Friends

The St. Phot ios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

St. Augustine, Florida Newsletter Spring 2012

About St. Photios Shrine

St. Photios Greek Orthodox

National Shrine is a living memo-

rial to the first Greek settlers on

the American continent and to all

Greek Orthodox pioneers whose

love of freedom and desire for a

better life for themselves and their

children brought them to this New

World.

Called “The Jewel of St. George

Street,” the St. Photios Chapel

should be on every visitors “must

see” list.

The Shrine is located in historic

downtown St. Augustine, at 41 St.

George Street, between Orange and

Cuna streets.

Hours of operation:

Mon-Sat, 9-5, Sunday 12-6.

Shrine Board Meeting 1-2

Archbishop’s Encyclical 3

Shrine 30th Anniversary 4-5

Yale Concert 6

Smyrna Historic Exhibit 6

Essay Contest Winner 7

Women’s Retreat 8

Wall of Tribute 9

Landing Day 10

‘Happy-nings’ 11

Visit the Museum Shop 12

Inside this issue:

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. –

More than 500 people from

throughout the Archdio-

cese marked the 30th anni-

versary of the St. Photios

Greek Orthodox National

Shrine at various events

and church services Feb. 3-

6 weekend.

Trustees and Shrine

supporters including sev-

eral Archons were among

those attending who par-

ticipated.

The St. Photios Shrine is

the Archdiocese institution

that commemorates the

first Greek settlers in the

New World, who came to

Florida as part of the ill-

fated New Smyrna colony

established by Dr. Andrew

Turnbull in 1768, during

the 20-year period when

Florida was a British pos-

session.

The 30th anniversary

weekend was filled with

events that included the

opening of a temporary

exhibit honoring the Greek

Christians of Asia Minor

on the 90th anniversary of

the Smyrna catastrophe, a

poetry reading by Presby-

tera Amphitate Manuel, a

trustees’ dinner and Feast

Day luncheon chaired by

Archon Dr. Manuel and

Elaine Tissura, and hier-

archal vespers and divine

liturgies celebrated by

Archbishop Demetrios and

Metropolitan Alexios of

Atlanta on Feb. 5-6.

At the trustees dinner,

Dr. Andrew J. Ekonomou,

an assistant district attor-

ney in Georgia and a

Byzantine scholar, author

and professor, spoke on

the institution of the

Ecumenical Patriarchate

and its surprising ability

to survive to the present

day.

“We didn’t always have

patriarchs like St.

Photios,” Dr. Ekonomou

said, noting that, of the

total number of patri-

archs, 191 were forcibly

removed. Among these,

140 were deposed, 41 re-

signed, 3 were poisoned, 2 Continued on page 4

Trustees’ Meeting

Highlights

Shrine’s Progress

Shrine’s 30th Anniversary a Great Success

St. Photios Greek Orthodox

National Shrine trustees held

their annual board meeting Feb.

4 as part of the 30th Anniversary

activities. Among those in

attendance were 30 board mem-

bers, Archbishop Demetrios,

chairman; and Metropolitan

Alexios of Atlanta, president.

Dr. Manuel Tissura, first vice

president, conducted the meeting

which included several reports of

ongoing activities in support of

the Shrine.

In her report, Shrine Director

Polly Hillier noted that the

number of visitors have

increased in 2011. St. Augustine

received about 1 million tourists

last year.

Anthony Megas offered the

facilities and grounds report and

discussed the need for kitchen

and improved bathroom facilities

to accommodate the increased Continued on page 2

Archbishop Demetrios officiates at the Liturgy for the 30th Anniversary.

PAGE 2 FRIENDS NEWSLETTER SPRING 20 12

Contact Us

Friends of St. Photios newsletter is published by The St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine.

Personnel

Polexeni Maouris Hillier—Director

Fr. George Ioannou—Chaplain

Fernando Arango, Gina Mercado, Presvytera Lisa Ioannou—Museum Docents

Chia Hsuan Lin — Office Manager

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

PO Box 1960

St. Augustine, FL 32085-1960 Tel– 1-904-829-8205/Fax 1-904-829-8707

E-mail- info@StPhotios.com

Web site– www.stphotios.com

Attending the annual meeting—Shrine trustees with Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Alexios, Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos and other clergy.

number of visitors and groups making pilgrimages and holding retreats.

The building interior recently was painted, exterior touch-up work was done

and air conditioner work and various electrical needs were addressed.

