TATEN ISLAND – Drawing a big turnout of visitors, the annual festival of the Holy Trinity/St. Nicholas community on Staten Island is taking place. It began on Friday, September 11, and concludes on Sunday, September 13.
Visitors are enjoying traditional Greek foods and sweets and are being entertained with live music and dancing, while an amusement park is operating for the children.
The presiding priest, Fr. Vasileios Apostolidis, stated through The National Herald: “With the grace of the Holy Trinity and St. Nicholas, we are celebrating this year as well the festival of our Greek Orthodox Community.
“It is a beautiful and successful event, the purpose of which is the presentation and promotion of Greek traditions and customs, music, our authentic cuisine and, of course, unsurpassed Greek hospitality. At the same time, it is also a beautiful opportunity to see one another, exchange wishes and talk.”
“The festival could not take place without the selfless contribution of the volunteers, parishioners and friends who, with sacrifice and dedication, work for its success,” he emphasized, adding that “we warmly thank all those who honored us with their presence and wish that the blessings and joy of this celebration accompany them forever.”
A crowd of visitors at the Holy Trinity/St. Nicholas festival. (Photo: National Herald/Michael Kakias)
The president of the Parish Council, Spyro Lazaretos, stated: “Every year, our festival brings everyone together to celebrate our Orthodox faith, culture, traditions and heritage. Beyond the food and music, our festival is a wonderful opportunity to welcome new members to our parish, strengthen our friendships and share our traditions and hospitality.”
He too said, “on behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to thank all our parishioners for their continued support, generosity and dedication. Thanks to their participation, we can continue these important traditions and keep our parish strong.”
The festival coordinator, Anneta Colon, also thanked the dozens of volunteers of all ages who worked tirelessly, as well as the visitors who honored the event with their presence, filling the courtyard.
The president of the Philoptochos Sisterhood, Dee Sidiropoulos, stated that the members made many traditional sweets, such as koulourakia and kourambiedes. They served, cleaned and helped wherever needed.
The dance teachers, Paraskevi Langis and Stella Viris, expressed their pride in the program presented by the students and invited young people to enroll in the classes offered at the church.