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HERETE OLI STO PANAGIRI . . . GREETINGS AND WELCOME!
On behalf of the Clergy, Parish Council, Festival Committees, friends and family of the Church of the Holy Cross, we welcome you to our 29th Annual BELMONT GREEK FESTIVAL.
Become "Greek for a Day" as you find your way through our panagiri (festival). Our grounds are laid out as a Greek village would be for a typical panagiri. Traditionally, a religious observance opens the day and is followed by live music, entertainment, and dancing in the plaka (plaza) where food, pasties and boutiques can be found.
Let this Program & Guide Book be the itinerary for your own Grecian getaway. It will inform you of every activity and includes a detailed map of the grounds to direct you to your favorite points of interest. Be sure to use the table of contents to find the entertainment schedule and the descriptions of each event taking place. After you work up an appetite from shopping and dancing in the plaka, visit the Restaurant in the Main Hall which offers exceptional Greek food cooked the old-fashioned way by hard working members of the Holy Cross parish, using authentic recipes from Greece, all-natural ingredients and lots of tender, loving care. Complement your meal by visiting the Kaffenion in The Oaks with a cup of Greek or American coffee and mouthwatering authentic pastries. Stop by the Amphitheater to see the Festival Folk Singers and Ensemble perform both traditional and modern songs of Greece. Also in our Amphitheater, Zeus, Hera and other famous figures from Greek mythology will take the stage in a play based on the mythological Greek gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus. The Agora and cultural exhibits are musts and "The Fun Zone" will delight the very young. Finally, we invite you to take a tour of our award-winning Byzantine-style church - our choir will give a special performance during the first tour on Sunday.
Kali Orexi! - Good Appetite! Kali Thiaskethasi! Ke tou chronou! - Enjoy your visit!
HOLY CROSS CELEBRATES THE 2000th ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD;
OCTOBER 16 GLENDI KICKS OFF FESTIVITIES
While many computer programmers and businesses are troubled by the Y2K bug, here at Holy Cross we greet the year 2000 with excitement. We dedicate our 1999 Belmont Greek Festival to the 2000th anniversary of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We plan to prepare ourselves spiritually for the new Millennium to come, and celebrate in a very special way.
Our theme : "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12) will help set our focus and direction.
In the spiritual department, we plan year-long activities to renew our faith, highlighted by "Spiritual Odyssey : An Orthodox Pilgrimage" to be held on February 24-27, 2000. On this weekend, Orthodox clergy and lay experts in various aspects of our faith will present an informative symposium on the many facets of the Orthodox Christian religion. All are welcome to explore the beautiful icons, inspiring hymns, the holy lives of the saints and come away with a better understanding of the original Church of Jesus Christ which traces itself directly to the Christian Church's beginnings in the early first century. Additionally, many parishioners will commit themselves to serving the less fortunate in the community at large.
We'll also celebrate!!! The October 16, 1999 Pre-Millennium Glendi will kick-off 15 months of festivities. A delicious dinner will be served during an evening of dancing and family fellowship. The Youth Council will once again sponsor New Year's Eve this year. Come to Holy Cross and celebrate as the calendar turns to January 1, 2000!
On January 30, 2000, the Greek School and Sunday School will present a celebration of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day.
Fall 2000 will see several colorful activities at Holy Cross. September will of course bring Belmont Greek Festival 2000 and the Holy Cross Nameday celebration. Glendi 2000 will be held on October 14. And on November 5, 2000, we celebrate all the great talent in our community at the Holy Cross Arts and Entertainment Fair. This evening will be a confluence of the best musical, artistic and culinary talent of the parish and will include a visual arts exhibition, culinary arts demonstrations and a stage variety show.
We save the best for last. On the final weekend of the 20th century, we present our Grand Celebration of the 2000th Christmas, "Unto Us a Child Is Born," a beautiful gala banquet on Saturday evening, December 30, 2000. Save this date for one of the most spectacular events ever held at Holy Cross. A grand banquet will be prepared, and magnificent entertainment awaits you. Following Liturgy on Sunday morning, December 31, we will bury a time capsule to be opened at the turn of the NEXT century. We will feature our newborn children in hopes that some of their lives may span the entire 21st century and that they might be present for the unearthing of this capsule 100 years hence. Later that evening, we will count out the last seconds of the 20th century at our traditional New Year's Eve celebration and see the dawn of 2001!