The Shrine, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, receives

strong volunteer support from the neighboring parishes of Holy Trinity Church in

St. Augustine, St. John the Divine Church in Jacksonville and St. Demetrios

Church in Daytona Beach.

The Shrine participates in various programs of the St. Augustine community,

including as one of the stops on the monthly “Art Walk” and the annualj St.

Augustine House of Worship Tour, which took place Feb. 12.

Ms. Hillier also promotes the St. Photios Shrine through presentations at vari-

ous Archdiocese and Metropolis events, including clergy-laity congresses and

Philoptochos gatherings.

Other presentations

The Rev. Dr. Nicholas Louh, pastor of the Jacksonville church, reported that

his parish will host the annual Greek Landing Day celebration at the end of June,

which commemorates the landing of the Greek colonists in Florida.

Fr. George Ioannou noted that the Light a Candle Founda-

tion enables the faithful to submit offerings for the lighting

of candles and reading of names at paraklesis services held

every Friday, once a quarter at the Divine Liturgy and dur-

ing Lenten services.

Promotional and fund-raising activities were discussed

through the marketing, the Wall of Tribute and Friends of

St. Photios programs. Angelo Koukoulis encouraged trus-

tees to “bring the Shrine to their home and office” by pro-

moting its work and encouraging support.

Trustee Rose Papanikolas-McGrath displayed a laminated

promotional poster for parishes to display on their bulletin

boards.

Vannette Carousis presented a report on contributors for

the Wall of Tribute, which is displayed in the exhibit hall.

Individuals and organizations can have their names placed

on the wall for a minimum donation of $2,000.

Joanne Stavrakas discussed the Friends of St. Photios

fund-raising effort. She cited the support of Metropolitan

Evangelos of New Jersey who has sent letters to each of his

parishes urging them to befriend the Shrine, and who ab-

sorbed the printing and mailing costs associated with the

promotion.

In his comments to the trustees, Archbishop Demetrios

noted that “The Shrine is a tremendous asset. It means a

place of pilgrimage where people have to come for some-

thing sacred and holy. It vibrantly radiates the sacred and

holy; something needed today in our world. Thank you for

being the witness for such a work and mission.”

Save the Dates! Greek Landing Day Celebration - June 23, 2012.

The community of St John the Divine, Jacksonville

will host the 244th anniversary of Greek Landing Day

on Saturday, June 23.

Next Feast Day weekend takes place Feb. 1-3, 2013.

Shrine Board of Trustees’ Meeting Highlights Year’s Progress

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. FRIEND S NEWSLETTER PAGE 3

Archbishop Demetrios’ Encyclical: St. Photios National Shrine

To the Most Reverend Hierarchs,

the Reverend Priests and Deacons,

the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents

and Members of the Parish Councils

of the Greek Orthodox Communities,

the Distinguished Archons of the

Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day,

Afternoon, and Church Schools, the

Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth,

the Hellenic Organizations, and the

entire Greek Orthodox Family in

America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in

Christ,

As we celebrate this feast day of

Saint Photios the Patriarch of Con-

stantinople, we are also at the begin-

ning of a special time in our worship

and in our daily prayers and reflec-

tion.

We have begun the Triodion pe-

riod, the three weeks before Great

Lent, and a time when the services,

readings, and hymns direct our at-

tention toward our need to prepare

for Holy Week, the week of the Cruci-

fixion and Resurrection of our Lord.

We are also called to reflect upon

the challenges and struggles of living

as Christians and to experience the

power and blessings that come

through the life of faith.

This theme of struggle and faith is

also an attribute of our other obser-

vance on this day, our recognition

and offering of support to our beloved

Saint Photios National Shrine in St.

Augustine.

Since its establishment more than

four decades ago, the Shrine has

offered a witness of the struggle and

faith experienced by so many who

journeyed to this country. This heri-

tage of perseverance is marked by

the location of the Shrine, at a place

were early Greek immigrants met

and worshipped.

In 1768, they came to this coun-

try with hopes of freedom and op-

portunity. Instead, they initially

endured slavery and tremendous

hardship.

Our Shrine is a tribute to these

forebears who showed amazing

courage and faith and sacrificed so

much.

The St. Photios Shrine is also a

place that preserves our history as

Greek Americans and offers a

witness of the role and significance of

our Orthodox faith and Church.

