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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- [email protected]
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 [email protected] • 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