St. Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine

St. Augustine, FL
February 10, 2022

This shrine is the first national shrine of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in the United States, named for St. Photios, who is revered for his scholarship. It commemorates the history of Greeks arriving in the New World, beginning in 1768. The shrine is housed in the reconstructed Avero house, which was originally built in 1702. The house had been a place of refuge for Greeks fleeing the New Smyrna colony, and in 1777, they were received here in St. Augustine by Governor Tonyn. The shrine's website lists several important events in modern history, including the shrine's consecration.

St. Photios Greek Orthodox Shrine

Artifact 1: Vestments gifted by Archbishop Iakovos

The vestments worn by Greek Orthodox Bishops draw inspiration from garments worn by the Byzantine Emperor. Each piece of the vestments has a distinct meaning, and must be put on in the correct order:

First, the tunic, a full-length robe that fastens at the neck and wrists. Second, the stole, which represents priestly power. Third, maniples, which are cuffs that fasten at the wrists. Fourth, genual, which goes on the right side, representing the purse of alms. Fifth, the imperial robe, which is the outer garment. Sixth, the omoforion, the symbol of the office of the bishop. Seventh, the cross. Eighth, the engolpion, the symbol of Mary. Ninth, the mitre, the crown that represents how Christian bishops became civil leaders after the fall of the Byzantine Empire. Finally, the staff, which represents his role as the shepherd of the flock.

Artifact 2: The St. Photios Shrine Cross

During the excavation of the Avero house, archaeologists unearthed a small wooden cross. It had three loops at the bottom, which is a unique feature of that particular artifact. Those holes represent the Holy Trinity. Archbishop Iakovos designated it as the St. Photios Shrine Cross in 1971.

Exterior 1

Exterior 2

Image in Conversation 1

This image features Archbishop Elpidophoros during the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral's Epiphany Celebration. The Cathedral is in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and has one of the largest Epiphany Celebrations in the West. The celebration begins with a public church service, then moves outside to Spring Bayou where young men from the church dive for the cross. This image reminds me of the St. Photios Shrine because it's a large, public display of Greek culture and the Greek Orthodox religion that brings people together and educates them. 

Image Source

Image in Conversation 2

This image is of the Sistine Chapel, a chapel in Vatican City. The Sistine Chapel is best known for the intricate frescoes crafted by Michelangelo. These frescoes were commissioned by Pope Julius II and feature scenes from The Book of Genesis, along with Biblical figures. The most famous image of the Sistine Chapel is God reaching for Adam in the Creation of Man. This image reminds me of the iconography in the St. Photios Shrine because it's intricate and sets the tone for the space. Iconography in religious spaces is key in showing those who enter what the space's values are.

Image Source

Literature in Conversation

"We perceive and attend God.

We learn from God.

With forethought and work,

We shape God."

- The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

This passage comes from the novel's main character, Lauren, as she begins to develop her religious ideology. This passage reminds me of the St. Photios Shrine because of the iconography. While we can study history and know about the human figures in the Bible, we are responsible for shaping our images of God and angels. Every sect of Christianity has its own interpretation of the Bible, yet common images of Biblical stories emerge. Humans shape their images of God based on their perceptions of his work and the world.

Creative Component

Minorcan - In honor of those who survived the tragedy at New Smyrna and made their way to St. Augustine

Averos - The namesake of the house

Archaeology - The site is important both as a shrine and a historical site

Relic - For the relic housed in the shrine

Iakovos - For Archbishop Iakovos and his contributions to the shrine

Candles - For the offering stations

Gold - For the gold in the iconography

Saint - For the shrine's namesake