“Dedicated to my mother Anastasia Yakovou who taught me to see” (1)
“Vision and sight do not refer exclusively to physical blindness, but to the ability to see truth and to face it courageously.” (1)
It has been more than 50 years since the Grotto-Shrine of St. Paraskevi, a replica of the original Shrine in Therapia, Turkey, was constructed and donated to our Parish by John Yakovou(1). July 26, 2019 marked the 50th anniversary of the consecration of the waters of our Grotto-Shrine.
Over the years, thousands of people from all over the world and of different faiths, have visited our Grotto-Shrine and have felt the humbling privilege of being in St. Paraskevi’s presence. The stark simplicity of the interior and the soft trickle of the Holy water, which flows from the mouth of the fountain, create an atmosphere of serenity and holiness. Through the intercessions of St. Paraskevi and God’s will, many have received physical healings after visiting this Holy site.
To continue this legacy, in 2019, our Parish began a project to restore the Grotto-Shrine. The interior was painted, the old doors were replaced, the floor was stripped down, new light fixtures were installed, and electrical updates were made. Now in 2020, we begin our St. Paraskevi Grotto-Shrine Beautification Fundraiser to raise money for the renovation of the Grotto-Shrine’s surrounding area landscape, which has suffered years of neglect. Shrubs have been removed, bricks have shifted, railings have deteriorated, the steps are dangerous and not to code, rocks (overtaken with weeds) have been haphazardly placed, and anyone in a wheelchair cannot go past the breezeway doors. As caretakers of this Holy site we have a responsibility to properly preserve what has been gifted to us.
Our goal is to raise $100,000 for the construction and landscaping costs; all funds raised in excess of that amount will be placed in a restricted account to be used for future maintenance costs of the Grotto-Shrine and surrounding landscape.
Please take a few moments to consider a donation that will help preserve our Grotto-Shrine for our parishioners, visitors and for generations to come.
With your help we hope to transform this Holy site back to the beautiful, sacred place the Grotto-Shrine’s faithful benefactor intended it to be 50 years ago.
With Faith, Love and Respect,
Father Lou and the Shrine Restoration Committee