After three years of development and travel through Greece, British entrepreneur Andrew Turnbull left Mahon, Minorca with 1400 passengers. Three months later he arrived with 1200 — mostly indentured servants expecting an exchange of land for 9 years of labor. He registered his land claim in St. Augustine, Florida - then the capital of Britain’s East Florida Province. He sailed south to Mosquito Inlet with provisions for 500 of the Corsicans, Minorcans and Greeks who came from Smyrna, Crete, and Mani and plans to develop 100,000 acres. Turnbull named the settlement New Smyrna, after the birthplace of his wife Maria and his first born son, Nicholas.

This chapter in history is a rich and incredible story that unfolds in New Smyrna: An Eighteenth Century Greek Odyssey by E. P Panagopoulos. Dr. Panagopoulos extensively researched this trans-Atlantic saga, which started with high hopes, but ended in privation as their abuse and neglect resulted in shattered dreams. However, approximately 100 years later, the first significant Greek Orthodox community emerged in New Orleans. By 1866, the community was sufficiently numerous and prosperous to establish an organized community, including a Greek Consulate and Greek Orthodox Church. Until today, the Greek-American ethnic group has maintained a remarkable degree of family cohesion, strong community relations, and deep respect for their Hellenistic and religious values.

Architect Ted Pappas of Jacksonville received The Award for Excellence in Architecture for the design of the “1740 Avero House” restoration. A little known fact is that it is the street/south portion of the Shrine that is Avero House. The arm of the complex containing the chapel was the site where Mrs. Avero had an outbuilding constructed to house her daughters. In 1749 her husband had died. As she found it financially necessary to take in male borders, she insured the reputation of her daughters was kept intact by separating them from the main house.

Today, the chapel stands on this site, witnessing the Orthodox faith through the hands of the renowned and blessed iconographers George and Michael Filippakis. They covered every inch of wall in this sacred house of worship. Two artists who worked tirelessly at the request of His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos spared no expense in time and materials. His Eminence bequeathed the altar in memory of his beloved parents; he consecrated the chapel in honor of this missionary patriarch. So close to his heart was this sacred shrine.

On February 22, 1982, the Shrine formally opened through the coordinated efforts of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America with the Greek families (also known as the Founders for procuring the deed of the property) of St. Augustine, and Archon Ted Johnson and other members of St. John the Divine in Jacksonville, Florida. Hierarchs, clergy and the faithful joined Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese as the St Photios Foundation celebrated the Shrine’s 25th Anniversary at National Shrine Day in February, 2007 at the Casa Monica Hotel.

For the past 20 years Greek Landing Day is celebrated annually remembering that arrival in St. Augustine on June 26, 1768. The 240th anniversary of that landing will be celebrated with a four-day event — June 26-29, 2008. The Minorcan Society will join the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese as the names of the colonists are read; a cultural celebration follows, capped by church services on Sunday. The event will be supported by the Tourism Council and is expected to draw thousands.

St. Augustine offers a unique spiritual and cultural experience to all its visitors. Ponce de Leon first discovered the area in 1513, but the first settlement occurred half a century later, thanks to Juan Menendez de Aviles. Ponce de Leon discovered the New World when he arrived at the ancient Indian village of Seloy. De Leon was struck with the height and health of those natives -convinced that medicinal springs gave them their youthful look. Today, the 15 acre Fountain of Youth Park is situated at the same site where the Ponce de Leon and his sailors landed, preserving that wedge of history for many of its visitors. As you stroll through its beautiful grounds located on the magnificent Florida Intracoastal Waterway, you are overwhelmed with the long standing magnolias and oak trees; you experience the refreshing taste of famous spring water where native plants adorn the paths and walkways. The park is decorated with the statues of Ponce de Leon and Timucuan Chief Temecula, various cannons, and anchors. An abundance of wildlife will please bird admirers, and throughout the year, many plays take place in the Fountain of Youth, such as re-enactments with 16th century pirates to satisfy an epic appetite, especially that of children. A visit to the planetarium will take you on a fascinating 15min journey through storms and stars as you track the voyage of Ponce de Leon to the New World. There are a number of exhibits including Carvelle Down (a 2/3 scale model of a Spanish shipwreck vessel,) the Discovery Globe, and the Salt Cellar.

A traditional magnet for visitors is also the First Coast’s National Park — the Castillo de San Marcos. A permanent stone fortress was completed in early 1700s, the result of 30 years of building effort to safeguard the city. The fort was never defeated, but succeeded by the stroke of a pen, when the Treaty of Paris in 1763 submitted St. Augustine and Florida to the British. A taste of history continues as you walk downtown through the old coquina gates of the city, and the magnificent 16th century Spanish Colonial ambience takes you back in time. Visit the living museum of the Colonial Spanish Quarter, as costumed interpreters illustrate the day-to-day life of 1740s Spanish society. In the Plaza de la Constitucion and St. George Street, there is an extensive array of historic buildings including 36 buildings of Colonial origins and another 40 exceptionally reconstructed models of the same era. One such building is The Governors House (built in 1713), which has been restored to its formal grandeur, and the St. Basilica Cathedral of St. Augustine (built in 1797), the oldest Catholic Religious building in the USA. Only three blocks down the street and south of the Plaza de la Constitucion, at St. Francis Street is Llambias House, the oldest private residence in preserved Spanish architectural legacy (1706).

During the 1880s, the city of St. Augustine experienced financial acme due to the visionary investments of Henry Flagler, an industrialist, oil magnate, railroad pioneer, and hotel developer. His valuable contributions resulted in some of the most impressive architecture of the city, which retains its Spanish flair and distinguishes the Nation’s Oldest City. Today, some of the most important architectural hotel gems house the Lightner Museum and Flagler College. The Flagler College is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Exceptional architectural elements include Louis Tiffany stained glass, mosaic and terracotta on walls, and ceilings with several grand murals that define the building’s splendor. The Lightner Museum is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1887 in a Spanish Renaissance style, a former luxurious hotel for the nation’s wealthiest. In the mid 20th century, it was donated to the city of St. Augustine by publisher Otto Lightner. A large collection of Relics of America’s Gilded Age is elegantly exhibited within the museum’s three floors. Items include: costumes, furnishings, musical instruments, artifacts, and other collectibles that offer a glimpse into 19th century daily life.

After an unforgettable historic walk, there are many opportunities to experience enjoyable activities of a 21st century life. A visit to Family Factory will take you into today’s busy and electronic age. Children will feel they are in a dream place, riding kiddy karts, playing mini golf and Dixie twisters, or batting in the cages. Another memorable experience in St. Augustine is the sun rising over the Atlantic horizon, scenic cruises with abundant waterfront landmarks, native wildlife, and 43 miles of pristine beaches, some shelling luxurious and others with golden sand. There are activities for persons of all ages, from fishing, diving, and surfing, to parasailing. Also, for those with high gastronomical fish expectations, the large array of quality restaurants will satisfy your palate.

For more information regarding St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine go to www.stphotios.com or call 904 829 8205. For more information regarding St. Augustine go to the Visitors’ Center website at www.ci.st-augustine.fl.us or call 904 825 1000.

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