WESTFIELD, NJ – With large crowds of visitors, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church held its Greek Festival September 27-29 in Westfield. Presiding priest of the community Fr. Peter Delvizis expressed through The National Herald the joy of all the parishioners for the first event after the pandemic and thanked volunteers and visitors for their contribution and presence.
He added: “Our community is growing year by year, we have about 400 members, the Greek and Sunday Schools are progressing, the youth programs and the dance program as well.”
“As for the festival, in addition to being a very important financial resource for the operation of the community, it is also an example of reciprocity,” Fr. Delvizis said. “At the same time, we show the wider region our Greek heritage, culture and cuisine, all of which we are proud of. The church is open and a small museum operates around the clock so visitors can learn about our religion.”
“The blessing of the festival was performed by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos and we have been visited by many local and state politicians,” he noted.
Festival manager Anthe Angelides said 350 volunteers work in 695 positions per three and a half hour shift each, with young people running this festival, along with parents, and even the elderly.
She said: “This year we have games, we brought dancers and singers from the Broadway play ‘Mama Mia’ which was filmed in Greece. Many of the foods are donated by Kronos, Sisco, Human Cheese, Prestige Diner and many private individuals. A big thank you to Roula Agathis and the company Adelphia Wine for the donation of over 550 bottles of wine and for the decoration of the festival. The important thing is that we are united and loved. We are doing everything we can to help our church which is our home for everyone.”
Ariadne Monfalcone, in charge of wines, emphasized that there is a wide variety of Greek wines with visitors being impressed by their quality and buying them.
In charge of the music, George Koniaris emphasized that throughout the duration of the festival the visitors are entertained with traditional and modern Greek music.
Volunteer baker Christopher Boutsikaris said that he proudly continues his parents’ volunteer work at the church and that he, in turn, will teach his own children when the time comes.
