Christiana V. Photography & Design

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Christiana V. Photography & Design

Christiana is an award-winning New York based landscape and cityscape fine art photographer. For travel ideas & tips look no further than her adventures!

All photos are trademarked and available for purchase in a variety of formats.

02/05/2026

Parade Day – Part 2 | The March 🇬🇷🇺🇸

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Evzones made their way to 61st Street and 5th Avenue—the official start of the parade.

As they began their march up Fifth Avenue toward the Grand Stand for the National Anthems, the energy of the crowd became unmistakable. Cheers echoed up and down the avenue—“μπράβο στα παλικάρια μας”—a familiar cry of pride, reminiscent of the celebrations along Vasilissis Amalias Avenue in Athens on Independence Day.

History in motion—advancing toward the heart of the celebration.

30/04/2026

NY Greek Independence Day Parade – Part 1 | Divine Liturgy 🇬🇷🇺🇸

The day began with the Divine Liturgy at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, where clergy, dignitaries, and faithful gathered in reverence at the heart of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

In attendance were His Excellency Antonis Alexandridis, Her Excellency Aglaia Balta, Consuls General Ifigenia Kanara and Michalis Firillas, His Excellency Spyros Diamantopoulos, His Excellency Nikitas Kaklamanis, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Alkiviadis Stefanis, the Parade Grand Marshals, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Presiding over the service were His Eminence Ieronymos of Kalavryta and Aigialeia and His Eminence Pavlos of Servia and Kozani, together with His Eminence Elpidophoros of America and former Archbishop Demetrios Trakatellis.

As the Archdiocesan Cathedral Choir chanted, the Evzones stood in quiet formation upon the solea—bridging faith, history, and tradition.

This year, the Akathist Hymn held special significance, marking 1,400 years since its offering in thanksgiving for the deliverance of Constantinople in 626. With its repeated call to “Rejoice,” echoing the Archangel’s greeting to the Theotokos, the hymn remains one of the Church’s most enduring expressions of faith and hope.

From the within the walls of Constantinople in 626 to the struggle for independence in Greece in 1821, this hymn has carried the faith of generations. 205 years later, it continues to be chanted—unchanged, enduring, and alive—reminding us that faith is not only remembered, but lived.

25/04/2026

Day 2 – Evzones in New York 2026 🇬🇷🇺🇸

The day began with a Doxology at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center, officially blessing and opening the weekend’s commemorations—a powerful reminder of the role faith continues to play in our shared story.

We then continued to Bowling Green for the annual Greek flag raising. At this historic site—where New York City was first established in 1653—the ceremony carries a profound sense of continuity and purpose.

As we mark 205 years of Greek independence and approach 250 years of American independence, the moment serves as a reminder of a shared fight for freedom—hard fought, hard won, and never to be taken for granted.

In 1996, for the 175th anniversary of Greek independence, the Greek community of New York funded the installation of a second flagpole here, ensuring that the Greek flag would stand alongside the American flag each year, while also creating a space for other nations to be honored.

Today, Bowling Green stands as a symbol of heritage and unity—reminding us that wherever we are in the world, the responsibility to protect freedom remains ours.

(Keep swiping for a few sneak previews of the behind-the-scenes series!)

24/04/2026

Day 1 – Evzones in New York 2026 🇬🇷

We began the day at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, where the Evzones were warmly welcomed to New York City and received a blessing from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. A meaningful moment that reflected the enduring connection between faith, heritageA. Fantis Schoolk diaspora.

In the afternoon, the Evzones visited , where students experienced something truly memorable. The room filled with quiet awe as they came face to face with living symbols of our beloved Greece—bringing history, tradition, and identity to life in a way that will stay with them for years to come.

The day concluded with the Evzones being formally presented to the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York and Greek- American community ahead of this Sunday’s parade. The room erupted with pride as each Evzone introduced himself and shared where he hails from in Greece—a powerful reminder of the roots that unite us all, no matter where we are in the world.

12/04/2026

Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ Is Risen! ✨

He died so that we may all live—eternally.

This enormous cross stands at the Monastery of Sts. Augustine and Serafim. In the far corner of the courtyard, it rises above the monastery grounds like a skyscraper. I was rendered speechless as I walked around it, looked up, and felt as though I was staring into a stairway to Heaven.

The surrounding architecture holds sacred details at every turn—niches inscribed with the writings of the miracle-worker Geronda Nektarios, and even a to-scale replica of the Tomb of Jesus Christ, which I shared in earlier posts.

