RANDOLPH, NJ – The annual St. Andrew Greek Festival in Randolph, NJ, took place June 5-7.
The community’s presiding priest Fr. John Theodosion spoke to The National Herald and expressed everyone’s joy for the organization of the festival, the purpose of which, as he said, is the presentation and promotion of Greek customs and traditions, music, cuisine, and hospitality.
“At the festival, our visitors enjoy traditional Greek food and sweets, shop at the outdoor markets, have fun with music and dance and take a tour of our beautiful church,” he said. “Everyone was eagerly waiting for it to start so that they could come together to have a great time.”
“With the good weather and the hospitality of the volunteers as allies, we have had great success,” Fr. Theodosion noted. “Have a good and relaxing summer everyone and we will meet again next year.”
Parish Council President Mike Serghiou warmly thanked the dozens of volunteers of all ages from the community organizations who responded so willingly to the call of the organizing committee, as well as the residents of the wider area, of all nationalities, for their presence and support and stated that the proceeds will be donated to the needs of the church and all its programs.
A crowd of visitors at the St. Andrew Greek Festival in Randolph, NJ. Photo: TNH/Michael Kakias
Philoptochos Society President Marina Venizelos spoke about the efforts of the members for the success of the festival, the making of sweets, loukoumades, traditional foods, serving guests, and cleaning.
Hellenic Afternoon School Director of Education Vasilia Christodoulou said that parents and students help in the conduct and operation of the festival, especially with orders and serving. “We help for the progress of our church because in this way we also help the prosperity of our school with better programs, equipment and more,” she said.
The head of the youth program, Pavlos Giannikopoulos, noted that 50 children aged 12 to 18 years old, dance, serve, make French fries, clean, and others tasks as needed.
Sunday School teacher Maria Galvin said that the senior students set chairs, decorate tables, clean, serve and participate in traditional dances.
Vasiliki Kelly, a member of the ‘Agape’ Group, said: “The group is made up of very special people in our community who have reached their golden years. We meet every second Monday, from September to June, in the church hall for fellowship and for lunch, which is prepared by various talented parishioners. During the year we organize monthly meals, go to dinners, theaters, cinemas, excursions to monasteries, visits to St. Michael’s Home in New York and elsewhere.”
