NEW YORK – The annual Greek-toberfest is making a return to Saint George Greek Orthodox Church next month.
An event celebrating Greek and German culture, food and entertainment is taking place at Saint George Tropeoforos Greek Orthodox Church in Manhattan on Saturday, November 8.
Held for its second year, at 307 West 54th Street, the Greek-toberfest will run from 7 to 10 PM, inviting guests to an evening of Greek and German culture, while fundraising for the St. George parish.
In an interview with TNH, the Greek-toberfest Chairman Katerina Gkionis revealed what Greek-toberfest is all about and what people can expect.
“Greek-toberfest is set to be a fun and lively evening that showcases Greek food, German beer, Greek wine, live music, pretzels, competitions, and raffle prizes,” Gkionis told TNH.
“It’s kind of a mix of two cultures and a fun evening held to support St. George.”
Gkionis revealed how the event was first introduced in 2024, with inspirations stemming from the St. George priest, Fr. Sophronios Vomend.
“We’re a small parish, and we’re not the type to host a big gala or anything like that, and last year we decided to throw a fundraiser inspired by our priest who is half German and half Greek. We thought, why don’t we mix Greek and German together and turn it into a fun event,” she said.
“So, we held a Greek-toberfest fundraiser last year, and we had Greek food, German beer, Greek music, and an accordion, so it was like mixing the two types of music, and then we had games, competitions, and dancing. It was a really fun event, and now we’re doing it again this year because it went really well last year.”
Previously, the event welcomed around 100 people, and was held on the second floor of St. George Tropeoforos Greek Orthodox Church.
“We thought this event was very true to us as a humble church, and we are very welcoming and warm, and it was a great turnout. It wasn’t just our parishioners – people from all over came, and it was really fun,” Gkionis said.
“We also had raffles, where people could win prizes, and we could then simultaneously raise money for the church and its operations.”
The Greek-toberfest chairman, Gkionis expressed how she felt to bring the event back this November.
“We’re all super excited, and so many people have been asking about it, and whether we’re going to be holding it again because last year they had such a great time,” Gkionis said.
“It was just a really fun event last year, and it was very original. I will say I’m in this New York Greeks group, and there were two Greek-toberfest events that happened this year also, and it’s funny because last year there were none, so I guess we inspired others which is great.”
With live Greek music to be played by the Greek band Ta Paia Tis Polis, Greek mezethes and souvlakia, sweets, pretzels, beer, wine, and more, there will also be plenty of dancing.
People will therefore not only contribute to the church, but also have the opportunity to win some great prizes including Broadway tickets, restaurant vouchers, skincare products, and Greek wines.
The Greek-toberfest event will also be holding a Steinholding competition, which is a traditional Bavarian strength and endurance contest, where participants will be asked to hold a stein of beer and whoever holds it out the longest, while having their arm fully stretched out, wins.
“For those who potentially don’t know anybody to come with, by all means, I encourage you to come along anyways. Everybody here at St. George is so warm and welcoming, and I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”
As well as hosting the Greek-toberfest event, the St. George parish will also be launching a catechumen program in November for those interested in the Greek Orthodox faith.
To purchase your tickets for Greek-toberfest, visit Eventbrite at http://eventbrite.com/e/greek-toberfest-2025-at-saint-george-on-west-54th-street-ticket, or pay your ticket at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church on Sundays via cash or check.
.jpg)