To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On the 6th of February we commemorate the holy memory of a most illustrious Saint of our Holy Orthodox Church, Saint Photios the Great. Raised in Constantinople within the surroundings of a noble Byzantine family, Saint Photios was accorded all the benefits of an advanced education, served in the most important offices of the Imperial court, and was eventually elected as Patriarch of Constantinople in the year 857. Most importantly, he was a pinnacle of patience and vision—exceptional and God-inspired virtues which serve as a beacon to all persons across all levels of society.

With patience, Saint Photios overcame considerable opposition from those who espoused heretical teachings contrary to the Orthodox faith. With vision, he looked toward the expansion of Christianity, dispatching the celebrated missionaries Saints Cyril and Methodios to offer the saving message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of the Slavic Lands, an effort, which would culminate in one of the most fruitful missionary endeavors in Christian history.

Over a millennium later, the legacy of Saint Photios is evident in the mission and ministry of the Saint Photios National Shrine in Saint Augustine, Florida. This historic and sacred place commemorates the lives and struggles of over 400 Greek immigrants who sailed to America in 1768 and settled in the colony of New Smyrna. With patience they endured an arduous voyage and the hardships of persecution, eventually relocating to Saint Augustine. It was here that a structure known as the Avero House, built in 1749, became the center of the religious and social life of these early immigrants. Today this building is the home of the Saint Photios Shrine, having been purchased by the Archdiocese in 1966.

Each year, pilgrims from across the land journey to this place of Greek-American beginnings to participate in the active witness of this important ministry of the Church. Like its patron Saint, the Shrine is called to be a steadfast beacon to the faithful, maintaining and perpetuating our Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage, which we offer graciously to contemporary America. On Sunday, February 2, our National Ladies Philoptochos Society will be leading us in collecting funds for the continued progress of this vital work. With your support and contribution, and with God-inspired vision, the Saint Photios National Shrine will continue toward a bright and prosperous future, shining the light of truth before all so that they may know Him Who said, I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (Jn. 8:12).

May the pure light of our Lord shine within your hearts, and may His blessings be upon you, your homes, and your sacred service to God and His Church.

With paternal love in Christ,

† DEMETRIOS
Archbishop of America