MARLBOROUGH – It was a weekend to yell “Opa,” indulge in baklava, gyros and lamb shanks, and celebrate all things Greek at the annual festival hosted by Saints Anargyroi Church on Central Street.
“We love to have our neighbors here,” said the church pastor Father Gregory Christakos. “This is our community at its best.”
The “neighbors,” whether Greek or Greek “at heart,” staked out their spots in the dinner line just before noontime on Sept. 3, and they soon feasted on classic Greek fare such as kabobs and stuffed grape leaves.
Just outside, volunteers grilled batches of lamb and chicken kabobs.
One volunteer said that over the course of the three-day festival, between 700 and 1,000 pounds of chicken, lamb and pork would be served.
For George Papamitrou, church member and volunteer griller, the festival is well worth all the prep.
“It’s getting everyone together and have a good time,” he said.
Inside, on the other side of the dinner line, homemade baked goods awaited those in the mood for dessert.
“The bake sale second to none,” said church member Maria Argiriadi, who was helping out at the marketplace of Greek-themed apparel and other items.
Outside, younger visitors could play in a bounce house, have their faces painted and create works in sand art.
For Philippos Paschalides, a freshman at Brandeis University and lifelong member of the church, the festival is a way to highlight Greek culture.
“It shows who we are,” he said.
In addition to the food and activities, the festival featured Greek music by DJ George Regan, live music and Greek dancers on Saturday and Sunday, tours of the church and a raffle.
The church offers services in-person and online. For information, call 508-485-2575 or visit https://www.stsanargyroi.org/.
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