Through exhibits, publications, and spe-

cial events the Shrine informs and reminds

us of the challenges and opportunities we

have had in the United States and of the

contributions so many Greek Americans

have made to the cultural, political, and

religious life of this country.

In addition, with its beautiful chapel and

the resources offered on our Orthodox faith,

the Shrine is a witness to thousands of

visitors per year of how our faith continues

to offer to every person the Gospel of love

and salvation.

In support of this vital ministry of our

Church in America, may we offer our

prayers for the directors, board of trustees,

staff, and benefactors of the Saint Photios

National Shrine.

May you also consider how you can con-

nect with our heritage and this witness of

faith through generous contributions and

through participation in the programs and

events of the Shrine.

Through this support of the Shrine as a

place of remembrance and prayer, we will

always have a testimony of the lives and

sacrifices of those who came before us and a

witness of the hope and life that comes

from our Lord Jesus Christ.

With paternal love in Him,

With paternal love in Christ,

†DEMETRIOS

Archbishop of America

Greek Landing Day Set for June 23 The community of St John the Divine, Jacksonville, Fla., will host

the 244th anniversary of Greek Landing Day on Saturday, June 23.

The Rev Dr. Nicholas Louh, proistamenos of the parish and trustee

of the St Photios Foundation will celebrate services beginning with

matins at 8:30 a.m.

This annual event commemorates the historic landing in St

Augustine of the Turnbull indentured colonists. This began their near

10-year stay at the indigo plantation which was named the New

Smyrna Colony.

The eight ships set sail with more than 1,400 passengers on April

17, 1768, from the island of Minorca, then under British control.

There were 232 passengers on the “Charming Betsy,” 143 on the

“Henry & Carolina,” 190 on the “Elizabeth,” 198 on the

“Friendship,” 226 on the “New Fortune,” 150 on the Hope, 145 on

the “American Soldier” and 120 on the “Betsy.” Among them

were nearly 500 Greeks from Asia Minor, Corsica, Crete, Mani,

Santorini, and Sicily.

PAGE 4 FRIENDS NEWSLETTER SPRING 20 12

30th Anniversary of Shrine Dedication Celebrated From page 1

were murdered and 1 each was beheaded, blinded or stran-

gled.

Unlike Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who has

served for 20 years, the average tenure for most patriarchs

was 20 months, Dr. Ekonomou said.

Archbishop’s reflections

In his homily at the Feb. 5 liturgy, Archbishop De-

metrios likened the efforts to make the Shrine a successful

endeavor to St. Photios’ efforts to serve and promote the

faith “as an intense, deliberate, unyielding fighter” who

“plunged himself into the ocean of education through in-

tense, high-level study.”

The Archbishop said that Photios “had to fight against

the iconoclasts and for maintaining the Orthodox faith and

not compromising it.”

He said those who have supported and promoted the

Shrine over the years are “the people that carry the legacy

of such a great ecclesiastical person.”

His Eminence had high praise for Metropolitan Alexios’

efforts over the years to support the Shrine, and his work

with the youth of the metropolis. “He truly is a good shep-

herd here,” the Archbishop said.

Following the Liturgy, the Archbishop held a memorial

service for the departed supporters and founders of the

Shrine: Archbishop Iakovos, Ernest Villas, George Crof-

fead, the Shrine’s godfather; Olga and George Fotiou,

James and Stella Kalivas, Tom Xynidis, and Spero and

Martha Zepatos.

Awards ceremony

Several presentations took place at the luncheon that

followed. AHEPA Supreme President Dr. John Grosso-

manides presented a Wall of Tribute a donation registra-

tion on behalf of his organization and himself. Leadership

100 Chairman Constantine and Dr. Maria Caras regis-

tered on the Wall of Tribute and also were sponsors of the

Feast Day Weekend. Leadership 100 registered in 2011.

Others registrants who received certificates from

Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Alexios included

Bethany Gregory of White Cloud, Mich., in memory of her

parents William and Sophia; Jim and Helen Tasios of

Winston Salem, N.C; Theodora Skarlis of Fernandina

Beach, Fla.

The Toundas Family of Jacksonville received the St.

Photios Award for their volunteer service.

The Shrine Essay Contest first place award was be-

stowed to Madelaine Assi. The benefactors of the contest

are Archon and Mrs. Constantine M. Rizopoulos. In the

1980s and ‘90s, Dr. Rizopoulos served as principal of St.

Demetrios School in Astoria, N.Y.

