STATEN ISLAND – The annual festival of the community of Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas of Staten Island community was held from 13-15. Thousands of visitors, from both the surrounding area and beyond enjoyed traditional Greek foods and sweets and they were also entertained with live music and dance groups like that of the ‘Cretan Philoxenia’ organization, who stole the show with their energy and dance moves.

The presiding priest, Fr. Vasilios Apostolidis declared, through The National Herald, that “with the grace of the Holy Trinity and St. Nicholas, we celebrate again this year the Greek Festival of our Greek Orthodox Community. It is a beautiful and successful event aimed at showcasing and promoting Greek traditions and customs, Greek music, authentic Greek cuisine, and, of course, the unmatched Greek hospitality.”

Fr. Vasilios continued: “I would like to warmly thank the Roussis brothers, Nicholas and George, for their excellent organization, the members of the Parish Council, the Philoptochos Society, and all those who voluntarily offer their help to make this celebration a success for the benefit of our Church. Warm congratulations to all.”

The festival organizers, the Roussis brothers emphasized, “we are very excited that, with the help of God and the blessings of our new priest, Father Vasilios, we were able to complete the preparations for our church’s annual festival. We would like to thank the members of the councils and all the volunteers and sponsors. The presence of the crowd demonstrates the success of this celebration. Greece is here.”

The president of the Parish Council, Andreas Economou, thanked the volunteers for their months of work, all the donors for their financial support, neighboring parishes and others for their solidarity, and the visitors of all nationalities who come – as he said – to taste Greek cuisine and have fun.

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis expressed her joy at attending the festival of the parish where she grew up and is a member. “Today I will see and admire my goddaughter, Arianna, who will be dancing with her group. It’s wonderful to see so many people of all nationalities enjoying themselves and having fun together,” she said.

New York State Assembly member Michael Tannousis characterized the Greek festival as the largest event in Staten Island. As he said: “All residents come to enjoy excellent food, traditional sweets, and beautiful music. I am happy because my church organizes such a large event so well and promotes Hellenism in the best possible way.”

State Assembly member Sam Pirozzolo congratulated the parish on the successful festival and praised Greek cuisine, calling it one of the best in the world.

(Some names have been transliterated from Greek to English)