By Catherine Tsounis
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church of Flushing, New York hosted its annual community festival from Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 18, 2025, at its parish grounds located at 196-10 Northern Blvd. in Flushing. The four-day event welcomed thousands of visitors with delicious Greek food, live music, dancing, cultural exhibits, games, and fun for the whole family. Festival hours ran from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Thursday, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Friday, 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Saturday, and until 8:48 PM on Sunday.
The festival was led by Festival Chairman Mike Haralambous, with the spiritual guidance of parish clergy Protopresbyter Rev. Aristidis Garinis, Economos, and Rev. Alexandros Douvres and volunteers. St. Nicholas is home to four vibrant educational institutions: The St. Nicholas Stephen and Areti Cherpelis Hellenic School; William Spyropoulos Day School; and the Saint Nicholas George & Evlavia Doulaveris Preschool.For a full list of festival staff, school and church personnel, and to acknowledge all donors and attendees, please contact the church office at 718-357-4200.
The Festival is a magnet for Greek and Cypriot cuisine. Soulaki, gyro, pastitsio, all Greek foods were offered. Everyone’s favorite is Loucoumades in honey with pastries. The flea market is enjoyed by everyone who is looking for treasure. The fabulous raffle was offered. Children enjoyed rides and games. Church tours were conducted throughout the festival. A fabulous raffle was offered to all. The children of the church schools performed Greek dances. Greek music entertained everyone.
The NYPD 111 precinct had a prominent role throughout the festival with vigilance in the massive crowds. Captain Ramnauth Ramlochan’ s leadership with his outstanding supervisory Staff made a major difference in everyone’s public safety.
“Christos Anesti,” said Father Aristide Garinis. “We are very excited to have our annual festival this year. We have great participation, both within the parish and without the parish. St. Nicholas is a dynamic force in Flushing, and the driving force of everything that we do here, including the festivals. We thank all of our devoted parishioners for all of their hard work to make this a most successful event in festival this year. God bless.
“I am happy to be at the St. Nicholas Shrine Church Festival,” said Mrs. Athena Kromidas, former President of the High Council for Greek Education in the U.S. “I congratulate all.” Mrs. Kromidas was principal of the William Spyropoulos School and the Stephen and Areti Cherpelis Greek Afternoon School. She has dedicated over 30 years of service to the education system.
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Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, of the Assembly District 26, that encompasses St. Nicholas Shrine Church, attended with his wife and three children. “ This is one of the major festivals in our neighborhood,” he said. “And I love the people. They are so nice. You see great culture, art and music, are wonderful. I like the DJ. The people enjoy the Festival. They dance. laugh with their friends. The food is good.” Irene Chung, Community Liaison with the Office of Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, Irene Chung, explained “I attend the festival every year, buying Greek food and shopping. It is fun.”
Andy Tsiolas, Christopher Fillos, Sotiris Georgiou, Nick Karakostas and networks have been working for years. Their families and extended network of friends form the backbone of the volunteers. Tony Barsamian spent Saturday evening selling raffles with success. The ladies of the loucoumades stand are unique in cooking fried loucoumades, dipped in honey, for many years. Our neighbor Chrissy Douroudakis energetically said, “everyone must come and eat our loucoumades.” Kiki Preponis, Vasso Dinas, Maria Zolotas and their families with friends, work with enthusiasm.
“We showcase Custom and sterling silver jewelry at our Booth” said vendor Amalia Bollano’s. “In particular we have crosses in all different styles. Jewelry with eyes, name plates, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces are displayed. My husband Peter helps.” Amalia has been coming for about ten years.
How did the Holy Relics of St. Nicholas come here? On December 5, 1972, some of St. Nicholas relics, which symbolizes the migration of the saint from Anatolia and Europe to volunteers.Church in Flushing. Bishop Francis Mugavero of the Catholic Archdiocese as a representative of Pope Paul VI, took part in the official transfer of Holy Relics. It represents the largest Greek Orthodox community church in New York and in America. The existence of St. Nicholas is explained in “In The Footsteps of Saint Nicholas.” It is a masterpiece in the Saint and the East Flushing Church by Andreas C. George. It can be purchased on Amazon. The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church of Flushing helped the community reconnect with their roots.