It promises to be an exciting year; we hope to see you at many of our millennium celebrations and activities!!!
Greek life is expressed in song and dance. The folk songs of Greece express the most exquisite thoughts and feelings common to man. The Greek shares his joys and sorrows, his hopes and legends - all communicated through his folk songs.
The music of Greece falls into two main categories : folk or regional music and popular music. Folk music is divided into the mainland music and the music of the Islands. Popular music is often referred to as "Bouzouki" music, emerging from the seaport tavernas and spreading quickly to all parts of Greece.
Selections for our folk concerts are categorized in two parts. The first includes songs of the early emigrant which were brought to this country during the first major influx during the turn of the century. This series tends to be simplistic, praising the blue skies, the beaches (Kato Sto Yalo, Yialo-Yialo), birds (Kelaithiste), the trees (Amigdalia, Lemonia), etc.
The second series in the folk concert includes the contemporary music exported during the period of the later emigrants - those arriving after World War II. Perhaps influenced by the hardships of that war, this music tends to exhibit more pathos. The series also includes selections made popular by movies such as Never on Sunday and Zorba. Generally, the selections in this series include the works of Theodorakis and Hatzidakis, modern day composers.
With the rhythm of song must go the movement of dance. It is most common to see men of Greece performing the intricate steps of a slow-moving, turning, twisting ZEIBEKIKOS which is a stately war dance originally performed with a sword and shield. The dancers circle around each other fighting a fanciful battle as the music unfolds. The PENTOZALI, another war-like dance, follows a five-step rhythm and recalls the war-like movements of Cretan sailors in battle. The HASSAPIKOS, contrary to modern versions, was to be performed by men only since it was originally a butcher's dance. This is followed by the HASSAPOSERVIKOS, where dancers wielded knives as they whirled to the fast and often strenuous tempo. The TSAMIKO, also a men's dance, features much leaping, reminiscent of shepherds leading their flocks among the rocky crags of Epiros. The KALAMATIANOS is performed in a circle and originated in the Peloponnesian district of Kalamata. The leader performs bravura turns, twists, and jumps to the haunting melodies of the bouzouki, clarino, and violi while the other dancers follow in smooth-moving rhythmic steps. The SYRTOS dates back to the Hellenic period with its smoothly-flowing movements reminiscent of the classical era of ancient Greece.
There are many, many more Greek dances. Each region has its own traditional dances and costumes which have evolved through the years, but have been retained for everyone's enjoyment as part of our Greek heritage. We hope you will learn a few steps yourself!
CONCERT BY FESTIVAL FOLK SINGERS AND ENSEMBLE
Presented in the Amphitheater (behind church), Saturday and Sunday only at 8:00 PM
Greek folk songs date back to the Byzantine ages, and though based upon ancient Greek music, is heavily flavored by hundreds of years of occupation by the Venetians and Turks. Hence, you will hear the Cantathes, which are the romantic multi-part rhythms usually accompanied by guitar and mandolins, and suggesting the Western (Italian) influence; while music written in minor key suggests the Eastern influence. Contemporary Greek music is a blend of all three influences.
Selections for our folk concerts include songs of the early emigrant, brought to this country during the first major influx of Greek emigrants at the turn of the century. These include the Cantathes which were sung traditionally by all-male choral groups. The contemporary music, exported by the later emigrants (those arriving after World War II), includes selections made popular by movies such as "Never on Sunday" and "Zorba the Greek," and the work of the composers Theodorakis and Hatzidakis.
The following list contains some of the songs that you will hear during this weekend's concerts :
PART 1 MEN'S CHORUS + MANDOLINATA
PART 2 FULL CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA
Dr. Tikey Zes - Director / Mr. George Liviakis - Coordinator
Sunday's concert is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Mr. George Daskarolis. His kind and joyful spirit will remain in our hearts.
Thank you to our singers and instrumentalists for your most generous gift of time and talent : Saint Nicholas Church (San Jose), The Nativity of Christ Church (Ignacio), Holy Trinity Church (San Francisco),Annunciation Cathedral (San Francisco), Ascension Cathedral (Oakland) and The Church of the Holy Cross.
