St. Photios National Greek Shrine
Just
steps from St. Augustine’s historic city gates at St. George Street, the St.
Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, an institution of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, is dedicated to the first colony of Greek people who
came to America in 1768. The Shrine consists of exhibits depicting the life of
early Greeks in America and the development of the Greek Orthodox Church in
America, and the St. Photios Chapel.
A special audio/visual tape, “Our
Plymouth Rock,” is available in the bookstore/gift shop and when viewed,
creates a pictorial highway that transports you from the shores of ancient
Greece to America. It tells the story of Greek immigrants finding themselves in
a hostile and unknown
The
magnificent St. Photios
Chapel is unique in the Western
Hemisphere. It is filled with
exquisite Byzantine style frescoes of many apostles and saints of the Christian
church. Adding vibrant luster to
these extraordinary examples of the centuries old Byzantine art is an abundant
use of 22 Karat gold leaf on the highlights of the frescoes.
Called “The Jewel of St. George Street,” the St. Photios Chapel should not be missed by any visitor. The St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is located in historic St. Augustine, Florida, on St. George Street between Orange and Cuna Streets.