A Feast of Greek Delicacies
The festival showcased a variety of delicious Greek dishes, including slow-roasted lamb shanks served with orzo, homemade baked pastitsio with pita bread, gyro sandwiches, tyropitas, and spanakopita. Guests also enjoyed an assortment of coffees, crepes, ice creams, pastries, and beverages.
Fr. Peter Delvizis, the presiding priest of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, emphasized the importance of hospitality, or “philoxenia,” in Greek culture. He stated, “This trait is cultivated through our religion, tradition, and heritage.”
Honoring Heritage and Community
Delvizis reflected on the historical ties between America and Greece, noting, “America has always been kind to the Greek people.” He highlighted how Greek immigrants have contributed to American society while celebrating their rich heritage. Delvizis will be honored at a special luncheon on October 13, marking his 30th anniversary in the priesthood and 20th year as pastor of the church.
“Today, the people who gave the world democracy, art, theater, and philosophy enjoy the fruits that this country offers,” he added.
A Long-standing Tradition
The GreekFest has been a cherished event for 58 years, having started in 1967. Anthe Angelides, the festival manager, shared that about 350 church volunteers worked in various roles, with 695 positions filled during each three-and-a-half-hour shift.
This year’s festival included live performances of Greek music and traditional dances by young people, showcasing vibrant costumes and energetic routines.
Marketplace and Raffle
For those wishing to bring home a piece of Greece, a marketplace offered a selection of arts, crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. A mega 50/50 raffle, which provided seven chances to win up to half of the total ticket sales, raised $40,000.
Angelides expressed the festival’s significance to the community, saying, “For parishioners, it brings everyone together, uniting us in our heritage and culture, especially through food, music, and religion.”
“It’s beautiful how our Greek culture—food, dancing, hospitality—are all intertwined,” she added. “We are deeply rooted in the Westfield community and want to share our pride in our heritage and culture.”
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