WHEELING — The parishioners of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church welcome all to their 21st Annual Grecian Food Festival July 27-July 30 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“It is our hope that our guests have a wonderful experience at our food festival, we are eager to share our zeal for the gift of life, love of fellowship and hospitality with them.” said Gus Kayafas, festival director.

The authentic food, electric atmosphere and the contagious hospitality makes this one festival you do not want to miss this summer. There is something for everyone to enjoy and the parishioners cannot wait to share their faith, food and fun with you, he said. The festive outdoor setting allows you to enjoy their famous gyro sandwiches, tavern fries, wings or chicken kabob. A flaming aged-cheese called Saganaki will be served daily after 4 p.m. The youth of the church community prepare golden fried honey puffs, lemonade and baklava sundaes by day and by night. The Agape Dancers will perform daily the exciting and colorful dances from various regions of Greece to live authentic Greek music provided by an Ohio Valley favorite, “The Greek Company”.

In addition to outdoor activities, available upstairs in our Hellenic Center Hall they will have a variety of festival favorites such as pastitsio, moussaka, spanakopita, stuffed grape leaves and greek village salad, along with a plentiful selection of homemade delicious Greek pastries. Flavorful food items, only authentic to the Greek culture, are being offered. Vendors will also be on hand which will allow guests to bring home a piece of Greece.

However, the church’s greatest desire is to share the beauty of our Orthodox Christian Faith with visitors. When visiting the food festival, consider learning more about the Orthodox Christian Church by visiting the bookstore, participating in a church tour, listening-in on a liturgical chant demonstration, and, of course, conversing with Father Demetrios if you have any questions about their ancient faith.

The sanctuary will be open at noon, 3 and 5 p.m. during the festival for guided tours. The Byzantine youth choir will perform daily at 4:45 p.m.

New at the Taverna this year is a delicious new item, a “Mezze” (appetizer in Greek), of chopped gyro meat, sauteed on the grill with peppers, onions and feta cheese and served with fried pita triangles.

Back again this year, are the popular “Fun with Fillo” cooking demonstrations. Maria Kayafas will be presenting on three days at 2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday in the second floor educational center.

Maria will show you how to make Kataifi. This is a traditional, and very popular, Greek dessert made with shredded fillo wrapped around a sweet almond and walnut mix and soaked in a buttery syrup.

“Among the Greek culture, there is a tradition of Philotimo, the love of doing good for people,” said Maria Kayafas. “This comes across in our cooking, our desire to show hospitality to guests, neighbors, and family as we eagerly prepare Greek dishes to share our love for others. It’s just another way to share our culture.”

The popular Kafenio, a Greek coffee house, returns this year with anticipated fanfare.

Eighteen-year-old Danyelle Dunlevy shared her enthusiasm, “We are excited to bring back this year a festival favorite introduced last year. You don’t want to miss the kafenio for an iced Frappé, Baklava Cheesecake and Ladopsomo, a sweetened fried bread.”

Again for this year, all food sales will be in-person, with no pre-orders in the upstairs Hellenic Center. Your food can be packaged for you by volunteers to take home or enjoy in one of their outdoor dining tents.

Follow on Facebook at “Grecian Festival” for the latest updates and news, or go online and browse www.grecianfest.com for more information or to download a menu. Call 304-233-0757 with any questions.

The church is located within the Centre Market Historic District and there will be plenty of free parking available on Chapline Street and in the lots across from the church.