FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 11, 2009
Supplication Services Resume at St. Photios
Greek Orthodox National Shrine
On September 4, the Rev Father Nikitas Theodosion, chaplain at the St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, located on 41 St. George Street in St. Augustine, FL, resumed the weekly services of Supplications to the Virgin Mary. Services will continue every Friday at 11:00 a.m. through November 20.
Supplications, like petitions, are prayer requests. In this case, the request is made to the Virgin Mary. We understand her to be the mother of our Lord and Savior, the portal through which all salvation occurred for humanity. We ask for her motherly intercession in our request for the health and well being of the living.
There are many icons depicting the Virgin Mary. The very first was written by the Apostle Luke. For near 2,000 years this icon has been known as the Directress (Greek: Hodygitria). Another icon is the Platyera ton Ouranon. The Panagia (Greek: all holy) Theotokos (Greek: God bearer) contains the Creator of the Universe in her womb. Mary has become Platytera ton ouranon, which means: "More spacious than the heavens." This icon is sometimes called the "Virgin of the Sign" a reference to Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel."
The St. Photios Shrine is one of the five institutions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America. Its chapel was built in memory of our ancestors of Greek heritage. Two hundred forty-one years ago, almost five hundred Greeks landed in Florida with the Turnbull Colony. The colonists were in search of a better life and settled in what today is known as New Smyrna Beach, FL. Their story is told in the St. Photios museum. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 9:00 to 5:00 p. m, Sunday 12 noon to 6:00 p.m.
Submitted by
Polly Hillier
St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
41 St George Street
St Augustine, FL 32084
(904)
829-8205
info@stphotios.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 11, 2009
2009 St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Fourth Annual Essay Contest
Description: St.
Photios Foundation is sponsoring the fourth memorial essay contest
Deadline: November 16, 2009
Eligibility: All High School Students
Entry Fee: Free
Type: 1,000 word Essay
First Prize $500.00 savings bond and a laptop computer
Second Prize $250.00 savings bond
Third Prize $100.00 savings bond
Please note that all essays become property of St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine. Writers are asked to submit a cover page with name, address, phone number and email address with their essay.
Write your thoughts in essay form, answering the question following the text below:
The St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is one of the five institutions of our Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America. The Shrine is located in the Avero House, in our nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida. The original structure was built in 1740. In 1777 it became a respite for the survivors of the New Smyrna Colony.
The Shrine opened in 1982 as a memorial to the 500 Greeks who were part of that endeavor. They came from Smyrna, Santorini, Crete and Mani in 1768. The Shrine was also built in honor of all our ancestors who came to America in search of a better life.
The chapel, with its Byzantine icons, expresses the theology of the Greek Orthodox Church. Today we proclaim our Orthodox Faith and witness our Hellenic culture to all who enter this colonial Spanish home. The interior belies the exterior, sharing the message of the Good News and True Faith with our visitors.
Essay Question: What is the purpose of this witnessing, this outreach and how do you witness the Orthodox Faith in your life?
All entries are due by November 16, 2009.
Composition Guidelines for a 1000-word Essay
by Dr. Constantine Santas
Theme Development
1. The theme of the essay must directly reflect the essay title.
2. The idea or topic of the theme must be stated in the first paragraph, preferably the first sentence of the essay.
3. Subsequent paragraphs must elaborate on the theme and stay close to it.
4. Remember to credit author, text and site for all e-references. As with all references, cite and acknowledge appropriately with footnotes and a summarized bibliography.
5. Conclude your essay by briefly reiterating your point.
Style and Grammar
1. The essay is more logical and clear when written in your own words that are considered carefully. This shows your command of the language.
2. Take time to review, write and rewrite. Use correct spelling.
3. It is recommended that someone other than you proof your text – this avoids grammatical errors, etc.
WRITER EVALUATION Notes
CONTENT (50 points is a perfect score)
Effectiveness of content and organization (introduction, body, conclusion)
Effective language choice and use of mechanics
Support of ideas and evidence of research, ideas well developed and connected
Adaptation of topic, clear well defined and supported
Did the writer effectively arrive at his/her conclusion?
PRESENTATION (50 points is a perfect score)
Flow of manuscript - did the writer effectively communicate his/her thoughts to the reader?
