Archangel Michael's annual Greek fest this weekend

February 12, 2012 at 12:08a.m.

CAMPBELL

Are you in the mood to sweeten your weekend with a bit of galaktomboureko or kourambiedes?

If so, you might want to head to the 2012 Greek Festival.

Galaktomboureko is a custard sandwiched between layers of fillo that’s topped with syrup, and kourambiedes are buttery cookies with nuts that are rolled in powdered sugar. Both are among the tasty offerings available during the annual festival at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, 401 12th St.

The two items among the 25 types of cookies, pastries and breads that are a main attraction at the free festival, which kicked off Friday and continues from noon to 9 p.m. today at the church center.

The event raises money for the church, but also enables the community to experience Greek culture and brings people together for a community event, explained the Rev. Steve Denas, pastor.

Last year’s fest brought in roughly $60,000, noted Charlie Pizanias, a festival committee member.

The sweet confections on Helen Frangos’ favorites list include kataife (a nut-filled shredded dough soaked in syrup), tsoureki (a buttery, sweet bread) and Copenhagen (a two-layered almond tart with fillo and syrup).

They also are among the best-selling desserts, said Frangos, a former English and French teacher who taught 31 years at Campbell High School and who’s also a 56-year church member.

Other available and plentiful foods that are prepared on-site include stuffed grape leaves, Greek lasagna and doughnuts, lamb, pork gyros and souvlaki (shish kebab with pork or lamb).

Several Monastic nuns from the Nativity of the Theotokos (Mother of God) Monastery in Saxonburg, Pa., are on hand selling numerous religious artifacts and icons such as those depicting the healers, Sts. Catherine and Constantine and Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

Other religious items include colorful handmade necklaces, bracelets, pendants, crosses and prayer ropes made from wool. Many attendees also bought compact discs and books that exemplify Greek culture and the Orthodox church.

In addition to the food, culture and entertainment, which included traditional dances, people can use the festival as an opportunity to reconnect with one another, the Rev. Mr. Denas said.

“The social value of seeing all of these faces in one place cannot be understated,” he said, adding, “It’s therapeutic.”