Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church Feast Day

August 2026 is a time to remember our roots. The Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church on Breakwater Road in Mattituck brought the New York community together in their two-day Feast Day, Wednesday, August 5 Vespers, and Thursday morning service on August 6. The church was filled with the community enjoying the old-world atmosphere of traditional iconography seen in Europe.

Clergy from the Long Island churches participated in the August 5 Vespers. They included: Rev. Economos Andrew D. Cadieux, Protopresbyter of the parish; Rev. Constantine Lazarakis, Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, Southampton; Fr. Elias (Lou) Nicholas, Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption, Port Jefferson; Fr. John Vlahos, St. Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Shrine Church; Fr. Gerasimos Ballas of the Saints Anargyroi, Taxiarchis and Gerasimos Greek Orthodox Church, Greenport; Father Nektarios of All Saints Monastery, Calverton; and other clergy participants. Panagiotis Raikos is the cantor with associates.

“Metamorphosis comes from a change of heart,” said keynote speaker Fr. Nicholas on the meaning of the Feast Day. “We must treat others well, showing the meaning of the Metamorphosis.” A refreshment hour followed the Vespers in the newly renovated Church Hall. For more information, email MattituckGreekChurch@gmail.com or call the church office at (631) 298–9652.

The August 6 Feast day and “Blessing of the Grapes of the Harvest” services were conducted by Rev. Andrew Cadieux. For centuries, grape growers and families across Greece brought baskets of freshly harvested grapes to church, where priests bless them during the Divine Liturgy before they are shared among family members, neighbors, and the congregation.

The blessing of grapes reflects the ancient Christian tradition of offering the first fruits of the harvest to God in thanksgiving. Since grapes ripen around early August in much of Greece, they became the fruit most closely associated with the feast. The custom also carries profound symbolism, as grapes are used to produce the wine that becomes part of the Eucharist, linking the harvest with one of Christianity’s central sacraments.

The tradition reflects a centuries-old expression of faith, gratitude, and community, preserving a living connection between Orthodox worship and Greece’s agricultural heritage.1

Speaking on August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration, Father Andrew Cadieux reflected on the changes taking place within the church and the broader community. “There have been a number of changes that this entire community has come together around,” he said. “Whenever these changes have taken place, they have truly been community events, involving the parish council, Philoptohos, our leadership, our families and so many members of the community. One of the most significant accomplishments has been a capital improvement and repair project representing an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars. For the community, the work was about more than maintaining a building.”

“We were given this mantle by our forefathers,” Father Andrew said. “We have a responsibility to take care of not only the building and the grounds, but, more importantly, the ministries here.”

Under the leadership of parish President Anna Flossos and Vice President Barbara Thermos, the church has also expanded its social events, charitable efforts and community outreach. Fundraising initiatives, including CAST and Kate’s Angels, have aided people in need and those less fortunate.

The church’s connection to the wider North Fork community has also continued to grow. Father Andrew noted that the Town of Southold appointed him to serve as chaplain for the Police Department, further strengthening the relationship between the church and the community it serves.

After more than 50 years in the North Fork, Father Andrew believes the church is entering an important new chapter. “Our community has not only been here for more than 50 years,” he said. “We are starting to become a bright star and a fixture on the North Fork.”

For Father Andrew, however, that progress is not the achievement of a single person or group. It is the result of people working together with a shared sense of responsibility and faith. “It is a community effort where we are all pushing forward and doing our part,” he said. “It’s not one person. It’s all of us working together. And this is all by God’s grace.”