NEW YORK— The Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption- Kimisis tis Theotokou of Port Jefferson, NY celebrated the name day of the church on August 15. The festivities began on Sunday morning with the Divine Liturgy led by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, the evening continued with Vespers, and then Monday’s Divine Liturgy led by Father Demetrios N. Calogredes, Protopresbyter.
As noted in the church’s website, “”The Assumption of the Theotokos, after which our church is named, reflects the pinnacle of our Faith. Orthodox Christians who gather in a church dedicated to the Assumption are therefore special bearers of that same Faith. Always remember the meaning of the Assumption and like the Theotokos, always strive to do God’s will.”
The community is preparing for the Greek festival which this year will be seven days and will begin Thursday August 18. The festival will continue Friday and through the weekend. The community decided to repeat the festival from Friday August 26 to Sunday August 28. Each year, the community of the Assumption in Port Jefferson, LI organizes one of the biggest raffles. This year five cars, as well as 315 other valuable gifts will be raffled off.
The festival will feature traditional Greek dishes and pastries, music and dancing. Fireworks are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings. To serve the whole community, a free bus will pick up guests from outside Ward Melville High School for a free ride to the festival.
Churches across the globe celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15. Other area churches also celebrated what is called the Pascha of the summer. Among them, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Whitestone, NY.
