Results of the Third Annual Drawing Contest of St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

St. Augustine, FL: The Trustees of the St. Photios Foundation, Inc. proudly share the results of the Third Annual Drawing Contest of St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine. Held in conjunction with the annual commemoration of the Fall of Constantinople, students, ages 9-12 of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, are encouraged to learn about the Fall of Constantinople and to express what was learned, through art.

This year, the children were commissioned to learn about the Theodosian Walls, one of Constantinople’s most impressive surviving monuments from antiquity. The three judges commented: “the artists understood the topic they were to draw by using a variety of mediums” (Mariann Mantzouris), “the renditions demonstrate intricate details” (Smaro Milonas), and “these wonderful drawings from such young artists exhibit so much talent” (Prof. Laura Mongiovi).

Digital prints of the 8 x 10 originals will be on exhibit in the St. Photios museum special exhibit area through May 31, 2024. They depict a child’s perspective of an architectural marvel which began during the reign of Theodosius II in the early 5th century. Anthemius, who was Theodosius’ Praetorian Prefect (prime minister) at the time, is credited with supervising the three-tiered fortification that continued the line of defense begun by Constantine the Great. It was the largest and strongest barricade built in either the ancient or medieval worlds, an effective defense line for 800 years.

The judges agreed that the $250.00 winner of the 2023 Drawing Contest is 12-year-old Sofia Koutsoupias of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Charlotte, NC.

Congratulations

to Sophia and to all the participants and their parents: Napoleon Gelis, 11 years old, of St. Demetrios, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Katharina Gabrielides, 10 years old, of Wesley Chapel, FL; Victor Constantin Acatrinei, 9 years old, of Annunciation, N. Miami, FL; Alexi Andrioti, 9 years old, of Holy Trinity, St. Augustine, FL; Nicholas E Coalson, 10 years old, of St. Nicholas, Corpus Christi, TX; Amalia Pieper, 11 years old, St. George, Chicago, IL; Diacos Sayers, 9 years old and Kostas Tsovilis, 11 years old, both of St. Demetrios, Daytona Beach, FL; and Vasili Moody 10 years old, of the Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta, GA.

The Trustees are grateful to William, Pamela, and Michael Toundas of Jacksonville, FL who have underwritten the entire cost of this project for the past three years.

Photo: Katerina Koutsoupias