In the Heart of Historic St. Augustine, the Past and Faith Converge -Archon Elias Damianakis Celebrates the Magnificent St. Photios Chapel, Embraces Orthodoxy’s Spiritual Bond with the Environment, and Dives into the Remarkable Life of Ecumenical Patriarch St. Photios the Great. A historic gathering took place that celebrated faith, history, and the indomitable spirit of the St Photios Shrine. The Inaugural Indiction Lecture Series weekend, hosted by the St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine, and sponsored by Oikou.org, and the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was a monumental occasion that brought together the devout, the curious, and the seekers of knowledge in Christ. Day 1: A Spiritual Commencement The weekend began on Friday, September 1st, in the presence of: His Eminence Metropolitan Demetrios (Couchell) of Xanthos with the resonant echoes of the Indiction service with Fr Sebastian Mot, a sacred New Year prayer service that marks the beginning of the Orthodox ecclesiastical year. The service was followed by the reading of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch's Encyclical for the environment, setting the stage for a thought-provoking exploration of Orthodoxy and the environment. "Every act of war is also a war against Creation, as it poses a grave threat to the natural environment." The message refers explicitly the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Attendees delved into the vital role that nature plays in the liturgical life of the church, considering the place of man from conception to death and the sacramental ecology encompassing the church building, grounds, arts (iconography, marble, woodcarving…), holy water, baptism, Chrism, the Eucharist (bread, wine, water…), koliva, and much more. Day 2: Archon Elias Damianakis Unveils History Saturday, September 2nd, was a day of enlightenment as Archon Elias Damianakis took center stage. With his captivating lecture, "From Archon to Ecumenical Patriarch," Archon Elias unveiled the fascinating journey of Saint Photios the Great, showcasing his various Archon titles and his remarkable yet tumultuous tenure on the First Throne of Orthodoxy Constantinople, New-Rome. Archon Elias shared the story of his path into the world of Orthodox Art, a journey that commenced in 1983 and culminated in a remarkable 13-year apprenticeship under the tutelage of the esteemed master iconographer from Crete, George Filippakis. Archon Elias also paid a heartfelt tribute to master Iconographer Archon George Filippakis, recognizing "The Monumental Masterpiece that is St. Photios Chapel," an embodiment of faith, artistry, and history. His words resonated deeply, emphasizing that Byzantine Art is not merely an art form but a universal Christian inheritance, reminding us of the cultural and spiritual treasures within our grasp. Day 3: Archon Elias Engages in Dialogue The final day of the lecture series witnessed Archon Elias Damianakis in a lively "Conversations with Archon Elias" and a Q & A session with attendees. Hours passed in engaging dialogue, as he generously shared his wisdom and insights with groups of tourists, pilgrims, and individuals seeking to quench their thirst for knowledge about St. Photios National Shrine, Orthodoxy, and the historic exhibits on display. Archon Elias Damianakis humbly reflected on the experience, stating, "For me, it was a weekend of growth and a much-needed dose of optimism. There is such a thirst for knowledge of Christ's church." He recounted the myriad of questions he fielded, ranging from the intricacies of iconography to inquiries about what it means to be an Archon, the tenets of Orthodox Christianity, the significance of Saint Photios, and the role of the Ecumenical Patriarch. In conclusion, executive director of the shrine Polexeni Maouris Hillier expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Elias, for the hours you spent sharing your wisdom." Archon Elias Damianakis’ words echoed a profound appreciation for the opportunity to shed light on the rich tapestry of faith and history that is woven into the St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine. As the weekend came to a close, Archon Elias's humble yet confident voice resonated, a testament to the enduring importance of faith, knowledge, and the indomitable spirit of those who strive to preserve and share the treasures of our shared history.
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Ηλίας Δαμιανάκης Άρχων Μαΐστωρ της Μεγάλης του Χριστού Εκκλησίας AuthorBy the Grace of God Archon Elias Damianakis has ministered in the study of Holy Iconography since 1980. In his biography you can read about Elias' life and on his portfolio page you can see where he has rendered some of his hand painted iconography or visit the photo galleries to see some of his work. There is a complete list of featured articles, awards and testimonials which you can visit, as well as a list of notable achievements here below. Please contact Elias for more information or suggestions for this website, thank you and God Bless. |