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VIDEO| Interfaith event aids in cultural learning
Video
Followers of many faiths break bread together at Mahoning Valley Association of Churches’ event.
BOARDMAN — The Taste of the Faiths Festival revolved around ethnic, specialty and “church” food. But it didn’t start out that way.
“It started out an auction, and food was an afterthought,” said Elsie Dursi, director of Mahoning Valley Association of Churches, the sponsor. “But people’s interest in foods prepared by other churches changed that. It’s become an intercultural and interfaith event.”
Some 110 people gathered Monday night at St. Charles Borromeo Church hall, 7345 Westview Drive, to mingle and munch on foods from 14 faith-based organizations.
The Taste of the Faiths Festival exemplifies MVAC’s mission — to foster a “spirit of cooperation and inclusion” among the faiths. “It’s reconciliation on all levels — society and church — and trying to lessen division and fragmentation,” Dursi said.
The festival did that on a basic level; it brought people together to “break bread.”
June Ewing of Third Baptist Church said events at her church wouldn’t be complete without sweet potato pie and strawberry gelatin dessert. “They’re church favorites,” said the woman who’s been a member 40 years. Ewing said sharing food with other people of faith was a good way to get to know one another.
Pam Cronenwett, president of Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning County; Rose Carter, family services committee member for Habitat; and Beverly Willis, a member of Habitat selection committee, were on hand to sample the foods.
Cronenwett said that she thought such events promoted “understanding among faiths” because it was a chance to get out and meet people.
Pastor Tim Hayes of Woodworth Church of the Brethren attended with his wife, Angella, and their five children.
The church contributed its specialties, chicken casserole and apple butter fritters. Pastor Hayes said the church holds an apple butter festival each fall and makes apple butter from scratch. It was a natural to share.
“We’re all on the same team. We’re all working toward our relationship with God,” he said, noting this event brought people together.
Louise Gibb and Rodica Gheorghe of Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church were serving ethnic specialties, mititei, a traditional recipe made with pork and beef and seasonings.
Mamaliga, corn meal mush with sour cream, went quickly. “For us, it’s sharing our tradition,” said Gheorghe.
First-time contributor was the Islamic Society of Greater Youngstown.
Saeeda Yasmin Ghani, president, said the organization brought grape leaves, baklava and kibbe (meat pies), Middle Eastern specialties.
“Every bit helps in people understanding one another,” said Ghani.
The festival also included entertainment by the Youngstown Connection.