Very cool. Unfortunately, they were out of my favorite desserts: baklava and kourambiethes (see holiday cookbook for recipes!) but I made do with a few other things. I particularly enjoyed going into the church, and I found it to be a more emotional experience than I expected. As we entered, there were two stands filled with sand where one could light a candle before going in. Jackson and I opted to light candles -- he did his for Grandpa, and I did mine for everyone who is gone from my life: my grandparents, my uncles, my dad, and (at least mentally) my mom. Then we went into the church, which was beautifully decorated with colorful frescoes of Jesus, apostles, Mary, saints, and God knows what else. There were examples of the ornate robes worn by the Bishop, and some of the Greek Orthodox religious history. I found it really interesting, especially the timeline where, according to the Greeks, it was the Catholic Church that broke off from the One True Faith back in Nicea, while the Orthodox Church continued serenely on the true path of righteousness.
There were adorable children in Greek costumes doing dances, and a building full of overpriced but interesting crafts. All in all, it was a fun afternoon and I'm glad I went! Then I had to go home and make lamb stew -- it just felt like the right thing to do.
Next time we do an Apostafest down here I'll have to do my own little Greek festival and make some traditional goodies. And I'll teach you how to do the Hassapiko!
Nina