WEIRTON, W.Va. (WTRF) — Traditions of the Greek Orthodox faith are inscribed in every corner of the Cathedral of All Saints Church in Weirton.
And now parishioners are ready to take the practice outside the church walls.
The annual Greek Festival returns to West Street this July with thousands of foods that congregants have been preparing for months.
Gyros, grape leaves, lemon oregano chicken and more are on the menu, which is currently accepting preorders, but there’s something deeper beyond the plates and takeout bags.
First and second generation devotees want to carry on what they call the last vestiges of Greek islands tradition.
“We make everything from scratch. Our sauces, the syrups we use for our hot donuts, nothing is store-bought. So it’s all following the traditions of long-standing recipes that we’ve perfected.”
Nick Trant, Festival Kitchen Chair
“When Greeks immigrated to America, they brought their culture with them, and part of that also brought their religion, namely Orthodoxy. But Orthodoxy is not just for Greeks, it’s actually for everyone.”
Reverend Matthew Moore, All Saints Greek Orthodox Church
The July 12 festival also features the church’s century-long collection of religious art.
They expect to sell between 5,000 and 7,000 grape leaves this year alone, so make sure you reserve at AllSaintsFestivalWV.com .