Shrine Director Polly Maouris Hillier received a special

award for her years of service.

Archon and Trustee Ted Johnson presented a Dedica-

tion Day Recognition of committee members who created

the Shrine and Bishops John of Amorion and Dimitrios of

Xanthos for their strong support in its founding.

Following the Sunday Liturgy, Shrine

trustees and visitors attend a reception in

the Constantine Sisters Courtyard.

Casa Monica served as the site of the 30th Anniversary luncheon and dinner over the Feb. 3-5 weekend.

AHEPA Supreme President John

Grossomanides, Shrine Trustees

Manuel and Elaine Tissura and many others attend the

Sunday Liturgy.

Metropolitan Alexios gives his homily to the faithful who attended the Feast Day Liturgy on Feb. 6 in the Shrine Chapel.

Archbishop Demetrios receives a welcome at the Jacksonville airport from Shrine Trustees’ 1st Vice President Manuel Tissura and Archon Nicholas Furris.

PAGE 5 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. F RIENDS NEWSLETTER

Among the hundreds in attendance were several Archons from around the country.

Operatic singer Mary Malas Aiello of Baltimore entertained at the luncheon, singing several nostalgic Greek songs.

AHEPA Supreme President Dr. John Grossomanides made a pledge for the Wall of Tribute on behalf of his or-ganization as well as a personal donation.

Archon and Trustee Emeritus Ted Johnson makes a pres-entation on the Shrine’s 30th anniversary celebration.

More Highlights from the Anniversary Weekend

Recipients of the St. Paul Medal for their service are Shrine Treasurer

Maria Carantzas and First Vice President Dr. Manuel Tissura; shown

with Polly Hillier (at left), Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Alexios

and Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, first director of the Shrine.

Recipients of the St. Photios Award for their exceptional

volunteer services to the Shrine were Pamela, Michael

and William Toundas of Jacksonville. They are shown

with Archbishop Demetrios, Shrine Director Polexeni

Hillier, Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and Fr. Nicholas

Louh, pastor of St. John the Divine Church.

Keynote speaker at the dinner on Feb. 4 was Byzantine scholar, author, professor and assistant district attorney Dr. Andrew J. Ekonomou who spoke on the institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

PAGE 6 FRIENDS NEWSLETTER SPRING 20 12

Sixty-five people attended

the one-hour concert

presented by the Yale

Russian Chorus in the Shrine

C o n s t a n t i n e S i s t e r s

Courtyard on Thursday,

March 8.

This tenor-bass a capella

choral ensemble shared

sacred hymns of the Russian

and Ukrainian traditions.

And while their repertoire

spanned the 12th to the 21st

centuries, stretching across

Eastern Europe to Georgia,

they garnered a standing

ovation for their rendition of

the Volga Burlak or

Boatmen's Song, popularized

by Feodor Chaliapin.

The deep brooding bass

voices brought to mind the

painting which inspired it,

Repin's famous oil depicting

Yale Russian Chorus Performs Concert at Shrine

St Nicholas Orthodox

Church in Orlando.

The group has recorded

two CD's and cultivated

major cultural events such

as the Slavic Choral Festi-

val at Yale which has at-

tracted the attention of the

professional arts media.

Members are Yale

University students from

different academic disci-

plines. Founded in 1953

by Enis Mickiewicz, a

Yale student at the time,

the YRC is recognized as

one of the world's premier

performance ensembles of

Slavic music today.

Conducted by Mark

Bailey, the Yale Russian

Chorus is on its 2012

Southeast tour, making a

day stop in St Augustine.

the suffering of the people in the

depth of misery during Tsarist

Russia.

Other exquisite early and

romantic choral works were

offered by Tchaikovsky,

Rimsky-Korsakoff, Kedrov and

Rachmaninoff.

The event was organized by

Nathan J. Campbell, who

insisted that the Shrine would be

a perfect venue for the 15-

member choir.

Their stop in St Augustine

was part of their southeast tour

that included Tampa, Merritt

Island, Holy Trinity Greek Or-

thodox Church in Maitland and

Remembering the Fall of Smyrna

Historians William and Regine Samonides, both with doctorates

from Harvard, have created an extensive exhibit of photographs at the

Shrine depicting the family histories of dozens of immigrants from Asia

Minor following the Fall of Smyrna in 1922.

“For Their Faith: Remembering the Greek Christians of Asia Minor

on the 90th Anniversary of the Fall of Smyrna,” will be on display until

October.

