ANDERSON, SC – “A Tradition,” the Greek-Mediterranean Pastry & Food Bazaar will take place this October in Anderson, South Carolina. The event started in 2006 as the Anderson Greek Festival, for the purpose of raising funds for the Building Fund of the Paracletos Greek Orthodox Monastery, a coming together for the purpose of stewardship.

Three individuals from the Greek community of Anderson came together to assist in building a chapel for the nuns and visitors of the Monastery. The lay individuals took out signature-personal loans for the first phase of the Chapel and the Festival was established to pay back the loans. Also, in 2006 and 2007, a local Orthodox layman who was a former builder volunteered to do the carpentry and to manage the building of the first phase of the Chapel and the dining room.

In recent years (2019-2023), Bazaar proceeds benefitted outreach causes such as the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives, other causes in the Holy Land and local charities in Anderson. The Bazaar is organized by The Shepherd’s Guild, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

With the help of our volunteers, sponsors and staff, the Festival has received a number of awards. May we continue in good fellowship and hospitality.

More information is available online: greekmedfest.com.

The Greek-Mediterranean Pastry & Food Bazaar, takes place October 20-22 at the American Legion Hall, 1301 East Greenville Street in Anderson, SC.

Bill Stathakis is the Chair of The Shepherd’s Guild.