LYNN — Saint George Greek Orthodox Church hosted its annual Greek Festival this Labor Day weekend.
The event, which lasted for three days, had homemade Greek food, traditional Greek music, vendors selling jewelry and artwork, a play area for children, and a raffle with a grand prize of $25,000 to raise money for the church.
Rev. Alex Orphanos described the festival, which has been hosted by St. George Church for over 50 years, as a “well-oiled machine.”
“We enjoy having everyone from not only Lynn, but from all over New England come and visit us, and experience not only our Greek culture, but our loving Christian community,” Orphanos said.
Marina Tzortzis, president of the St. George Parents Association, has been attending the church since birth and said that the festival has been occurring in Lynn for as long as she can remember.
“Families look forward to it every year, because they’re excited about the culture,” Tzortzis said.
Attendee Georgia Chatzimakris grew up coming to the festival every year, and says she appreciates the welcoming atmosphere.
“I love it. A lot of people end up coming, and people look forward to seeing Greek culture,” Chatzimakris said.
Patron Eli Piper described the festival as “vibrant,” and says he appreciates how “the community always comes together to support the event.”
“It’s great to get people to come here to get exposed to Greek culture and the Greek Orthodox faith,” Piper said.
Anthony Pentikis, a bouzouki player and vocalist for the traditional Greek brand Orfeas, says he is particularly fond of the festival’s food and also enjoys the way the setting lights up at night when his band plays.
St. George Parish Council member Panos Condakes also talked about what the festival means for the Lynn community.
“It’s where everyone in Lynn is Greek for one weekend,” Condakes said.
