Festivals are an opportunity to see neighbors, and exchange news in a pleasant environment. Social interaction in person brings harmony, peace and a positive outlook at a festival. The 2024 St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church Festival in Bayside is an important part of New York City community life. The FREE event was held on the church grounds at 196-10 Northern Blvd. in Flushing from Thursday to Sunday, May 16th-19th with evening hours and weekend daytime hours.
The NYPD 111th police precinct had protective barriers giving the crowds freedom of movement and not being afraid to mingle in public. “The 111th police precinct helps the community every year. The slogan was “1974: Never Forget 50 Years of Occupied Cyprus”. Greek/Cypriot cuisine of souvlaki, gyro, sheftalies, haloumi and pastries drew crowds. The unique loucoumades stand had lines. as well as the Williams Spyropoulos School booth.
The William Spyropoulos School 8th grade performed Greek folk dances. The youth of our nation represent our future. A rich scholastic environment is an investment in that future. The community has four schools: Church School; The St. Nicholas Stephen and Areti Cherpelis Hellenic School; William Spyropoulos Day School and the Saint Nicholas George & Evlavia Doulaveris Preschool. Rev. Protopresbyter Paul C. Palesty, Presbyter Aristidis Garinis and Rev. Alexander Douvres are the clergy. Michael Haralambous is president of the Parish Council. The Festival Co-Chairpersons were Michael Giannakos, Larry Hatzoglou and Michael Haralambous.
The loucoumades are prepared by the parents and supporters of the St. Nicholas Stephen and Areti Cherpelis Hellenic School. Every year we see The ladies of the loucoumades booth cooking fried loucoumades, dipped in honey, Maria Zolotas, president of the Ladies Philoptohos and president of the School Board of the Stephen and Areti Cherpelis Hellenic School, is seen every year at the loucoumades stand. “We look forward to cooking loucoumades to help our festival,” she said.
Kiki Preponis, Vasso Dinas, and their families with friends, work with enthusiasm. They remember Kiki’s late husband, Parashos Pari Preponis, who worked long hours making loucoumades. Our neighbor Chrissy Douroudakis energetically said, “everyone must come and eat our loucoumades.”
A fabulous raffle was offered online and in person. Theodore Perdik, a parish council, and Men’s League member, has donated his services for many years, selling raffles and cooking. He is a steadfast supporter of all projects. Tasos Tzallas, Tina Mellis, Andrew Tsiolas, Chris Fillos, Nick Tavantzes, Nicholas Karakostas and others sold raffles and cooked. This is an incomplete list. Contact the church office for participants and donors.
The Philoptohos flea market offered everything of which you can think. Matina Botoulas, international artist, said “we had a phenomenal success.” Greek music was heard through the streets. Prominent people attended. The vendors and children rides were an attraction. Amalia Bollanos, who comes every year, has original jewelry creations. Many come every year to buy her jewelry. Vendor Olga offers her chocolate covered fruits. Greek juices by Steve were enjoyed by many. NY Life had a booth showcasing their services. Local banks sponsored banners. Contact the church office at (718) 357-4200 for more information.
Festival Co-Chairman and parish council member Michael Giannakos takes videos of church services, streaming them online. His family is from the village of Parakalamos in Epirus. “We welcome the entire community to come and have a great time,” he said. Christina C. Siroky served as parish council president for 2 years. “I found love in the community helping people.”
Mrs. Athena Tsokou Kromidas served as an administrator for 33 years as principal and assistant principal of William Spyropoulos School, principal of Greek Afternoon School and president of the High Council for Greek Education in the US. “St. Nicholas Shrine Church Continues to grow,” she said. “Parents, children and grandchildren are united in seeing the festival succeed.”
New Yorkers came to catch up with news of friends. Jeanette, of New York Physical Therapy Rehabilitation, came with her family to see friends and patients. Zoe and Dr. Eve Katsoulakis made it a point to see old friends. Theodora Efthimiades, retired educator, Evangelia Klidas with friends Bonnie, Richard and Yiota found out the latest news. That is what a festival is about.
I met an old friend Lily from the university I taught as an adjunct instructor. Two students of my Modern Greek class, Maria Catechis and Peter Dilis married and have two children. Who thought learning Greeki would lead to maariage? Polly Nikolovieris was in my class and now attends St. Nicholas Shrine Church. “I had four years of modern Greek with you, Kiria Tsouni,” said Theodora Christodoulou Kadis, a bubbly young mother of 2 girls with a big smile. “I own a home by St. Nicholas Church. It’s great seeing you today. You haven’t changed at all. Never change. You are the best!” Festivals reunite students with their former teachers.
Who was St. Nicholas? Santa Claus is not from the North Pole. He is based on Nicholas, the Greek Orthodox Bishop of Myra, Lycia. This Greek/Byzantine city today is called Demre, in the Antalya province of Türkiye. When one thinks of St. Nicholas, one is reminded of the book “In The Footsteps of Saint Nicholas.” It is a masterpiece on the Saint and East Flushing Church by Andreas C. George. The detailed investigation of the existence of St. Nicholas of Myra, by international scientist Andreas George, is the final word on the subject. His scientific examination of sources and historical sites disproves the 1970’s action of the Vatican, demoting St. Nicholas as a major saint or characterization as a mythological figure.
St. Nicholas’ ancestors were Greeks, descendants of Alexander the Great’s colonists or of Cretans. The author believes St. Nicholas’ ancestors were most likely from Crete, because of similar customs and traditions with the Greek island. Modern Greek sources on the Greek Cities of Asia Minor show that the Greek communities along the Asia Minor coast had up to 50 percent Cretans until the 1922 Catastrophe. Their dialect and customs were also similar to the Cretan culture. Mr. George’s research added information that St. Nicholas spent time in Cyprus through his visits to monasteries and study of Greek sources. His translations into English of these facts are invaluable to a serious reader.
“Memory is the mother of all wisdom,” said ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus.
The parishioners of St. Nicholas Shrine Greek Orthodox Church of Bayside united to create a magnificent religious and education center. Their dedicated effort contributed to the greatness of Hellenism in New York City and the United States of America. The greatness of our country is due to the dedicated and honorable efforts to maintain our cultural diversity. The successful 2024 festival is the result of their tireless efforts.
Photos by Despina Siolas, MD/PhD
Greek American Experience 