SPRINGFIELD TWP. — The Greek reputation for hospitality is explained partly by the fact that the word for “stranger” also means “guest.”

        At this weekend's 28th annual Panegyri Festival, members of Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church will demonstrate that famous hospitality. By sharing their traditional food, drink, music, dance and culture with others, the local Greek community aims to make guests — and friends — out of many a stranger.

        Anticipating a typical crowd of 80,000 to 100,000, organizers Thursday turned the church property into a colorful tent city.

IF YOU GO

Pastry maker George Sias' chocolate baklava creation will be served at the Panegyri Festival. (Enquirer photo) | ZOOM |     • What: Panegyri Festival.     • When: 5 p.m. to midnight today, 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday.     • Where: Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road in Springfield Township.     • Admission: $1 each or 2 items of nonperishable food.     • Parking: Free at St. Xavier High School; shuttle buses to church.     • Information: 591-0030.

        Inside, volunteers set up the agora (marketplace), kafenion (cafe) and Greek grocery.

        From the kitchen to the pastry serving area, food preparation was at an advanced stage.

        “We have baked 171 pans of baklava, 71 pans of pasta flora and thousands of cookies,” said Mary Trohaniswho chairs the pastry committee. “We start at the end of March, fixing the things we can freeze, and then we really start in May.”

        Attending the Panegyri Festival has become a tradition in itself for many Cincinnatians.

        “We have a lot of people who come here because it's a social event, and they see friends they haven't seen in a long time,” explained Buzzy Gaz, festival co-chair. “It's also a place to get real Greek food; there isn't much available at restaurants in this area.”

        The event was started at the suggestion of the church's former priest, the Rev. Constantine Mitsos, Mr. Gaz said.

        “It was an ethnic festival to show our ethnicity to the community. Now it's a region-wide festival,” he said.

        And it links Cincinnati's Greek community to its heritage, said volunteer Frank Cook.

        “It's a glimpse of the old world, ...” he explained. “I get a sense when I hear people talking about making souvlakia or kafes or kourabyethes; I can see them sitting around at (their grand parents') house on Sundays.”

        Entertainment includes costumed dancers, live music from the Fabulous Greek Tycoons and Greek-Canadian musician Pavlo, cooking demonstrations and tours of the church.
       
       

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