At left, Drs. Bill and Regine discuss their work with Archbishop

Demetrios during the recent 30th Anniversary weekend.

Below left, the historians present an informal symposium on their

exhibit and the effort to acquire the many submissions, some of which

are shown below.

ST.AUGUSTINE, FLA. FRIENDS NEWSLETTER PAGE 7

The St. Photios Board of Trustees

Archbishop DEMETRIOS, Chairman

Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, President

Dr. Manuel N Tissura, First Vice President

Anthony N Megas, Second Vice President

Maria Carantzas, Treasurer

Leslye Alex Phillips, Secretary

Polexeni Maouris Hillier, Director

Metropolis Representatives Christos Daphnides

Rev Fr Peter Balkas (Chicago)

Joanne Stavrakas

Archdeacon Ryan Gzikowski (Pittsburgh)

Angelo Koukoulis

Rev Fr Paul Pantelis (Boston)

Rose Papanickolas McGrath

Harry Plomarity (Denver)

George Parandes (Atlanta)

Rev Fr Nicholas Pathenos (Detroit)

William Bisbikis

Rev Fr John Manuel (New Jersey)

Vannette Carousis

Sophia Nichols Karakoglou

Fr. Aris Metrakos, George Stratigos (San Francisco)

Ex-Officio Members Anthony Limberakis

Order of St Andrew

Aphrodite Skeadas

Ladies Philoptochos Society

John Grossomanides

Order of AHEPA

Paulette Poulos

Leadership 100 Endowment

Rev Dr Nicholas Louh

William Toundas

St. John the Divine, Jacksonville

Rev Fr George Ioannou

William Lulias

Holy Trinity, St Augustine

Rev Fr Joseph Samaan

Constantine M Rizopoulos

St Demetrios, Daytona Beach

Emeritus Board Bishop John of Amorion

Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos

Andrew A Athens

Peter Bouras

Eula Carlos

Harry Cavalaris

Dr George Croffead +

Ted Johnson

Charles Masterpolis

Ted Pappas

Steve Poulos

Ernest Villas +

The journeys of the Greeks to

America in 1768 and that of my

father from Lebanon in 1983 begin

very differently. Indentured servants

traveled the 5,000 or so miles from

Greece on a ship, undoubtedly fac-

ing sickness, nausea, and other harsh

conditions. My father, on the other

hand, boarded a plane and flew

rather comfortably from Beirut,

Lebanon in 1983.

There are, however, certain paral-

lels between the stories of these

Greeks and my father. Both of their

homelands were devastated by con-

flict, an important aspect to the

background of their stories. In addi-

tion, their motivation to transport

their lives to America was to seek an

improved quality of life they be-

lieved to lie within these borders.

Resulting in their immigration, both

endured adversity that gave them no

choice but to assimilate. However,

the most important bond between the

two stories comes from the strength

of religion that was built upon and

fostered their transition into Amer-

ica.

It is said that when Andrew

Turnbull came to Greece to recruit

workers for his colony, all that he

found was devastation. The Ottoman

Empire had wreaked havoc on

Greece, forcing many to retreat to

the rural, mountainous parts of the

area. Much of this conflict had de-

rived from religious differences,

resulting in the loss of countless

lives.

When faced with the opportunity

to come to a land with a multitude of

opportunities, the terrible circum-

stances of the nation definitely

helped to encourage a select few to

embark on this new chapter of their

lives. Such conflict was the actual

catalyst that put my father onto that

flight in 1983.

For almost a decade, his home-

land of Lebanon had been the deadly

playground for the Palestinian Lib-

eration Organization and Israel, a

deeply- set religious conflict. This

left the Lebanese Christians no

choice but to fight and take back

their land. After being wounded in

battle, his mother immediately

packed his bags and sent him off to

Jacksonville to live with his uncle.

While Turnbull’s Greeks may

have been eager to set foot in this

new land, my father could not have

imagined anything worse for him.

His entire life - friends, family, and way

of life - was left in a small town outside

of Beirut, miles and miles away. Despite

the initial mourning of this transition, my

father realized that moving to America

was the right thing to do. He would be

safe from the war – a war that raged on

for seven more years.

In addition, my father’s parents had

known America to be the land of opportu-

nity. My father was 19 years old, and

could still achieve much with the

abundant prospects of education and ca-

reers in the States.

