St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

St. Augustine, FL 

February 10, 2022

A part of America's Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, St. Photios chapel is a special institution located off of St. George street. Those of the faith, as well as interested tourists, are welcomed to experience the overwhelming peace that can be felt when walking through those doors. The museum exhibits contain fascinating artifacts and pieces of history. According to the information on the site's website, in 1768 the Greeks arrived in America and the displays inside the shrine illustrate the history behind the beginning of the Greek Orthodox community here in the United States. St. Photios is a piece of history from the meaningful story of the first Greek colony. 

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Website: https://stphotios.org/about/ 

Artifact 1

The above pictures are photos of what pieces are traditionally used for Holy Communion. Communion represents the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples. These pieces are important and cherished to those of the Greek Orthodox faith. The card in the picture explains the uses and importance of each of the articles of Holy Communion.

Artifact 2

The Nicene Constantinopolitan Creed is what is pictured above. This is a prayer that is said by those dedicated to the Greek Orthodox religion. The creed is a statement of faith. The letters used to spell out the creed were created by Flagler College students. Lots of time and effort was put into creating this inspiring wall. Those who read it are touched by the words.

Exterior 1

Exterior 2

In Conversation Image 1

As a child, I lived in Washington D.C. and I remember visiting the National Mall quite often. One of my favorite parts was the Lincoln Memorial. The wall in St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine with the Nicene Constantinopolitan Creed reminded me of the walls of the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial walls hold the words of the Gettysburg Address and many other influential words of wisdom. Just like the memorial, St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine displays words that are impactful in a special way. Both exhibits are presented in a special way so as visitors stand reading the walls, they are overcome by the importance and meaning of both the creed in St. Photios and the address in the Lincoln Memorial. 

Photo Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lincoln_Memorial_(north_wall_interior).jpg

In Conversation Image 2

Walking in the shrine gave a sense of peace and sacredness that respects the greek orthodox faith. The Wailing Wall in Jerusalem is sacred for those of the Orthodox Jewish faith. Just as St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is a holy place for those of the faith, the Wailing Wall is that place for Jews. The same spiritual feeling can be felt in both places. 

Photo Link: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/transgendered-woman-barred-from-jewish-western-wall-holy-site-in-jerusalem-9968023.html 

In Conversation Literature

One Hundred Love Sonnets 

Pablo Neruda 

"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,   
I love you directly without problems or pride"
 

Pablo Neruda puts the meaning of love in a very true way. I connected to this specific piece of Neruda's poem because his words reminded me of the love that believers have for God. There is no explanation for the love one has for God. It is hard to comprehend the amount of love someone can have for something/someone they have never seen or audibly heard before. It is hard not "knowing how, or when or from where" that kind of love comes from. Christians, Jews, and other religions have a lot of love for such an unknown thing. When believers go to God, they leave all problems and peace behind and trust fully in Him. Loving "directly without problems or pride" is another way to put the love for God into words. God's love is infinite and unexplainable and Pablo Neruda puts that unfathomable love into words. 

Creative Component