Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Festival To Be Held

The Greek Orthodox Shrine Church of St. Nicholas, 196-10 Northern Blvd., Flushing, will hold their annual Greek Festival Thursday, October 4 through Sunday, October 7. 2007 marks the 36th Anniversary of the festival that has become an annual tradition for the church since 1971 when St. Nicholas was the first community to sponsor an ethnic festival in the New York metropolitan area.

Greek music will set the mood of being in an Athenian café or on a Grecian isle. Along with Greek foods, the foods of Cyprus will be offered. After enjoying these cuisines, festival-goers can satisfy their sweet tooth by tasting baklava, loukoumades and other Greek pastries.

For those looking for a bargain there will be a flea market. For the serious shopper there will also be vendors selling new merchandise. For the youngsters there will be games, popcorn and sweets.

A highlight of a visit should be a tour of the church. The church, erected in 1971, was cited by the Queens Chamber of Commerce for its architecture. The church was designated a Shrine Church in 1972 when Archbishop Iakovos received at St. Nicholas the relics from the grave of St. Nicholas in Bari, Italy. These relics have been enshrined in a reliquary. Encircling the walls of the church are six 30 foot by 12 foot panels depicting scenes from the Bible.

The festival is held on Thursday, October 4 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, October 5 from 6 to midnight; Saturday, October 6, noon to midnight, and Sunday, October 7 noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free.

St. Nicholas welcomes all to come for a taste of Greece and Cyprus in Flushing. For more information, contact Rev. Fr. Paul C. Palesty, Pastor, or Kristine Marames, Publicity Chair, at 718-357-4200.