Chapter News - April 2025

Thanks to all the ladies and gentlemen who attended our Membership Luncheon on Saturday, March 1st. I want to thank our chairpersons Melanie Anastopulos, Kelly Samouris and Marilyn Yeatts for planning a beautiful event. This year’s Body + Soul program focused onliving well and taking care of ourselves. The speakers, all from our very own St. Spyridon Family, provided valuable information and tips on body movement, exercise, nutrition, lifestyle fitness,mind body awareness, and the power of prayer. Our panel included Rhad Brown, Doctor of Physical Therapy; Georgia Samouris, Registered Dietitian; Lucy Simitzes, retired career high school PE teacher, coach of team sport, and certified Personal Fitness Trainer; and Father Andrew Scordalakis, Vicar of the Metropolis of San Francisco, our beloved parish priest and spiritual leader.

We believe the good works of our Anthousa Philoptochos “Friends of the Poor” Chapter are vital and noble – to aid the needy and the poor and to promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. With the support of all of you, our chapter is financially sound and was able to gift over $37,000 to organizations and causes this past year. Some of the Metropolis and National 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, Los Angeles Wildfires and more... Locally, with your support and most importantly – your participation - we partnered with:Dewey Elementary School to provide school supplies and books. Prepared over 2400 meals through our partnership with FOCUS– Hosted children with cancer and their families at our annual Angels Christmas Party Participated in the Salvation Army Giving Tree program by providing over 150 Christmas presents to needy children in San Diego. We walked as Team Anthousa to support The Susan G. Komen® organization in their ONE mission to end breast cancer forever. Delivered Christmas Baskets to our Homebound parishioners. Supported 60 college students through College Connection ministry – we have hosted students at our luncheons to embrace and welcome them into our St. Spyridon family and we send gift cards and notes of encouragement to them throughout the year.

Save these upcoming dates in 2025:

Sunday, April 13th - Pascha Bake Sale: You can pre-order our koulourakia and tsourekia NOW! Visit Our Store on this website to place your order for pickup on Palm Sunday!

Sunday, April 27th - Kids 'n' Cancer Celebration of Love - Newport Beach Country Club

Saturday, May 3rd - A Night in the Plateia, featuring comedian Angelo Tsarouchas. You can purchase tickets now for an evening of fellowship and fun! Visit Our Store on this website.

During this Lenten season, may you use this time to renew your faith and reflect on the blessings that surround you. Join us as we continue to put our faith into action through our many philanthropic ministries and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Pascha.

In Christ,

Sofia Samouris

Anthousa Chapter President

619-518-4537

ssamouris22@gmail.com