By Catherine Tsounis
Where do you take your family for a summer excursion? A festival is a perfect outing for young and old. Festivals have the finest features of community life. Young and old enjoy this old fashion event that is free and economically affordable for everyone.
The Transfiguration of Christ Greek Orthodox Church on Breakwater Road in Mattituck, NY had a unique festival on Friday, June 30th and Saturday July 1st that attracted families from New York City and Long Island. The phenomenal crowds came to enjoy the finest qualities of Greek culture. It was a kid friendly event with free arts and crafts for children.
The Festival theme was “A Taste of Greece on the North Fork.” Long lines for Greek cuisine were present. Members of the community and their friends worked together to make this Festival an exceptional success. Cars parked long distances just to have passengers attend. Grilled souvlaki, loucoumades fried in full view dipped in honey, a fabulous flea market with vendors attracted families looking for an escape in the country. Power Station musical entertainment provided dancing under the stars on the pleasant summer nights. A vigilant police presence was seen throughout the two days. For More Information, call 631-298-9652, https://www.facebook.com/TOCCMattituck and email [email protected].
Why should you become a member of a church? Rev. Economos Father Andrew D. Cadieux believes “Being a member of a church serves a constructive purpose in our lives. People who believe that they do not have to belong to a church to be a ‘good Christian’…imagine if public safety were left to the unorganized efforts to individual citizens, would this be more effect than our organized men and women in the police force?” Father Andrew has spearheaded a youth drive, bringing children back to the church.”
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros said “A church that has a school will never be extinguished. I am promoting the concept that every church must form a school, even if it is only a kindergarten or first grade. Our Greek youth must meet and form relationships between them……The goal is to be, live, form friendships in an environment that instills the Greek spirit. We do not expect them to speak Greek like they do in Greece. That is not our objective. Our goal is for our youth “to be together,” to live and form relationships with each other, to live a life with Greek learning.”1
Rev. Father Andrew is implementing an education program, July 15, 29 and August 12th with the help of the community. A Sunday School class all year round has been reestablished. A rich program of events for young and all has been established under the leadership of Father Andrew. The 2023 parish council and friends in cooperation with Father Andrew has brought new life and “A Taste of Greece” through the phenomenal summer Festival.
Reference:
1. https://greekamericanexperience.wordpress.com/tag/greek-american/page/4/
