By Emma Stark
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Under the tall white tent, volunteers work to greet and serve the people of Baltimore. Smiling, Dawn Alms hands a gyro to a chubby-cheeked child, laughing as the child proceeds to stuff the entire piece into his mouth.
The 48th annual Greek Food Fest took place from Oct. 10 to Oct. 13 on 24 W. Preston St. in downtown Baltimore. The event is held by the Annunciation Cathedral Greek Orthodox Church. Every year, the church hosts a weekend long event to open their church to the community, offer Greek foods, and teach people about Greek history.
The festival offers classic Greek foods such as gyros, spanakopita, meatballs, baklava, and loukoumades for guests to try. A selection of Greek beer and wine was also available for purchase. Besides food, the festival had Greek dancers, a cultural history exhibit, and tours of the church.
“The event has a byzantine flavor,” event coordinator Geli Loannou said.
Volunteers from both inside and outside the church help work the tables selling the goods as well as setting up and cleaning up each night. The women spend weeks preparing for the festival and spend a majority of the week prior to the event cooking pastries and prepping food.
“Without the women of the church this event wouldn’t happen,” John Hall said. “They deserve so much credit.”
Ashley Masucci, a frequent flyer at Greek festivals, was happy to try out the festival in Baltimore. Originally from York, Penn., Masucci wanted to see how different the festival from her hometown was compared to the Baltimore one. The Greek food festival is usually a place where she goes with her family to enjoy sharing the loukoumades, honey puff pastries, and talking with strangers at the packed tables.
“It was nice going to the Greek Food Festival in Baltimore because it reminded me of home,” Masucci said.
The event helps the church raise money so that they can continue to keep their doors open and host more events such as the festival. To the people of the church though, it isn’t all about the money. They want to be able to share their culture with the community and bring smiles to people’s faces.
“Of course, the money is helpful,” Loannou said. “That’s not what is about though. It’s to open our doors to the public.”
The church was built in 1889 as a congregational church but was purchased in the 1930’s by the Greek orthodox church. Before the sale of the church to the Greek orthodox church, the building was set to be demolished and turned into a gas station. After purchased, it took three years of renovating for the church to be turned into the Greek orthodox church it is today.
Father Constantine Moralis, also known as Father Dean, has been the church’s priest for 25 years.
“My whole life is here,” he said. “I was born and raised in Baltimore and I was baptized in this church.”
Most of the structures within the church are original such as the pews and woodwork. There are also new additions such as the gothic aluminum chandelier and tiffany glass window murals depicting people from the Bible. These windows project a rainbow of colors into the church and across the pews.
“It’s absolutely beautiful in there,” Dawn Alms said.
Every October, the church branches out to the community, welcoming them with open arms. The Greek Dancers prepare their show. The volunteers prep food and decorations. All in hopes that they will be able to bring joy into someone’s life even if just for a moment.
The Festival is an opportunity for the community to experience a different culture and have a sneak peek into a different religion. The church opens its doors and invites anyone and everyone to come join them whether it’s for a church service or just to partake in one of the Greek delicacies offered.
“Honestly, I really wanted to try a Greek beer,” Ron Bancil, Baltimore resident, said.