon.com/about
We hope you’ll consider this easy way to support your beloved parish. Everyone is eligible to participate so tell your friends and relatives and spread the word about this wonderful opportunity.
Your Legacy and Your Church
...to whom much is given; from them much more is required (Luke 12:48).
Please remember to include your Saint Spyridon parish in your estate plan and bequest.