Even in the face of potential happiness,

moving to America still posed certain

problems for the Greeks in New Smyrna

Beach as well as for me in Jacksonville.

Both were faced with the grueling

language barrier. Turnbull’s colony was

not only comprised of Greeks, but of

Minorcans and Italians also, not to men-

tion those already in the area around the

colony. This amalgamation of languages

and cultures was probably overwhelming

for the settlers.

As for my father, things were slightly

different. As one can imagine, Arabic

doesn’t exactly translate itself in English-

speaking Jacksonville.

Consequently, many nights were spent

at local high schools utilizing free

English classes.

However, the hardships of the Greeks

in New Smyrna were more physical than

those of my father. In the 18th century,

technology had not yet eased the troubles

of extreme temperatures, illness, or hun-

ger.

To make matters worse, the summer of

1777 brought upon an exodus to St.

Augustine, forcing hundreds of colonists

to travel about 71 miles north. While

there were many difficulties in surviving

harsh conditions in the colony, the stakes

were also high during my father’s transi-

tion. In the 18th century, thriving was

equated to good health and a roof above

your head. Two hundred and fifteen years

later, a bit more was necessary to achieve

success.

While my father was working in his

uncle’s restaurant, he quickly realized

that he had to become self-sufficient.

Learning English, enrolling in college,

and finding a career – as well as a

spiritual home – were all on his to-do list.

Even among all of the factors that unravel

to tell the story of the Greek colonists and

my father, the most monumental one was

their faith in God. When faced in trying

situations, one can always rely on God to Continued on page 8

Madelaine Assi Wins 2011 Essay Contest

PAGE 8 FRIENDS NEWSLETTER SPRING 20 12

from previous page

be there. While excavating St. George Street in

St. Augustine, a cross was discovered that was

a testament to the colonists’ Orthodox faith.

This find had enormous implications for

Greek Orthodox faith in America; how power-

ful their trust and reliance on God must have

been, especially during the difficulties en-

dured.

Because of this, their perseverance and

eventual success can directly be attributed to

their strong religious convictions. Similarly,

my father leaned on his faith in the Lord

during his transition.

One bishop, three priests, and 48 women including two pres-

byteres were part of the first annual Pan Orthodox Women's Re-

treat held at the Shrine on Saturday, March 10.

Co-chairs, Gee Gee Angelopoulos and Sandy Antonopoulos of

the Anargyroi chapter of the Ladies Philoptochos Society of St.

John the Divine in Jacksonville, invited Khouria Frederica

Mathewes-Green to lead the retreat. Learning tracts were also

provided by iconographer Fernando Arango, chanter Markella

Balasis, Polly Hillier who taught kolyva-making and Gina

Mercado who introduced the women to the knotting of prayer

ropes.

The retreat began at 7:30 a.m. with a one-mile guided walk

where 10 stops afforded reflection while traveling along St

Augustine's waterfront. The Athena Restaurant of St Augustine,

the Village Bakery, Greek Isles restaurant and the Tapestry Café,

all of Jacksonville, provided breakfast and lunch. Fr. Nicholas

Louh of Jacksonville, held confessions in the chapel, Bishop

Dimitrios of Xanthos and Fr. Joseph Samaan of Daytona Beach,

joined the group for lunch and Fr. George Ioannou of St

Augustine, officiated the Great Vespers services. The experience

is captured in the following e-mail from attendee Janice Atty.

First Annual Pan Orthodox Women's Retreat at St Photios

Dear Polly,

On behalf of all the ladies from Holy Cross, Ormond

Beach, that attended the Women's Retreat Saturday, a big Thank

You and God bless you all for your efforts, dedication, love and

many hours that you put into making this a wonderful

event. That's all that we could talk about at coffee hour to-

day!!! One of our ladies who has not been very active was so

enthused and is anxious to attend anything else that comes our

way!! I am thrilled with her response.

I personally would like to thank you for the time you took

with only me(don't know where the rest of my group was, haha)

in the making of the kolyva. You expended the same effort

and kindness as if there were a dozen in the room. Your fervor

and love of Orthodoxy shows in your enthusiasm and the sparkle

in your eyes. I admire that and hope I can be as wonderful a

servant in the Lord's work as you.

Words cannot describe the blessings we all received from

Frederica. Gina was so patient with all of us. Fernando was so

knowledgeable and Markella has a voice from God. Thank you

so much again for making it all happen. Hope this is a quieter week and

things can get back to normal for you....whatever "Normal" is for an Or-

thodox woman during Lent. Take care and God bless you.