The essay was received on or before Monday, November 16, 2009, 5:00 p.m.
Organizational presentation (typed, double spaced, paragraphed, cohesive)
When appropriate, footnotes followed by bibliography – note all internet sources must be confirmed and cited by “hard” source
CONSULTANT
Dr. Constantine Santas, is a former professor at Milwaukee-Downer College and the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle. In 1971, he came to Flagler College where he taught and served as chair of the English Department throughout his tenure. His course expertise ranges from Basic Writing to Literature into Film. He has published articles on Greek authors, themes, translated a number of Greek poems, and works, translated and/or adapted plays by Euripides and Sophocles and completed the university textbook, Responding to Film. Dr. Santas has also written a novel and a number of original poems. He is an Advisory Council Member for the Center for Greek Studies at the University of Florida.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Katherine Bacalis, chair: This is the fourth year that Katherine serves on the Essay Contest Committee. She is a graduate of Florida State University with postgraduate studies at Old Dominion University and Jacksonville College. Mrs. Bacalis retired after 38 years of teaching in Elementary Education, Spanish, and Exceptional Education of Gifted Students. A native of Jacksonville, she has been a member of the St. John the Divine Parish Council, the Choir, past president of Daughters of Penelope, Church Youth Advisory Board, and St. Photios Foundation. Katherine is actively involved in Philoptochos Society, past and present, on the parish level and as an officer and a member of the Diocesan Board. Katherine currently is a member of the Agnes Dakis Scholarship Committee.
Renée Gahagan: This is the fourth year that Renée serves on the Essay Contest Committee. She is a graduate of Youngstown College. Ms. Gahagan has served on many boards within the Metropolis of Atlanta including OCMC, St. Photios Foundation and Philoptochos, where she held the office of president, as well as a representative to the National Philoptochos Executive Board. Renée was a judge at the 2007 Atlanta Metropolis Oratorical Festival. The recipient of numerous awards, Ms. Gahagan served as advisor on children’s issues to many State and Federal Representatives and was named Florida Business Woman of the Year 2006 by the GOP. Renée is President and CEO of Signature Events International.
Kathy Mendez: This is the third year that Kathy serves on the Essay Contest Committee. She is a faithful steward of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in St. Augustine, Florida. She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and in the tradition of her family, has been an enthusiastic volunteer to the Shrine and her Church.
Previous Memorial Essays and the Grand Prize Winners
2006 Essay Contest in memory of Angie Constant and in honor of V. Rev Father Nicholas Graff; benefactor – Archon Sam Constant, Daytona Beach, Florida;
Grand Prize Winner, Emmanuel Maginas, Aliquippa, PA
2007 Essay Contest in memory of Archon Andy Xepapas; benefactor Aliki Xepapas, Daytona Beach, Florida;
Grand Prize Winner, Connie Pitenis, Daytona Beach, FL
2008 Essay Contest in memory of a loved one, anonymous benefactor
Grand Prize Winner, Victoria Pitenis, Daytona Beach, FL
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The Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
Located at the Avero House in the historic Colonial Spanish Quarter of St. Augustine
41 St. George Street • Saint Augustine, Florida 32084
Telephone 904 829 8205 • fax 904 829 8707 • email info@stphotios.com • web www.StPhotios.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JUNE 10, 2009
National Shrine Celebrates Greek Landing Day
St. Augustine, FL – The 23rd annual Greek Landing Day Celebration at the St.
Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, Thursday June 25 – Saturday, June 27,
2009, will commemorate the arrival of nearly 500 Greek colonists who on June 26,
1768 arrived in St. Augustine, FL with the Turnbull expedition which eventually
settled the New Smyrna Colony.
The three day celebration will begin Thursday evening at 5:30 with the opening
reception for the new temporary exhibit, Steven Papadatos: A Retrospective of
One Man's 40-year Career. Several of Mr. Papadatos’ ecclesiastical designs will
be on exhibition through April 30. 2010.
Shrine Chaplain, Father Nikitas Theodosion will celebrate the services of
Matins, Divine Liturgy and the colonists’ memorial Friday, June 26 at 9:00 am in
the St Photios Chapel. St. Augustine Mayor Joseph Bolles will read the 2009
Greek Landing Day City Proclamation and Victoria Pitenis of Daytona Beach will
read her award winning essay, St. Photios Shrine. Refreshments will be served.
