St. Augustine, FL -- At the 36th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in Los Angeles, California, Mr. Harry Cavalaris, St. Photios Foundation Trustee, along with Executive Director, V. Rev. Nicholas Graff, presented the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine report. The Clergy-Laity Assembly unanimously approved support for the St. Photios Shrine Endowment.
On behalf of the St. Photios Foundation, Mr. Cavalaris reviewed the needs of the National Shrine, and stated, “That in order to insure financial stability and keep the Shrine maintained accordingly, all Communities of the Archdiocese of America are asked to help underwrite an endowment that will insure the self supporting nature and maintenance of the Shrine.”
Mr. Cavalaris reported that the St. Photios Shrine has tried to maintain itself as a self-supporting institution without assistance from the Archdiocese of America. He also stated, “The reality of the financial situation is that the Shrine barely meets the day to day repairs, major maintenance upkeep, and salaries, and is required to be historically maintained.”
The resolution accepted by the Clergy-Laity Assembly stated “all communities of the Archdiocese are asked for a $2,000 donation over a four-year period to help create an endowment and for inclusion on the St. Photios Shrine Wall of Tribute, located outside the Chapel. Those Communities that have donated for the Wall of Tribute add to the initial $1,000 with an additional $1,000 to fund the endowment.”
St. Photios National Shrine Foundation Endowment will help maintain the short term and long term needs of the Shrine, including the chapel and grounds, provide funds necessary for periodic revitalization of the Shrine exhibits, portable exhibits and promotional needs, and insure that the St. Photios Shrine remains a self supporting institution.
The St. Photios National Shrine is the National Shrine of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The St. Photios Foundation Board of Trustees hope to reach the endowment fund goal of $1,000,000 by December 2005. The principal of the endowment fund will remain secure with only the interest available for the needs of the Shrine.
The St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine was dedicated in 1982 in St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in America, and commemorates the first colony of Hellenes who came to America in 1768. The Shrine serves to preserve, enhance and promote the teachings of the Orthodox Church. The National Shrines includes the St. Photios Chapel, and as a service to the Orthodox Churches and the general public, the Shrine operates a gift shop and the National Shrine Church Supplies.
Contact:
Andrew J. Lekos
E-mail [email protected]