In His Love,

Janice Atty

Madelaine Assi Wins 2011 Essay Contest

While lifestyle, language, and culture

may have been completely different in Jack-

sonville, Fla., he could count on going to

church as the one constant he could count

on being the same across oceans.

Through the initial deprivation and ad-

justment, he delved into his faith as a source

of strength. Knowing that God had a plan

for him was what kept him pushing through,

whether it involved long hours toiling in the

family restaurant, or learning English.

These two stories not only taught me life

lessons, they also define who I am. Living

so closely to St. Augustine, Saint Photios

Shrine has been a staple in my visits to the

town since I could remember.

For years, the story of the Greeks from

New Smyrna was inspirational to me as a

Greek American, as well as to my church

being so close in proximity to this amazing

story.

My father’s story is also dear to me. As a

17-year-old preparing for college, I can only

imagine what living away from my family –

both in blood and in faith – will be like.

However, my dad’s story gives me encour-

agement; with faith in God, anything is possi-

ble – even moving 5,000 miles away.

Participants in the 1st Annual Pan Orthodox Women’s Retreat

Support the Shrine through the Wall of Tribute By Vannette Michal Ca-

rousis, Wall of Tribute Chair-

man

There are many institutions

which publicly showcase the

names of donors who sig-

nificantly support their or-

ganization.

We can agree that the way

in which donors are recog-

nized, reflects the value that

the organization holds for the

donors.

Friends, I invite you to see

how contributors are show-

cased at St. Photios Greek

Orthodox National Shrine.

The backlit Wall of Tribute

lists the honoree, geographic

location and when the dona-

tion was received in a sober

and elegant manner. It is a

fitting tribute within an insti-

tution of our Archdiocese

where according to our 2011

visitor registry, 100,000-plus

visited from 46 of the 50

United States and from 28

countries.

It is heartening to watch

visitors looking up the

names of Greek friends from

back home, or family mem-

bers who have spoken of the

Shrine.

Many of these visitors

come intentionally to see

where the first Greeks had

their start; just as many sim-

ply happen upon the Shrine,

witnessing Orthodoxy for

the first time.

T h i s i s t r u l y an

'institution' where one wit-

nesses His story with his-

tory.

Our names on the Wall of

Tribute witness our oneness

with Him and identity as

Hellenes.

We invite you to help

sustain the Shrine so that the

sacred task of witnessing

Orthodoxy and our Hellenic

culture can continue.

Many of our Shrine

Friends have registered their

names on this beautiful

wall, have you?

If you have not done so

yet, please, show your sup-

port by calling Mrs. Polly

Hillier at (904) 829.8205

for a Wall of Tribute bro-

chure.

Your gift will not only

help grow and enhance our

efforts, but you will

also become an integral

part in the mission, life,

and work of our Na-

tional Shrine. Con-

sider sharing this idea

with your AHEPA,

Daughters of Penelope,

and other related agen-

cies and organizations.

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. FRIEND S NEWSLETTER PAGE 9

Some Recent

Additions to

the Wall

Constantine and Dr. Mary Caras

Leadership 100—Paulette Poulos, Mr. Caras

Bethany Gregory in honor of her parents.

Mrs. Theodora Skerlis

By Polly Hillier

ST AUGUSTINE – On June 26, 1768, nearly 500 Greeks

arrived in St. Augustine with the Turnbull expedition as inden-

tured servants. They went on to settle the ill-fated New Smyrna

Colony. Though many died there, a few are interred at the

Tolomato Cemetery located on Cordova Street in St. Augustine.

It was fitting, therefore, that after the divine Liturgy on Sun-

day, June 26, a solemn procession led by Bishop Dimitrios

gathered at the gates of the cemetery where His Grace, assisted

by Rev. Dimitri Leussis, chanted the memorial hymns. Mayor

Joe Boles then read the City Proclamation declaring the 26th of

June to be Greek Landing Day for all citizens of St. Augustine.

The Foundation thanks St. Photios Volunteer Irene Drackley

who, with Catherine Coulter, director of the Colonial Spanish

Quarter, and the CSQ staff, provided an experience in historical

re-enactment for 20 young people on Saturday morning at the

DeMesa House.

