By Catherine Tsounis
Enjoy summer at Greek festivals. Greek Americans and their friends want to make the most of the outdoor, pleasant weather. Their best alternative for Greek adventure is to go to a local Greek festival. New Yorkers and their friends enjoyed the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone, New York, exceptional four day festival. The event was held Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5 in the evening and June 6, Saturday afternoon to 11 PM and June 7 afternoon to 9 PM.
The festival took place on the church grounds at 11–05 150th St., Whitestone. Free admission. The grand raffle drawing was amazing. Prizes were held June 7, Sunday night. Greek foods, homemade pastries, Loucoumades honey, pastry, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages, flea market, vendors, children’s rides and games were offered. Greek music entertained all. The children of the community danced Greek folk dances.
Rev. Presbyterian Nicolaos Paros serves the community since 2023. George Isaakidis is the festival chairperson. His Grace, Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia attended. His Grace serves as the National Chancellor for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Of America. He acts as a key liaison across parishes and overseas official archdiocesan business and investigation. Festival Chairperson of this major event is George Isaakidis. Prominent religious, political, education and business leaders attended.
Police lines protected the festival with numerous police officers from the 109th precinct. The streets blocked off incoming and outgoing traffic in a busy neighborhood. The community enjoyed vendors and children’s activities freely. The 109th Neighborhood satellite command is in College Point expanding patrols and improving community of life. For more information, contact Niovi Phillipou, church secretary at [email protected] and telephone (718) 767-2943.
“Once again, it’s a beautiful ministry and a great fundraiser for our parish,” said Rev. Panos. “ we have hundreds of volunteers from the beginning. From last month volunteers were preparing the food menu. Our people and volunteers are preparing homemade foods over the four day festival. We have done a lot of hard work. It is an opportunity for all of us to come together in unity: to celebrate our culture and faith. This is an opportunity to support the ministries of our church. Oot proceeds from the festival go towards our ministries are used and activities that our community offers throughout the entire year.”
Mrs. Irene Cheung, community activist, comes every year with Dr. John Siolas of the High Council for Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. “The festival features a rich lineup of traditional Greek music, alongside, authentic Greek delicacies such as gyros, souvlaki, baklava, and loucoumades. It is a highly anticipated summer outdoor festival for the local residents.”
“Our priest is very friendly,” explain parishioner, Myrna Sakatis. “We came here to dance, meet beautiful friends and have a good time.” Her family’s second and third generations are involved year-round. Church work. The Joanna Sophia Foundation dedicated and the memory of her granddaughter, is sponsoring the Seventh Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk on June 20, 2026. The run begins 10 AM from Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at 196–10 Northern Boulevard, Flushing to Holy Cross Church at 150-05 12 Ave. for more information contact JOANNASOPHIAFOUNDATION.ORG. For the many upcoming church events, visit [email protected].
George Isaakidis has served as festival cheer person for several years with dedication and humility. “My late husband, Tony Fokas served as president of Holy Cross Parish Council in 2003 and numerous positions,” said Angie, his wife. The second and third generations of the Fokas family participate in church activities.
Mr. Theo Theodorou, a real estate broker who gave me my first job in this field, found the church site in the 1970s. Elias Betzios, my father George’s friend, was a founder. Mr. Theodorou and Mr. Betzios began their community service at St. Demetrios Cathedral in Astoria. They branched out to Whitestone and began the movement to create this beautiful church. Visit https://www.holycrossgreekchur
https://zdesignsny.com/CHURCH/
Vendors with the help of their family and friends showcased their unique products every year. “ I make it a point to come here every year,” said vendor, Amalia Bollanos. She displays her fashionable. Greek jewelry. Her booth is a family affair with her husband, Panagiotis helping her set up. This is a team effort by vendors and families and creating fashion products that are major attraction. Summer weather added to the tremendous success of the Holy Cross, Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone, New York, four day festival.
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