CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church hosted its one-day Greek Festival on Friday, November 21, drawing steady crowds throughout the day.
Festival coordinator Litsa Lambrinos said the atmosphere reminded her of a familiar scene.
“Typical like ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding,’ like they want to feed you,” she said.
The parish hall stayed busy from morning through evening. Father Gabriel Henly said the timing often brings people in before holiday travel begins.
“It is a good day because people are still in the community, they have not gone home for Thanksgiving yet,” he said.
Henly said the festival has always been about more than food.
“It is also a chance for us to share a bit of our culture, our community, our faith, our religion with the community at large,” he said.
Inside the kitchen, volunteers served a long list of homemade dishes. Lambrinos said many people had their favorites.
“I love the kataifi because it is like shredded wheat and it is really crispy,” she said.
Henly added his own pick. “I like the pastitsio.”
Lambrinos said seeing people enjoy the food and the atmosphere is what makes the day worthwhile.
“It is just nice to see all the smiling faces and the people enjoying the food,” she said.
The festival is also the church’s largest fundraiser of the year. It supports operations, ministries, and outreach programs. This year, part of the proceeds will go to the Emergency Food Bank of Charlottesville.
Festival attendee Carolyn Frazier said the mission matters.
“People need all the support they can get,” she said.
She also said the hospitality stood out.
“Everybody here is so friendly, so it is really great and they also serve wine here.”
Father Henly said that welcome is part of the church’s identity.
“We are a very loving and caring culture, we open our doors to all.”
Frazier said she plans to return. “I plan on coming year after year, yes.”
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