BOSTON – Thousands of visitors, both Greek-Americans from many states and throughout New England, as well as non-Greeks, were drawn to the annual Greek Festival of the Annunciation of the Theotokos community in Brockton, MA.
In statements to The National Herald, the presiding priest of the community, Protopresbyter Fr. Romanos Karanos, who is also professor of Church Music at the Holy Cross School of Theology, said that “thanks to the invaluable contribution of dozens of volunteers, this year’s festival exceeded every expectation, setting a record in revenues and leaving excellent impressions on the thousands of our visitors.”
He also noted that “a special highlight of the program was the dance troupe Paradosi and its alumni from the community, along with the troupe Sons and Daughters of Alexander the Great, who presented traditional dances of Greece, earning warm applause from all.” Fr. Romanos emphasized that “their participation was a high point of the festival and showcased the living connection of the younger generations with their roots and traditions.”
PHOTO COPMMUNITY OF BROCKTON
He further stated that “many visitors had the opportunity to get to know our Annunciation church through the guided tours we offered. The response was remarkable, as many visitors became acquainted with the Orthodox Faith and Tradition for the very first time through this experience.”
Fr. Romanos highlighted the presence of the Consul General of Greece in Boston, Simeon Tegos, saying that “he had the opportunity to meet and converse with members of the Parish Council, parishioners, and many Greek-American visitors from various parts of New England.”
A large tent had been set up in the courtyard of the church, under which visitors enjoyed delicious Greek food and pastries, live Greek music, and dance groups, all of which created an atmosphere of joy and nostalgia for Greece.
PHOTO: BROCKTON COMMUNITY
At regular intervals, Fr. Romanos guided groups of visitors of various religious backgrounds who wished to learn about Orthodoxy and the particular services and adornments of the church, such as the icons, the iconostasis, the bishop’s throne, and more broadly the history of the Orthodox Church.
It is noted that the community organizes two festivals annually: a smaller one in May hosted by the Philoptochos, the proceeds of which go toward philanthropic purposes, and the September festival, which is one of the primary sources of income for the support and operation of the parish.
The community was founded in 1916 by pioneering Greek immigrants and today comprises four hundred families. The city of Brockton is located about twenty miles south of Boston and has a population of one hundred thousand residents.
