SEATTLE, WA – Thousands of guests flocked to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in the Montlake neighborhood of Seattle over the weekend of October 7-9 to enjoy the Seattle Greet Festival. A Seattle tradition since 1960, the event was back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The various areas both inside the church facilities and the large outdoor tent were jam-packed most of the weekend. Many attendees told parishioners how pleased they were that the Festival was again being held. They had missed it.

In its ‘Weekend Plus’ section, the Seattle Times quoted Festival volunteer Katherine Demakos who said: “One of the ways that Greeks really know how to welcome people is to bring them in, cook for them, share culture, share music and traditions.”

Diasakos also explained that while the Festival has grown year after year, the traditional food and pastries are still prepared by the members of St. Demetrios, an important commitment that has remained from the beginning.

The parish’s award-winning dance groups performed throughout the weekend to the delight of Festival attendees and at other times live music was provided by Seattle-based Taki and the Mad Greeks. Many people took the opportunity to learn about the Orthodox faith by joining one of the frequent tours of the church given by parish clergy with introductory remarks by parishioners, stopping by an information booth in the large tent, and shopping in a very well-stocked bookstore which also offered icons, prayer ropes, censers, incense and charcoal and related religious items.

A separate booth sold items such as soap, candles, honey, and other food lovingly prepared by the nuns of the St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery in Goldendale, WA.

Also at the Festival, a boutique with numerous items handmade by ladies in the parish, a children’s game area, and an information booth for the Greek-American Historical Museum of Washington State.

More information is available online: http://seattlegreekfestival.com.