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Published
by the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, May 19, 2004
St. Photios
National Shrine Annual Greek Landing Day
Celebration
St. Augustine, FL
- The St. Photios National Shrine Annual Greek
Landing Day Celebration commemorates that historic
occasion when the first colony of Hellenes landed
in the New World. Greek Landing Day Celebration
2004 is June 26 and 27 in historic downtown Saint
Augustine, Florida.
The annual Celebration includes Church Services at
the magnificent St. Photios Chapel and a festival
celebration. Following Divine Liturgy and Memorial
Services on Saturday, June 26, the Opening
Ceremony will get underway in the St. Photios
Shrine’s Constantine Sisters Courtyard. The
Celebration, sponsored by area Ladies Philoptochos
Societies, will continue with Greek food,
refreshments, gifts items, and live music. Greek
dancers from throughout the area will be
performing folk dances. Ceremonies and services
will be presided over by V. Rev. Fr. Nicholas T.
Graff, St. Photios Shrine Executive Director.
The St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is
dedicated to the first colony of Greek people who
came to America looking for a better life for
themselves and their descendants. The historic
journey of the New Smyrna colony is commemorated
at the annual Greek Landing Day Celebration. On
June 26, 1768, over 1,200 Greeks, Italians, and
Minorcans arrived in Florida to help establish a
new colony in New Smyrna. Following nine years of
harsh treatment, the remaining colonists fled on
foot to St. Augustine, where they were received
and where they found justice and refuge. The
colonists gathered at the Avero House for solace,
fellowship and worship.
The Avero House was purchased by the Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese of America and restored to
establish the National Greek Orthodox Shrine.
Currently, renovations are underway with the St.
Photios Shrine Archbishop Iakovos Enhancement
Project. The Enhancement project will improve the
decor of the Shrine, as well as the presentations
shown within the exhibit rooms. Phase One of the
project has been completed with the installation
of new coquina tile flooring. Phase II is now
underway with improvements including the faux
painting of interior walls, new display cases, and
updating the video, “Our Plymouth Rock,” which
tells the story of Greek immigrants finding
themselves in a an unknown land and their struggle
to become part of the fabric of America.
All are encouraged to experience the religious,
cultural, and historical significance of St.
Augustine. All are welcomed to attend the 236th
Greek Landing Day Celebration commemorating the
landing of the first Greek colony to the New
World.
The National Shrine, a self-supportive institution
of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is
located at 41 St. George Street, in St. Augustine,
Florida, the nation’s oldest city. Called “The
Jewel of St. George Street,” a pilgrimage to St.
Photios Shrine is a way to honor the memory of the
New Smyrna Colony.
St. Photios Foundation Trustee, Ms. Maria
Carantzas of Jacksonville, FL, will chair Greek
Landing Day Celebration 2004. Celebration
information is available at the St. Photios Shrine
(P.O. Box 1960 – St. Augustine, FL 32085),
telephone, (904) 829-8205; e-mail,
info@StPhotios.com.
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