The air outside St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Media, Pennsylvania, was filled with the irresistible smell of sizzling gyro meat, powdered sugar drifting from trays of pastries, and the bittersweet scent of strong Greek coffee. Laughter echoed across the grounds as children darted between food stands, their traditional Greek costumes swaying as they prepared for the next dance performance. Live music with the familiar twang of bouzouki filled the courtyard and kept the rhythm alive as families clapped along. Behind the counters, volunteers hustled behind food counters, stacking plates of baklava and pastitsio, while others welcomed visitors to the church’s cultural exhibits. It was a scene of warmth, joy, and unmistakable pride: the Taste of Greece Food Festival.
Held each year at St. George, the festival has grown into a cherished annual celebration for both the parish and the wider community. This year’s event drew crowds eager to sample authentic Greek cuisine, enjoy live performances, and experience the vibrant legacies of Greece brought to life in suburban Pennsylvania.
Among the vendors was Stephanie Georgopanos, the creator behind Angel Cards Handmade, an Etsy shop where she sells cards inspired by Greek art and heritage. Standing behind her display of colorful designs, she explained why the festival means so much to her.
“I’m here as a vendor, and I create handmade cards inspired by Greek culture,” she explained. “The Greek festival is the perfect place to share them with people who love all things Greek. I’ve been here before as a vendor, and it’s always such a great event. I love coming back.”
For Georgopanos, the Taste of Greece is more than just an opportunity to sell her creations. It is about being part of something bigger. “It’s all about the people and supporting the church,” she said. “The hospitality, the laughter, the stories, the dancing, and of course, the food. I love being surrounded by it all and contributing in my own small way.”
Food is the heart of the celebration, from savory dishes like moussaka and souvlaki to desserts like portokalopita and loukoumades. Georgopanos admitted that she made time to enjoy the menu herself. “I had a Greek salad with chicken and a frappe. You can’t beat that,” she laughed. Her personal favorite, though, is pastitsio. “It’s so comforting and full of amazing flavors. Every bite feels like a little taste of home. And I also love galaktoboureko. It’s a custard-filled pastry that’s absolutely delicious.”
Still, what sets the festival apart goes beyond the food. Its true spirit lies in the way it preserves and celebrates togetherness. Children twirled in folk dances, their costumes stitched with patterns handed down through generations. The audience applauded in unison and shouted “Opa!” as the final steps ended. For Georgopanos, those performances were unforgettable. “The costumes and energy were amazing,” she announced. “It’s so inspiring to see our culture come alive through music and dance.”
The energy reflects the deeper purpose of the event, which is keeping traditions alive while welcoming others to share in them. “For me, the festival is a celebration of who we are, our roots, and our pride,” Georgopanos stated. “Events like this are such a fun and engaging way to share Greek culture with the wider community. People get to experience our food, music, and customs firsthand.”
One of her most memorable experiences reflects the spirit of connection. “I once met someone at the festival who has become a lifelong friend,” she recalled. “It reminded me how this event is more than just a celebration. It is about building relationships.”
As evening settled over the church grounds, the bouzouki continued to play, children laughed and chased one another, and tables filled with families lingering over drinks and desserts. Taste of Greece was more than just a weekend event. It was an expression of heritage, a gathering of neighbors, and a reminder that traditions come alive when shared.
For Georgopanos, that sense of belonging is what makes the festival so unique. “Being here feels like coming home,” she expressed. And for everyone who passed through the festival gates, it was exactly that. It was a vivid reminder that culture is not just remembered, it is lived.
