Greek Destin St. John's Church Aerial Postcard

A family church, built in 1984 to the glory of God and in memory of John George Maltezos by his three daughters, Cleopatra, Stella and Vera. John, one of Destin's earliest citizens was a boat builder, and also built the first sanctuary of St. Andrew's by the Sea Episcopal Church on the adjacent land which he owned. The Greek church was given to the Greek Orthodox diocese in New York. After the deaths of the original family members, tragically, the beautiful house of worship was sold and converted into a restaurant business by a newcomer developer. St. John's was the site for traditional annual Epiphany Day "Dive for the Cross" Services at the Ben Marler docks, and also for the annual St. John the Baptist Day each August. The memory of John George Maltezos is preserved, however, by his last of its kind, seine boat, The Primrose, by the Destin History and Fishing Museum. It was in service for over 40 years, a testament to the hardiness and faithfulness of the original settlers of Destin, Florida.