Supreme President Kaitson and other members of AHEPA leadership were honored to participate in the 44th Annual Celebration of the St. Photios National Shrine in St. Augustine, FL. The Shrine, a sacred site honoring the first colony of Greek settlers in America (1768), once again served as a gathering place for members of the AHEPA family and the faithful from across the region.

Supreme President Kaitson, who serves on the Shrine’s Board of Trustees, participated in the weekend’s events alongside several Past Supreme Presidents, including Dr. John Grossomanides, Andrew Zachariades, and Carl Hollister, who now serves as Executive Director of the Shrine. Additional dignitaries in attendance included DOP Grand President Antoinette Marousis Zachariades and Past Grand Presidents Anna Helene Grossomanides and Connie Pilallis, as well as many District and Chapter officers of both organizations.

A highlight of this year’s celebration was the unveiling of a special Mount Athos photo display, presented to those in attendance and warmly received by the faithful. The event, sponsored by the AHEPA Foundation, drew strong participation from members of the AHEPA family and underscored the organization’s enduring commitment to faith, heritage, and Hellenism.

AHEPA’s historic support of the Shrine was also recognized during the celebration. In 1984, AHEPA assured the retirement of the Shrine’s mortgage through a $1 million donation, solidifying its long-standing role in preserving and promoting this important landmark of Greek American history. The annual celebration once again reflected the close partnership between the AHEPA Family and the St. Photios National Shrine—an enduring testament to shared values of faith, service, and cultural preservation.