We celebrated the beginning of our Ecclesiastical Year at the Munchies, Mimosas, and More event on Sunday, October 20th! This was an opportunity to thank the St. Spyridon community for your support and to showcase the good works of Philoptochos and our Anthousa Chapter. Special thanks to Melanie Anastopulos and Kelly Samouris for organizing this beautiful event.
Philoptochos is the official charitable arm of the Greek Orthodox Church and the second-largest Christian philanthropic organization in the Western Hemisphere. Some of the ministries our chapter supports include: Kids ‘n Cancer, Feeding the Hungry, Hellenic College/Holy Cross, Hellenic College/Holy Cross Adopt a Student, Children's Medical Fund, International Orthodox Christian Charities, Assistance for our Troops and Veterans, Disaster Relief, and many more. This year, our chapter has donated $30,000 to these organizations and causes, 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 Capetanakis 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 reported 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 impoverished 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 monthly basis. Looking for ways to help? Please contact Andreas Capetanakis at (619) 948-0902. You may make a monetary donation toward these efforts by going to Our Store on our website and clicking on General Donation.
AGAPE MEALS - are offered to our community members during difficult times. If you know of a family in need or are interested in volunteering in providing meals, please reach out to Marian Dougenis at 619.520.3660 or mkdougenis@prodigy.net
SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP: Please consider sponsoring a Sunday Fellowship Hour with your friends and family by providing simple refreshments (donuts, bagels, fruit and juice). You can honor family members or celebrate special occasions. To sign up, please contact Christina Frangos at christinafrangos1@gmail.com.
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 Church Narthex. The liturgical year presents many opportunities to honor your family member and an important day in the life of the Church (suggested donation is $85). Please contact Soula in the church office at 619.297-4165 or office@stspyridon.org to reserve your date now.
COLLEGE CONNECTION: Do you have a college-aged student in your family? Our chapter keeps your child connected with their faith and home church. Please send contact information to Bill Navrides at Bill.Navrides@sharp.com.
PLEASE SAVE THESE DATES:
Sunday, November 24th - Christmas Tree Decorating Party in the church hall
Sunday, December 8th– Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon
Monday, December 16th– Angels Christmas Party
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and your participation in our ongoing Philoptochos efforts.
In Christ,
Sofia Samouris
Anthousa Chapter President
619-518-4537