St. Augustine, FL - The fall meeting of the St. Photios Foundation Executive Board took place on October 24, 2003 at the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida.
The Executive Director, V. Rev. Nicholas Graff, welcomed members of the Executive Board on behalf of the Foundation Chairman, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. Rev. Graff also welcomed new Trustee Rev. George Savas, of the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Daytona Beach, FL. Rev. Graff thanked the Shrine's administrative assistant, Ms. Joyce Brown, who recently retired after sixteen years of exemplary service to the St. Photios Shrine.
Rev. Graff announced that the 22nd Annual St. Photios National Shrine Pilgrimage is February 6-8, 2004, and that Olympic Gold Medal winner, Bruce Jenner is will be the keynote speaker. Mr. Jenner will speak on the "Olympic Spirit." Mr. Nick Furris reported that corporate sponsorship helped secure Mr. Jenner for the Pilgrimage Luncheon. Dr. Manuel Tissura will chair the weekend's events.
Foundation Vice President, Mr. Harry Thomas Cavalaris chaired the meeting and outlined new initiatives for the Executive Board. Mr. Cavalaris noted that, "The St. Photios Foundation Board of Trustees care for the preservation of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine and its history through carefully planned development." Mr. Cavalaris delegated responsibilities to the Executive Board to assist in the development of the operations of the Shrine.
Foundation Treasurer, Ms. Maria Carantzas submitted the financial report. Although the Shrine experienced growth, the yearly trend show the summer and fall months generate smaller revenues, and that the staff properly adjusts for this situation. As a self-sufficient institution, the needs of the National Shrine are ongoing and continue to require special assistance.
Facilities chairman, Mr. Anthony Megas has activated the committee, including Trustee Emeritus and Shrine architect Mr. Ted Pappas, to help oversee various maintenance issues and to make preservation of this historic site a priority.
The Shrine Archbishop Iakovos Enhancement Project chairman, Mr. Nick Furris stated that efforts continue to promote the enhancement project and the committee will begin fundraising to underwrite the renovations.
Mrs. Cina Daskalakis, the Shrine Wall of Tribute chairperson reported that nine families have contributed to The Wall of Tribute in 2003, and four new subscribers have committed to add their names to be memorialized at the St. Photios National Shine.
Marketing committee submitted a report recommending the Foundation continue evaluating the various programs. Operations Manager, Mr. James Stremanos, reported that National Shrine Church Supplies (NSCS) continues to play a valuable role in supporting the Shrine and churches that purchase candles from NSCS directly aid in maintaining the National Shrine.
The St. Photios Shrine is the National Shrine of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America. It commemorates the first Greek settlers on the American continent and to all the Greek Orthodox pioneers whose love of freedom and desire for a better life for themselves and their children brought them to this New World. The National Shrine is located on 41 St. George Street in historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida.
The next meetings for the St. Photios Foundation Board of Trustees will be held during the 22nd Annual St. Photios National Shrine Pilgrimage on February 6-8, 2004 in St. Augustine.
Contact: Andrew J. Lekos