Greek Americans and their friends want to make the most of the outdoor, pleasant weather. Their best alternative for Greek adventure is to go to a local Greek festival. New Yorkers and their friends enjoyed the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone exceptional four-day festival. The event was held Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5 in the evening and June 6, Saturday afternoon to 11 PM and June 7 afternoon to 9 PM.
The festival took place on the church grounds at 11–05 150th St., Whitestone. Admission was free. The grand raffle drawing was amazing. Prizes were held June 7, Sunday night. Greek foods, homemade pastries, loukoumades, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages, flea market, vendors, children’s rides and games were offered. Greek music entertained all. The children of the community danced Greek folk dances.
Rev. Presbyterian Nicolaos Paros serves the community since 2023. George Isaakidis is the festival chairperson. His Grace, Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia attended. His Grace serves as the National Chancellor for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. He acts as a key liaison across parishes and overseas official archdiocesan business and investigation. Prominent religious, political, education and business leaders attended.
Police lines protected the festival with numerous police officers from the 109th Precinct. The streets blocked off incoming and outgoing traffic in a busy neighborhood. The community enjoyed vendors and children’s activities freely. The 109th neighborhood satellite command is in College Point expanding patrols and improving community of life.
“Once again, it’s a beautiful ministry and a great fundraiser for our parish,” said Rev. Panos. “We have hundreds of volunteers from the beginning. From last month volunteers were preparing the food menu. Our people and volunteers are preparing homemade foods over the four-day festival. We have done a lot of hard work. It is an opportunity for all of us to come together in unity: to celebrate our culture and faith. This is an opportunity to support the ministries of our church. Proceeds from the festival go towards our ministries and activities that our community offers throughout the entire year.”
Mrs. Irene Cheung, community activist, comes every year with Dr. John Siolas of the High Council for Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. “The festival features a rich lineup of traditional Greek music, alongside authentic Greek delicacies such as gyros, souvlaki, baklava, and loukoumades. It is a highly anticipated summer outdoor festival for the local residents.”
“Our priest is very friendly,” explain parishioner Myrna Sakatis. “We came here to dance, meet beautiful friends and have a good time.” Her family’s second and third generations are involved year-round. The Joanna Sophia Foundation dedicated to the memory of her granddaughter, is sponsoring the Seventh Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk on June 20, 2026. The run begins 10 AM from Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church at 196–10 Northern Boulevard, Flushing to Holy Cross Church at 150-05 12 Ave.
For more information visit joannasophiafoundation.org. For the many upcoming church events, contact jnfo@holycrossgreekchurch.com.
Vendors, with the help of their family and friends, showcase their unique products every year. “I make it a point to come here every year,” said vendor, Amalia Bollanos. She displays her fashionable Greek jewelry. Her booth is a family affair, with her husband Panagiotis helping her set up. This is a team effort by vendors and their families and creating fashion products that are a major attraction. Summer weather added to the tremendous success of the Holy Cross, Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone, four-day festival.
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone.
Festival Chairperson George Isaakiis, Rev. Paros, and volunteers.
Rev. Paros with loukoumades chefs and Festival visitors.
His Grace, Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia (2nd from left) with clergy and Festival Chairperson George Isaakidis.
Vendor Amalia Bollano’s booth.