Irene thanked the parents and the generosity of the Ladies

Philoptochos Society of the Metropolis of Atlanta for providing

the much-needed drinks and lunch for participants. “My favorite

part is pretending this is 240 years ago, imagining how it would

be to look for my parents that I do not know, a place where I

really do not have a home,” said Demetri Lagoutaris, who

portrayed the son of Greek colonist Ioannis Ioannopolis.

The Shrine is located at the Avero House where the colonists

were given refuge, 20 shillings and their freedom papers.

The foundation thanks Fr. Demetri Tsigas who, with the

sponsorship of the Central Florida Council of Orthodox

Churches, held a one-week intensive chanting workshop led by

John Boyer and Alex Khalil, visiting instructors from California.

The workshop included a chanting experience for participants

at the Great Vespers held in St. Photios Chapel on Saturday

evening.

Additional services held that weekend were service of

Supplication to the Virgin Mary (Friday), Blessing of the Five

Loaves following Great Vespers (Saturday) and, on Sunday,

Orthros, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and the Memorial.

The annual glendi was held in the Constantine Sisters Court-

yard with Greek music and dancing. Pastries were sold by the

Ladies Philoptochos of Holy Trinity, St. Augustine, with contri-

butions from sister parishes St. Demetrios of Daytona Beach and

St. John the Divine of Jacksonville. Well done volunteers and

chair, Effie Lasoff!

Shrine Celebrates 25th Annual Greek Landing Day Event

Bishop Dimitrios celebrates the Divine Liturgy, along with other clergy, at the 25th anniversary event to commemorate Greek Landing Day.

Mayor Joe Boles presents the proclamation for the Greek Landing Day observance.

Michael and Demetri Lagoutaris, stan-

dard bearers for Greek Landing Day 2011.

PAGE 10 FR IENDS NEWSLETTER SPRING 2012

Join the Friends Membership, Renew Now I am supporting the outreach and ministry of this embassy

of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese with this donation of

__________________ in memory and in honor of the first

Greek Colonists who settled in Florida in 1768.

Name: ______________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

Telephone number: ___________________________________

___ monthly Check ____________________

___ semi annually Credit Card: _______________

___ now, in full __________________________

Please print name as it appears on the credit card:

Name: ______________________________________________

Credit Card # ________________________________________

Expiration Date: _____________________________________

email info@stphotios.com • web www.StPhotios.com

Some Recent ‘Happy-nings’

Two weddings were performed in the St

Photios Chapel in 2011. The first was offici-

ated by Fr. Nicholas Louh of Jacksonville and

the second by the Very Rev Frank Kirlingitis

of Sarasota, Fla.

Polly,

Had the opportunity to visit St. Photios Shrine

on my way home from Ocala after the fourth of

July week. Very moving to read of the history of

the first Greek settlers. A beautiful chapel, very

nice that this is so accessible to all who are pass-

ing by. Would love to come back and visit again.

Mark Moser

Polly,

We enjoyed our visit at the Shrine yesterday. I

thought you might enjoy the pics George took

yesterday. I forwarded them to our priest and a

few others this morning. We're looking forward

to seeing you tomorrow night, Lord willing.

Love, Joannie Tsoukalas

Lowell, Mass.

WE GET LETTERS

The St. Photios Shrine Foundation sent greetings to Metropolitan Maximos, on the occasion of his retirement from the helm of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh. Among those pictured is trustee Archon and Mrs. Angelo Koukoulis. Polly Hillier also attended.

Fr. Vasile Bitere of the Diakonia Center and Ahepan Gus Hazi-fotis at the St Photios booth set up at the Sheraton in New Or-leans for the Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy Laity Assembly. Mr. Hazifotis gifted the fans and cross seen in the background to the St Photios Chapel with the embroidered four evangelists.

Members of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship Chapter of St. Nicholas in Tarpon Springs recently visited the Shrine.

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. FRIEND S NEWSLETTER PAGE 11

St. Photios Foundation Inc.

PO Box 1960

St. Augustine, FL 32085-1960

Non-Profit Org US Postage

PAID St .Augustine, FL

32084 Permit No. 217

A Visit to the St. Photios Shrine Museum Shop

You know the old saying: ‘One picture is worth a thousand sales’

Icons and crosses and

books with many pages.

Sea salt and incense and

post cards for all ages.

Gifts for your loved ones,

scented candles and more.

These are just a few of

your favorite things. (available from our store…)

Simply by calling 904.829.8707

Now Available:

Some of Your

Favorite Things