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A Taste of Greece at St. John the Divine

By Staff | Jul 29, 2021

The parishioners of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church welcome you to their 20 Annual Grecian Food Festival beginning Wednesday, July 28 through Saturday, July 31 from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It is our hope that you all have a wonderful experience at our annual food festival, and that you will enjoy the various virtues that shine through our parish community at such an event: our zeal for the gift of life, our love of fellowship, and our hospitality to our neighbors.

The authentic food, electric atmosphere and the contagious hospitality makes this one festival you do not want to miss this summer. There is something for everyone to enjoy and the parishioners cannot wait to share their faith, food and fun with you.

The festive outdoor setting allows you to enjoy a fresh gyro, tavern fries, wings or chicken kabob. The youth of our community prepare golden fried honey puffs, lemonade and baklava sundaes by day and by night. The Agape Dancers will perform daily the exciting and colorful dances from various regions of Greeceto live authentic Greek music provided by an Ohio Valley favorite, “The Greek Company”.

In addition to outdoor activities, available upstairs in ourHellenic Center Hallwe will have a variety of festival favorites such as pastitsio, moussaka, spanakopita, stuffed grape leaves and greek village salad,along witha wide selection of homemade delicious Greek pastries. Flavorful food items, only authentic to the Greek culture, are being offered. Vendors will also be on hand whichwill allow guests to bring home a piece of Greece.

However, our greatest desire is to share the beauty of our Orthodox Christian Faith with every single one of you. When you visit the food festival, please consider learning more about the Orthodox Christian Church by visiting our bookstore, participating in one of our church tours, listening-in on one of our liturgical chant demonstrations, and,of course,conversing with Fr. Demetriosif you have any questions.The sanctuary will be open atdesignated times during the Festival forguided tours.

BACK again this year, arethe popular “Fun with Fillo”cooking demonstrations. Maria Kayafas willbe presenting on three days at 2:00 pm. Thursday July 29, Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31 in the balcony.

This year, Maria will show youhow to make BOUGATSA. This is a traditional, and very popular, Greek dessert made with the most creamycustard wrapped in golden brown crispy phyllo, sprinkled with melted butter and garnished with powdered sugar and cinnamon… Simply amazing!

“Among the Greek culture, there is a tradition of Philotimo, the love of doing goodfor people,” said Maria Kayafas. “This comes across in our cooking, our desire to show hospitalityto guests, neighbors, and family as we eagerly prepare Greek dishes to share our love for others. It’s just another way to share our culture.”

NEW this yearisa Kafenio, a Greek coffee house. Seventeen your old Danyelle Dunlevy shared her enthusiasm, “We are excited to bring something new to the festival. We were brainstorming ideas and thought the Frappe, Baklava Cheesecake and Ladopsomofry bread were the items that people would love as much as we do”

For 2021, Carry-out and To-Go will bein-person, with no pre-orders in the upstairs dining area. Your food will be packaged for you to take home or enjoy in one of our outdoor dining tents.

Follow us on Facebook at “Grecian Festival” for the latest updates and news, or go online and browse www.grecianfest.comfor more information or to download a menu.Call us at 304-233-0757 with any questions.

We are located within the Centre Market Historic District and there will be plenty of free parking available on Chapline Street and at the Center Wheeling ParkingGarage. Hope to see you there!