ROSELAND, NJ – The annual Greek festival at the Saints Nicholas, Constantine and Helen community in Roseland, is successfully taking place over the three-day period, September 18-20.
The parish priest, Fr. George Khitiri expressed his gratitude— via The National Herald— to the Parish Council, the Philoptochos Society, the volunteers, and the sponsors who support this major celebration.
“Visitors from the local area and beyond are enjoying traditional Greek food and homemade pastries,” he added. “At the same time, they are being entertained by live traditional music and dancing, and are shopping at the souvenir bazaar.”
“The festival serves as an excellent opportunity to showcase Greek history, tradition, culture, and religious heritage, as well as our distinctive cuisine,” Fr. Khitiri noted.
Festival organizer Pantelis Athanasiou told TNH that the event’s success is due to the dozens of people who worked for weeks on a voluntary basis— offering their time and love— as well as to the donors for their invaluable financial support.
He also welcomed visitors of all nationalities who came to experience Greek culture, taste traditional cuisine, and have a good time.
Penelope Pefanis, Vice President of the Parish Council, noted: “Our venue features a traditional tavern, food stalls, live music, dancing, and even a bookshop.
More than 100 volunteers are giving their all to make this event a success.
We have exceptional cooks with us and offer the purest, freshest food—some items coming from generous donations and others prepared right here with passion and care.
Guided by authentic Greek hospitality, we come together as one big group and have a wonderful time.”
Vasiliki Archontidi, former president of the Philoptochos Society, highlighted that the association’s members prepare many of the sweets— such as baklava, finikia, kourambiedes, galaktoboureko, and tiganites— and make coffee; they also handle serving and cleanup, with each woman offering her services in various roles according to her talents and abilities.
Rita Fitanidou, a teacher and principal of Greek schools for 50 years, noted that the Roseland school has 82 students, with classes ranging from pre-Kindergarten to the sixth grade, and that lessons take place every Monday and Wednesday from 4:15 to 6:15 PM.
“In addition to the language, students are taught history, culture, traditions, customs, and religious studies,” she said. “We celebrate all religious and national holidays, participate in the parade, and much more.”
Despina Aivaliotis Taggart, the head of the GOYA program, described the parish’s annual festival as the most important event for the youth. “It is their opportunity to put into practice the values ??of service, teamwork, and preserving our Greek Orthodox heritage,” she noted. “Our students are not mere spectators but the ‘heart’ of the event. From the weeks of preparation leading up to the festival to the days of the event itself, they take on crucial roles.”
“They help prepare traditional foods, serve guests, and assist with cleanup,” she added. “Naturally, the most moving moment is when they take the stage— on all three days—wearing traditional costume to perform Greek dances.”