St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

 St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, Located in St. Augustine, FL

Date of Visit: February 18th, 2021

The building may be small in size, but the amount of history within its walls makes up for it.  There's so much information ranging from Holy Communion articles to Bishop Vestments.  As the site states, "the institution is dedicated to the first colony of Greek people who came to America in 1768."  The shrine contains "exhibits [that] depict the life of early Greeks in America" along with the spread of the Church within the country.  Needless to say, there's history to be found in almost every corner!

Artifact One: Saint Photios Shrine 

As you can see, the shrine itself is breathtaking, the details will leave anyone breathless.  The story that is told through the paintings leaves the viewer awestruck.  St. Photios was a "theologian, a supporter of missionary activity and a defender of the Faith.  He was also known for his brilliance and for his missionary zeal" (stphotios.org). 

Artifact Two: Bishop Vestments 

The detail within this is astonishing.  The stitch work is so intricate - something that deserves recognition.  As the sign says, "the symbolism attached to each piece of clothing is from the Old Testament." That being said, a Bishop would be adorned with these items in a particular order: tunic, stole, maniples, genual, imperial robe, small omoforion, cross, engolpian, mitre, and then given the staff. 

Exterior Photos:

The door along with the sign are taken from directly outside the shrine, on St. George Street to be exact.  The center photo is of a small courtyard directly before you enter the shrine.

Images in Conversation with the Site

The first image shows the Vestments worn by Bishops, as above, I included just the Vestments themselves.  With them actually being worn, it allows us to see just how ornate they are.  The second photo is of a larger Greek Orthodox Church.  It really shows how much attention was put into the details, from the chandeliers to the magnificent artwork.

    Creative Element

This photo was taken from inside of the Shrine, right before you enter the museum part.  I found it to be quite beautiful with the tree branches slightly bending. I specifically chose this quote because I believe that members of the Greek Orthodox Church feel this way about Saint Photios or any other Saint.  These men were strong believers in their work so "the world turns aside" for them.

Quote from ENG 202

"He emerged from behind a clump of thorn-bush and cottonwood and caught his first glimpse of the cluster of buildings before him, he looked once, and that was all" -The Surrounded, D'Arcy McNickel.  

This embodies the experience when you first enter the shrine, as you emerge from a trail surrounded by looming trees and brush.  Then you face the Shrine itself, which is full of so many details, which could possible leave individuals breathless.  Nature has a way of creating a mystical atmosphere.  In The Surrounded, Archilde was continuously put into situations that were putting him into a state of awe emotionally.  As he was succumbed with the frailness of his mother, the instability of his father, and his society in general.