St Photios Shrine Greek Orthodox National Shrine

St Photios Shrine Greek Orthodox National Shrine

February 10th, 2022

The St Photios Shrine Greek Orthodox National Shrine, is a dedication to the Minorcan Greek people who came to America in 1786. This historical place of worship depicts what life was like for early Greek settlers as well as containing exhibits showing the development of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, and the St. Photios Chapel. The Shrine is also a public place where all may come to honor and remember their own immigrant ancestors, and learn more about what life was like during this time. 

Source link: Website 

Interior Images: 

This picture was taken in the Shrine Chapel, which is filled with Byzantine style frescoes, which are hand painted waiter color paintings. I chose this specific section of the chapel due to the alter. Not only is this alter made of stone, it also is engraved with traditional Greek words of prayer. This photo also shows the 24 carrot gold leaf used on the wall paintings.

This mosaic made with gilded tiles is also on display inside the Chapel. This chair made of stone is also a special part of this sacred place. The seat is made of stone and the cross on the top helps signify that this is a place of worship. 

Exterior Images:

This first image exterior image was taken as a symbol of the combining of American and Greek culture, which is also shown throughout the museum. 

This next image was chosen because it shows the entrance to the court yard, which is an important part of greek architecture. 

In Conversations:

Website

This local church, located in my hometown of Rochester NY reminds me of the Greek Shrine due to its high arches and gold leafing, as well as the images of the disciples hand painted on the walls. These similarities made me choose this image of the place of worship, which is near and deer to many of my friends back home.

 

Website

This image shows greek descendants doing a popular traditional dance called "Sirtaki" also known as the "dance around the world" is a greek tradition in which everyone comes to gather forming a circle, or chain and dances to music or singing. This is another greek tradition that I became accustom to at greek event and parties growing up.

Literary In Conversation:

Ann Browning Masters - "Floridinos, Menorcans, Cattle-Whip Crackers"

"some of our families have been in St. Augustine for over 400 years. some of out families drove over the Bridge of Lions for the first time four minutes ago. Regardless of when we arrived many of us are so captivated with St. Augustine that we never want to leave." 

Although much of the literature that we engaged with this semester was connected to the first settlers of St. Augustine in some way or another, this piece really shows how captivating this ancient city is. for hundreds of years, it has charmed people into staying here, raising children here, and exploring the amazing things the city has to offer. 

 Creative Component:

A Piece of Home

My eyes widen as we walk in through this unknown place

a familiar feeling creates a smile across my face

although its not home, its as if I can almost taste

the baklava and warm hugs that I wish I could chase