BROOKLYN – With great success, the three-day annual festival of the community of the Dormition – Kimisis tis Theotokis in Brooklyn was held from May 1 to May 3.
“With God’s grace, once again this year we are all together – parishioners, neighbors, friends, young and old – to have fun and enjoy ourselves,” the Pastor, Fr. Damaskinos Ganas, told The National Herald.
“This is a very successful event thanks to the harmonious cooperation of all community bodies: the Council, the Philoptochos, the St. Markella association, the youth, and volunteers. Everyone works voluntarily together like a family, with love, understanding, and coordination, with the sole purpose of supporting the church they deeply love. I am very proud of everyone and I consider it an honor to have served this church for 42 years. I hope that next year we will all be well and meet here again,” he added.
The president of the Parish Council, Anthony Grigos, thanked the Greek-American community as well as the wider neighborhood for honoring and supporting the festival with their presence.
The Pastor Fr. Damaskinos Ganas, with the president of the Parish Council, Anthony Grigos, and the festival coordinators Stamatis Chasabenis and Eric Magriples. (Photo: National Herald/Michael Kakias)
As he said, “the organization requires countless hours of volunteer work from many people, but it is more than worth it when you see so many people gathered enjoying themselves.”
He continued: “Every day we have live music, traditional food, very good service, and that is why attendance is so large. We are very happy about the active participation of our youth in the organization. Just as we learned and took over from our parents, now our children – with enthusiasm, energy, and new ideas – are actively participating in all activities. All proceeds will go toward the needs of the church, especially supporting youth programs.”
Festival coordinators Stamatis Chasabenis and Eric Magriples noted before the Festival commenced that its organization requires a great deal of effort and many hours of work.
They said: “More than 50 volunteers, sponsors, and advertisers help ensure success and the best possible service for our guests. In addition to food, drinks, and music, we also have raffles and games. On Friday we have a Greek music night, and on Saturday an island-style music night,”.
The president of the Chian association of St. Markella, Stella Kavki, said that 20 members per shift are responsible for making loukoumades, which visitors especially enjoy.
The president of the Philoptochos Society, Anna Magriples, noted that they prepare trays of all kinds of sweets, help in the kitchen, serve guests, and assist wherever needed.