CRUISING THE MED - Featuring the Aurora Mandolin Orchestra, Gino Pellegrini, Director
Presented in the Amphitheater (behind church), Sunday only at 4:30 PM
The Aurora Mandolin Orchestra under the direction of Gino Pellegrini presents songs from many Countries of the Mediterranean. The uniqueness of this group is its style of music, the fact that it is one of the few remaining mandolin orchestras in California, and its longevity. Organized in the early 20's by Italian emigrants, the group reached its zenith in the mid to late 30's with some fifty members. It performed at the SF World's Fair in 1939. and more recently played at the San Francisco Symphony's festive opening night at Davies Hall. The group currently includes many professional players.
Also unique is its director Gino Pellegrini who started playing the mandolin in Italy when he was six years old-some eighty years ago. He was also one of the early players in this Orchestra back in the 20's and represents the thread of continuity to the present. This afternoons selections include the music of Spain, Italy, Russia as well as Greece. So sit back and pretend that you are on a Cruise ship as we take you to the many lands and their music.
CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE / FESTIVAL ORIGINS
The Greek Orthodox Churches of the Bay Area celebrate our cultural traditions during festivals throughout the year. From Sacramento to Salinas, Greek-Americans will enthusiastically present our festivals for everyone to enjoy.
The American Greek celebration arises from the ancient tradition of the panagiri ("pan-eye-YEER-ee"). Literally meaning "everyone at the town square," the word has come to mean "joyous gathering of many" or "festival." For centuries, the panagiri has taken place in towns and villages throughout Greece. The date of the festival for each village was originally based on the Greek Orthodox religious calendar. This calendar has fixed one date per year for each of the saints. It is known as the saint's "name day". Because each village church was named for a saint, its festival date was that saint's day. The panagiri for Saint Paul's parish, for example, would take place on the Feast of Saint Paul, June 29th.
In the old country, the panagiri brought everyone in his or her best dress and party manners to make a good impression on neighbors and village visitors. Women brought the special foods for which they are well known. Craftsmen displayed their wares. Farmers, vintners, dairymen, and herdsmen sold their goods. Dramatic, literary and musical contest were held. Always, dancers in elaborately stitched folk costume performed the regional dances as local musicians sang and played native music. Many of the performing dancers were marriageable young women. Much courting and wooing took place at festivals by young men who had come seeking a wife. A busy wedding season for the village church fell shortly after its name day!
TODAY'S FESTIVALS - Bringing this tradition to the U.S. during the early twentieth century, the time of heaviest Greek immigration, small Greek-American communities continued their celebrations. To share their native food, music and dances, Greeks began inviting their non-Greek friends. Today, festivals usually take place on spacious church grounds, although festival dates are no longer always tied to the church's name day. Locally, festivals take place most frequently in the spring and fall to take advantage of mild Bay Area temperatures.
Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross
900 Alameda at Ralston, Belmont, California 94002-1604
(650) 591-4447 x http://www.goholycross.org
Thank you for joining us at Festival 99!
The next few pages will tell you everything you need to know about this 29th edition of our annual event. Dance, music, and stage performances take place throughout the three days of the Festival. Please consult the Festival Schedule beginning on the back cover for the places and times.
THE CHURCH
Two tours will be conducted daily throughout the weekend. Learn the symbolism of our beautiful, award-winning Byzantine-style church which follows a very specific lay-out reflective of the architectural history of Orthodox Christianity evoking a solemn reverence from those who prayerfully enter. The first tour on Sunday will feature our own Holy Cross Adult and Youth Choirs.
We welcome you to our beautiful, award-winning Byzantine-style church. The building itself follows a very specific lay-out characteristic of classic Byzantine architecture. The first "layer", the ground level, is rectangular in shape, the second is in the shape of a Greek cross (the "arms" are equal in length), and the third is the dome with a Greek cross at the peak.
Tours of the church will be conducted twice daily during the Festival weekend (please consult the Festival Schedule beginning on the back cover for exact times). We hope to tell you something about the symbology of our church as reflected in the architecture and iconography. We ask that you remain silent throughout the presentation. Please do not bring food or drink into the church. Our pastor, Father Peter Salmas, and assistant pastor, Father Christopher Flesoras, will be available after the presentation to answer your questions.
Beautiful icons and other hand-crafted items. Difficult-to-find icons are a specialty.