The icon of the resurrected Jesus above the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem is quietly tucked into the corner of one of the smallest church in Athens—Agia Dynami—nestled beneath the Electra Metropolis Hotel on Mitropoleos Street.

Faith carries us through every moment of our lives—don’t be afraid to lean on it.

May God bless you all. Happy Easter, from my home to yours. 🤍

09/04/2026

Part II — Papal Blessing | A Holy Week Reflection

Many of you know that I am a devout Greek Orthodox Christian.
What you may not know is that alongside my formation in Orthodoxy, I was also deeply educated in Catholicism during my formative years—thank you to Dominican Academy.

Because of this, I have long held a deep respect for both traditions—
two expressions of the same faith, rooted in the first Christians who walked with Christ.

This post is part of a personal reflection on a moment I will never forget—
being blessed, within two weeks, by both the Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch… a story I will share more fully in Part III.

This past October marked my second journey to the Vatican.
In 2013, I attended the final Mass before the Cardinals entered the conclave with my dear friend Anne. Years later, I found myself once again among the faithful—this time rising before daybreak to join thousands in line to enter St. Peter’s Square for the weekly Papal Blessing.

In line beside me—American sisters from the Alma Mercy convent in Rome, and seminarians from the Pontifical Irish College.
Out of thousands, somehow, we found one another.

The blessing unfolded over several hours.
Pilgrims were recognized by country and community, their names spoken aloud.
The Gospel echoed through the square—read in many languages, yet united in one truth.

And the message of Pope Leo IV centered on hope—
on the enduring faith born from the Resurrection of Christ.

To witness such devotion, surrounded by thousands bound together in Him,
was not just memorable—

it was deeply, profoundly moving.
A moment I will carry with me always.

Have you ever experienced a moment of faith that stayed with you?

07/04/2026

With Holy Week upon us, it feels only fitting to return to a few moments of profound grace.

In the Fall of 2025, I was blessed beyond measure—first by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew II, successor to St. Andrew, and also by the Holy Father, Pope Leo IV, successor to St. Peter.

Two apostolic thrones.
Two sacred lineages.
One shared faith that transcends time.

Part I — moments before Pope Leo IV’s General Audience on October 1, 2025

In St. Peter’s Square, the sacred reveals itself in quiet detail—
the steadfast presence of the Pontifical Swiss Guard,
the gathering of clergy,
the ancient Vatican Obelisk standing as witness—

and above, the centuries-old figures crowning St. Peter’s Basilica,
watching over a world in prayer.

A moment not just seen, but felt—
where history, devotion, and grace meet beneath the Roman sky.

07/04/2026

With Holy Week upon us, it feels only fitting to return to a moment of profound grace.

In the Fall of 2025, I was blessed beyond measure—first by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew II, successor to St. Andrew, and also by the Holy Father, Pope Leo IV, successor to St. Peter.

Two apostolic thrones.
Two sacred lineages.
One shared faith that transcends time.

Part I — moments before Pope Leo IV’s General Audience on October 1, 2025

In St. Peter’s Square, the sacred reveals itself in quiet detail—
the steadfast presence of the Pontifical Swiss Guard,
the gathering of clergy,
the ancient Vatican Obelisk standing as witness—

and above, the centuries-old figures crowning St. Peter’s Basilica,
watching over a world in prayer.

A moment not just seen, but felt—
where history, devotion, and grace meet beneath the Roman sky.

04/04/2026

The Modern Evzones – Guardians of Tradition 🇬🇷
A photographic collection honoring 205 years of Hellenic freedom and 200 years since the heroic Exodus of Messolonghi.

A defining and deeply tragic moment of the Greek War of Independence, the Exodus stands as a testament to unyielding courage, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of liberty. Besieged and starving, the people of Messolonghi chose defiance over surrender—an act that would echo across Europe and stir the conscience of the world.

Among those forever tied to this legacy is Lord Byron, whose devotion to Greece—and ultimate sacrifice on its soil—helped ignite international support for the Greek cause.

This collection pays tribute not only to history, but to the enduring spirit of Hellenism—where valor, faith, and identity remain unbroken through time.

25/03/2026

Χρόνια πολλά Ελλάδα! 🇬🇷

Today we honor those who rose for freedom—from the heroes of 1821 who carried the spirit of independence against overwhelming odds, to all who have defended our nation’s dignity and identity through the generations. Their courage shaped a living legacy—one woven from storied heritage, deep faith, resilience, and a culture that continues to inspire the world.

Photographing our nation’s living symbols—its people, traditions, the Evzones, and enduring spirit—continues to be the honor of my life.

More to come! 🇬🇷🇺🇸

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