Liz Lazarides White will lecture on Greek cooking class at 4:00 p.m. Friday,
June 26th at the Shrine. Her cookbook Opa! will be available for purchase. Liz
and her husband Ed will also be available at the Saturday Glendi.
Join in a day for great Greek music and food at the annual glendi (party).
Chairperson Melody Herr has been preparing with the Ladies Philoptochos of St
John the Divine in Jacksonville and the sister Orthodox churches of Daytona
Beach and St Augustine to bring all the favorite Greek pastries and savories to
our visitors. The glendi will be held in the Constantine Sisters Courtyard
Saturday, June 27, 10-3:00 p.m.
Fernando Arango will provide youth activities. All are invited to bring their
children for the 9:00 a.m. Colonial Spanish Quarter Scavenger Hunt, followed by
tie dying!
For additional information, please contact
us:
St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
41 St. George Street
St. Augustine, FL 32085-1960
Tel 1-904-829-8205
Toll free 1-800-222-6727
Fax 1-904-829-8707
email: info@stphotios.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JUNE 2, 2009
St. Photios Shrine MUSEUM honors the 40th Anniversary of
ARCHITECT Steven Papadatos
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL– The St. Photios Foundation will honor architect Steven Papadatos at the opening reception of the 2009-2010 Shrine temporary exhibition titled, Steven Papadatos: A Retrospective of One Man’s Forty Year Career. Several of Mr. Papadatos’ designs in ecclesiastical structures will be showcased in the Shrine museum from June 25, 2009 through April 30, 2010.
St Photios Foundation Vice President Harry Cavalaris and St Augustine City Commissioner Don Crichlow will be among those paying tribute to Mr. Papadatos. Mrs. Paul (GeeGee) Angelopoulos and Mrs. Allan (Leslye) Phillips invite you to attend the program and reception 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, 41 St George Street, St. Augustine, Florida.
The Foundation expresses its gratitude to Papadatos Parnership LLP, Spectrum Films, Inc, Archon Nicholas and Maria Furris for underwriting the transport of the exhibit items. The Foundation recognizes Patrick Herbert, Jeff Green, Dean Karris and Allan Hillier for insuring safe delivery and installation of the exhibit.
The St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is a living memorial to the first Greek settlers on the American continent and to all the Greek Orthodox pioneers whose love of freedom and desire for a better life for themselves and their children brought them to this New World. It is a place where we are called to witness our Orthodox faith and to share our Hellenic heritage.
Steven Peter Papadatos, Bio
Born and raised in New York City, Steven Peter Papadatos is the son of Greek parents who immigrated to Manhattan seeking the American Dream. The Papadatos family proudly joined the millions of immigrants who helped create and shape America.
In 1969, Mr. Papadatos founded his New York based Architectural firm, Papadatos Partnership LLP developing it into an International Award winning practice. To date, Mr. Papadatos and his firm have received forty-two prestigious awards for Excellence in Design. In 1983, after breaking new ground and leading the cause for Green Buildings, Mr. Papadatos was honored by the State of New York with a citation from the State of New York for his contributions to Passive Solar Energy. He has received the Society of American Registered Architects Award for Excellence in International Design. In addition, in 2003, Mr. Papadatos was the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his contribution to Byzantine Architecture in America. He is an authority on Byzantine Architecture and has lectured and written extensively on the subject.
After the World Trade Center bombing on February 26, 1993, Steven Papadatos was appointed to the World Trade Center Fact Finding Committee -- consisting of leading experts in various professions – to study the effects of the bombing for the purpose of upgrading the New York City Building Code. The mission was to develop new design criteria needed to prevent the incapacitation of entire hi-rise buildings from a single event. Secondly, a comprehensive review of the Building Code, was undertaken particularly in the fire safety areas.
