The 47th Greek Festival of the Community of Saint Dimitrios in Astoria, which started on the afternoon of Thursday, May 20, 2021, and ended on the evening of Sunday, May 23, 2021, returned to the good old days.
As reported by anamniseis.net, the festival was to take place through online ordering and curbside pickup available, but the situation changed following the change of epidemiological data and the lifting of the measures for the banquets outdoors and indoors.
Tents were set up and table seats were placed in the parking lot and in the garden which enabled the expatriates and other residents of Astoria to enjoy the delicious delicacies and to attend the performances of the Dance School of the Day and Afternoon School.
Thanks to the favorable weather conditions, the event was successful, which began with the traditional sanctification rite performed by the priest, Fr. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos, assisted by the priests, Fr. Nikolaos Paros and Fr. Dimitrios Balidis.
Fr. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos wished them success and was photographed with the volunteers who had come several hours before and had already equipped the stands and were ready to welcome the visitors.
The teachers, the parents, the members of the community and the Philoptochos Society made the visitor feel that s/he was part of a large family.
On Friday afternoon, the President of the Community, Anastasios Chrysanthopoulos, the Honorary President, Nikos Andriotis, the priests and other officials welcomed the Consul General of Greece in New York, Dr. Konstantinos Koutras, and then visited the stands.
Speaking to anamniseis.net, the Consul General, Dr. Konstantinos Koutras, expressed satisfaction for the tireless efforts of community leaders and volunteers for the success of the event and stressed that their smile created an optimistic atmosphere.
During the conversation with the volunteers, they seemed to be satisfied with the fact that they were able to add table seats and provide the opportunity to the people of Astoria to enjoy the food and the Greek hospitality.