By Catherine Tsounis
Celebrating Faith, Culture and Community Together was the theme of the 2026 Festival of the Transfiguration Church of Mattituck, N.Y. The Festival was located on Church grounds ai 1950 Breakwater Road, on Friday and Saturday June 26 and 27th. Souvlaki, Gyro, lamb, Greek food, Loucoumades, Greek pasties were offered.
Power Station’s Live music with bouzouki, clarinet. Violin players, a DJ and several singers made the evenings exceptional . Their music was like being at live concerts for FREE. A raffle was held each evening. The flea market is a popular attraction everyone looks forward to every year. The entire festival was free. Saturday evening a traditional dance group, the Greek American Folklore Society from New York City had performances that inspired everyone to dance. The Festival volunteers believe “your support makes a difference. Every gyro, souvlaki, pastry, raffle ticket donation helps us give back to our community. Because of your support, we are able to assist organizations.”
Reverend Economos Father Andrew D Cadieux is the church priest. Co-Chairwomen were Anna Kalogeras Flosos, President of the Parish Council and Barbara Kavourias Thermos, Vice-President of the Parish Council. Many vendors included Amalia Bollanos, Valerie DeFio. Mixology Clothing company, children’s game booths with Catherine and Brian Vezeris and many others. This year many donors helped to make the event a success.
For a complete list of donors, politicians, prominent persons, volunteers, participants and vendors, email [email protected]
“This is approximately the 56th year of the festival, which started with one of our parishioners selling souvlaki,” said Reverend Economos Father Andrew D. Cadieux. “It has morphed into not only a festival of wonderful meals and desserts, but also one that features vendors and music. More importantly, it has become a true community event where we put our best foot forward for the North Fork of Long Island.”
“Our dedicated parishioners have given their time, energy, and resources to make this wonderful festival possible,” Father Andrew explained. “We’ve welcomed local politicians, as well as residents from Mattituck, East Marion, Greenport, and even as far away as Massapequa. Everyone helps out, from our youngest volunteers, who are about 10 or 11 years old, to our eldest, who are well into their 80s. It is truly a community event where everyone contributes because they love the fact that we have a voice and a place on the North Fork.”
Father Andrew described “ We’ve worked so hard, not only as the Greek community but as the Orthodox faithful, to show who we are—not just a cultural church, but a church that offers its ministries and keeps its doors open to everyone. We would not be where we are today without our wonderful festival chairladies, along with several influential families whose many members volunteer their time and effort. We thank God for everyone’s continued love, support, and assistance. Amen.”
“I have been a vendor at the Transfiguration Church for about four years,” said Amalia Bollanos. She has a natural talent. Her displays excite the imagination of festival participants. Her husband Panagiotis and daughter Athalia assisted in her booth. “We are coming to the Festival since 1991,” said Leo and Larissa neighbors of the church. Many who attended have been coming for years.
Rena Tsapelas Singer is a famous singer of Power Station musical group. She is the third generation of her family in the music field. Her Grandfather is Mike Daniels and Mother Aphrodite Daniels, famous in the Greek entertainment field. Rena, the daughter of two prominent Greek American families, has been gifted with a musical talent that spreads joy to all. “Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” – Socrates1. The Transfiguration of Christ Greek Orthodox Church of Mattituck Long Island spread joy to everyone in the beginning of the Summer season.
Reference:
1. https://wisdomshort.com/philos
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