On June 26th, 1768 nearly 500 Greek colonists arrived to St. Augustine, Florida, with the Thurnbull expedition. This arrival eventually lead to the first colony of Greeks in North America. Every year this event is celebrated at at the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, and this year the 23rd annual celebration takes place Thursday June 25th – Saturday June 27th, 2009.

Thursday June 25th
The three day long celebration begins on Thursday at 5.30pm with an opening reception for the exhibit Steven Papadatos: A Retrospective of One Man’s 40-year Career.

Friday June 26th
Shrine Chaplain, Father Nikitas Theodosion will celebrate the services of Matins, Divine Liturgy and the colonists’ memorial Friday, June 26 at 9:00 am in the St Photios Chapel. St. Augustine Mayor Joseph Bolles will read the 2009 Greek Landing Day City Proclamation and Victoria Pitenis of Daytona Beach will read her award winning essay, St. Photios Shrine. Refreshments will be served.

Liz Lazarides White will lecture on Greek cooking class at 4:00 p.m. at the Shrine. Her cookbook Opa! will be available for purchase. Liz and her husband Ed will also be available at the Saturday Glendi.

Saturday June 26th
Bring their children for the 9:00 a.m. Colonial Spanish Quarter Scavenger Hunt, followed by tie dying! Later it’s time for a greek party. Enjoy festive Greek music and food at the annual glendi (party). Here you can try delicious Greek pastries and other food. The glendi will be held in the Constantine Sisters Courtyard Saturday, June 27, 10-3:00 p.m.

For additional information, please contact:
St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, 41 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32085-1960
Tel 1-904-829-8205
Toll free 1-800-222-6727

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Greek Landing Day in St Augustine 2009