St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church of San Diego Celebrates its Diamond Jubilee

Parish Council members have recently unveiled a “Celebration Guide” to the yearlong series of events planned to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the parish. The theme of the events is “Bridging the Past with the Future,” a “tribute to the founding families who broke ‘hallowed ground’ at St. Spyridon” 75 years ago.

Among upcoming events are “A Taste of Greece,” an evening of Greek Culinary Arts at St. Spyridon on August 28, 2002; a festive celebration of folk art—music and dance—followed by a dessert reception, titled “Celebrating Orthodoxy, A Cultural Event” on August 24th; a golf tournament at Coronado Golf Club on October 11th; “An Open Dialogue With Archbishop Demetrios” on October 12th at St. Spyridon; an elegant Grand Banquet and Ball at the San Diego Marriott and Marina Hotel on October 12, 2002; an Hierarchical Liturgy and Reunion BBQ on Sunday, October 13, 2002 following Hierarchical Liturgy at St. Spyridon. For more information and ticket prices, contact the Church office at 619-297-4165.

Committee members have worked tirelessly for a number of years to launch this series of events, dedicating the efforts of the entire parish to the memories of the community’s founders. From simple beginnings, the parish has labored steadfastly and devotedly to acquire surrounding properties and to build its center of worship. “Since 1953, our dream has been to own and control the entire city block bounded by Park Boulevard to the west, Cypress Avenue to the south, and Indiana Street to the east and north. Currently, the community controls twelve of the sixteen parcels which comprise the city block, estimated to be worth between 8 million and 12 million dollars.” In order to reach this goal, to acquire the remaining parcels of property, council members project that the parish would need to raise about 3 million dollars. Plans call for the community to undertake a professional capital campaign program to raise the necessary funds for these acquisitions.

Among the proposed ideas for the entire area are a total redevelopment into a “Hellenic Village consisting of a multi-purpose entertainment and athletic facility, and Orthodox Christian day-care center, K-8th grade school, assisted care facilities for our senior citizens, a multi-media library and folk art depository,” and shops and offices. A master plan will be finalized upon completion of the purchases.

One feature of the Diamond Jubilee celebration is the creation of an Historical Album, a collection of entries and essays on the “milestones and accomplishments” of the families of the community. Committee members intend for this album to be an accurate record of the contributions of San Diego Hellenes to the establishment of their ethnic community and the importance of St. Spyridon’s “Mother Church status” in giving birth to other Greek communities in Southern California.

The official motto for the Jubilee celebration depicts an elderly person handing a torch of light to a child, symbolizing the passing of leadership from one generation to the next. “Remember Your Leaders and Imitate Their Faith,” is the motto of St. Spyridon’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration, 1927—2002, an apt description of the devotion and dedication of San Diego Greek Orthodox families.