27th Annual
Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
Pilgrimage
Saint Augustine, Florida
Feburary 6 – 8, 2009
Celebrating the feast of our patron, Saint Photios the Great Patriarch of
Constantinople
The Saint Photios National Shrine Day Luncheon will feature
His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta
at the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine, Florida
and Keynote Speaker: Eleni Gage“ Journey Home through the Past”
Friday, February 6
FEAST OF ST. PHOTIOS THE GREAT
9:00 am - Orthros Service – St. Photios Shrine Chapel
10:00 am - Divine Liturgy – Rev. Father Nikitas Theodosion
6:00 pm - Vespers and supper hosted by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church,
St. Augustine, Florida
Saturday, February 7
10:00 am St. Photios Shrine Foundation Board of Trustees Annual Meeting: Session
1 -Casa Monica Hotel
12:30 pm Trustees & Spouses Luncheon
2:00 pm St. Photios Shrine Foundation Board of Trustees Annual Meeting: Session
2
6:00 pm Great Vespers Service and Artoklasia – St. Photios Chapel
Celebrant: His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta
Sunday, February 8
ST. PHOTIOS NATIONAL SHRINE DAY
9:00 am Orthros Service – St. Photios Shrine Chapel
10:00 am Arc hieratical Divine Liturgy
Celebrant: His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta
1:00 pm St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Feast Day Luncheon – Casa
Monica Hotel, St. Augustine
Speaker: Eleni Gage“ Journey Home through the Past”
Feast Day Luncheon Donation - $50.00 per person
Grand Benefactor - $5,000.00 (10 tickets) Benefactor - $2,500.00 (5 tickets)
Sponsor - $1,000.00 (3 tickets) Patron - $500.00 (2 tickets)
Pilgrimage information and Luncheon tickets available at the
Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
P.O. Box 1960 – St. Augustine, FL 32085 – Tel (904) 829-8205 – Email
info@StPhotios.com
Please respond by January 9, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 27, 2009
National Shrine Essay Contest Winners Announced
(St Augustine, FL, January 27) – Katherine Bacalis, chair of the Essay Committee
of St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, is pleased to announce the
winners of the Third Annual Essay Contest. Ten high school students submitted
essays for the 2008 event. Contest judges Bess Chappas, Jennifer E. Constantinou,
Esq. and Professor Nicholas Kokonis ranked the 1000 word essays. In announcing
the national level awards, Bacalis said, “This program is another way to engage
young people in exploring the relationship of history and faith. I congratulate
all the students, who are clearly, dedicated to their faith and heritage.”
Every year, high school students are invited to choose a topic for theme
development related to the history of the 1768 New Smyrna colonists and the
place where they were offered sanctuary, the Avero House that is located in St.
Photios Shrine on 41 St George Street in St. Augustine. The Shrine is an
institution of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America. Archbishop Demetrios
is the head of the church in America and chairman of the Shrine.
Dr. Constantine Santas, retired Flagler professor, author and Shrine historian
serves as committee consult. The two topics to choose from in 2008 were: How can
St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine emulate the life of St Photios the
Great?; What was the sequence of events that led from the 1966 purchase of the
Avero House at 41 St. George Street to its dedication ceremony of 1982.
First place winner, freshman Victoria Pitenis of Daytona Beach, Florida explored
the events leading up to the opening of the Shrine in 1982. She referenced eight
sources including New Smyrna: An Eighteenth Century Greek Odyssey by EP
Panagopoulos, The Story of the Founders of St. Photios National Shrine by
Constantine Santas, Greeks in America by Babis Malafouris, and The Majesty of
St. Augustine by Steven Brooke. Her research also included interviewing of one
of the founders, Olga Fotiou, and a copy of the cover of Holiday Magazine (March
1961 issue) promoting an article about St. Augustine’s early Greek colonists.
Victoria is the daughter of Eleni and Jim Pitenis. She is a member of the St.
Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Daytona Beach.
The committee also congratulates second place winner, James W. Carras of Fort
Lauderdale, FL and third place winner Maria Sanford, of Mendenhall, PA. Emmanuel
Maginas, Kristo Pantelides, Mia Pearson, Mary Grace Henley, Connie Pitenis,
George Papademetriou, and Regis N. Storey will receive certificates of
participation.
Victoria is invited to read her essay at the Greek Landing Day Memorial
Dedication on Saturday, June, 27, 2009. She will receive a laptop computer and
$500.00 savings bond.
Polexeni Maouris Hillier
Director
St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
41 St George St
St Augustine, Florida 32084
904 829 8205