The Agora, a Festival favorite, is also sometimes known as the "white-elephant sale" or the "flea market". Come and shop for many unique, one-of-a-kind items and bargains. Clothing, kitchenware, books, and costume jewelry can all be found in this spot. Selected clothing will also be available. Open every night until 8:00 PM.
Our Amphitheater between the Church and the Main Hall is the site of our Festival Folk Singers & Ensemble concerts and our theatrical production "The Trojan War." The Ensemble folk-singing group is a Festival favorite (and judging from the comments every year, our young thespians are well on their way to becoming favorites as well) - so come early and grab a seat because it's sure to be standing room only.
. . . where all your Festival shopping needs will be fulfilled. Sharing the center of the Plaka is the Taverna & Greek Deli, a great place to sit and watch the band or traditional folk dancers. Pastry and food booths line the "church-side" of the Plaka. Don't forget to stop by the "Take-out Pastry" booth to take a little bit of Greece home with you as you leave.
OUTDOOR FOODS PREPARED BEFORE YOUR EYES
Visit our deli for fresh ring bread; vegetarian (rice) dolmades; loukaniko (smoked sausage); cheeses; kefkedes (meatballs); Greek salad; delicious spreads made from eggplant, cucumber and sour cream; garlic dip; tarama (fish roe dip) and many other delectables. Tasty samples of other Greek delicacies will also be available for your enjoyment.
The site of our Greek Restaurant - you won't want to leave after catching that first smell of the moussaka baking or the chickens roasting!
CUISINE FROM OUR KITCHEN
Complete your meal with our selection of wines, beer, and sodas
The Oaks is the new home of our Loukoumades (see below) booth and our Kaffenion, the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee, Greek or American, and enjoy delicious Greek pastries.
LOUKOUMADES
Feathery, light honey balls, deep fried to a golden brown and dipped in boiling honey. A taste delight from ancient Greece where they were given as tokens to winners of games at their festivals.
PASTRY SELECTIONS
A Mediterranean tradition. Greek coffee is made from a blend of finely ground Arabica beans and prepared in the traditional way - in a brika, or brass pot, over heat, and sweetened to taste with sugar. Very similar to the European espresso but much older in tradition.
Enter the land of fun and games where you can ride a mini all-terrain vehicle, jump around in a padded bouncing room, play games and win a goldfish or other prizes, and much, much more. Open until 6:00 PM each evening.
You couldn't have missed the windmill that decorates the entrance to our Festival! Windmills are a major feature of the island of Mykonos, and since our church is very like those found in that sun-drenched and white-washed isle, we thought it would add an atmospheric touch to our Festival.
The highlight of every Greek festival is the food! - moussaka, pastitso, dolmades, spanakopita, tiropita, souvlaki, and, of course, Greek pastries. Buffet-style lunches and dinners are served a la carte in the Church Community Hall. Outdoor food booths offer calamari, gyros sandwiches, BBQ pork souvlaki, loukaniko and Greek wines and beer. Whole lambs are roasted on spits and basted throughout the day in olive oil, lemon, and herbs. In the quiet relaxation of the Kaffenion, or coffee house, baklava and other pastries are accompanied by strong Greek demitasse coffee. Our popular Loukoumades booth is inside The Oaks Hall with the Kaffenion. Most prepared food is available packaged to take home. The Greek Deli sells specialty foods such as filo, grape leaves, sausages, cheeses, herbs, honey, and many of the other items you will need to try the recipes included in this Program and Guide Book.
Kali Orexi! (Good Appetite!)
Greek cuisine has a history which stretches back over 3,000 years and shows the influence of the climate, the land and the surrounding seas and, of course, the influence of various foreign invaders and visitors.
Similarly, Greek cuisine is a reflection of our love of life, music, dancing and eating! Greek cooking has a distinct character and all Greek cooks insist on freshness of ingredients.
To set a truly Greek table, it's not enough to just follow the recipes. You must also incorporate the accents and condiments that will help you feast in the Greek style.
The most basic ingredient list for any Greek meal will include some of the following : fish, poultry, lamb, eggs, olives, olive oil, cheeses, fresh vegetables, rice, bread, butter, fresh lemon, garlic, honey, seeds, nuts, fresh herbs and spices.
Keep in mind these suggestions : Always use olive oil when oil is called for. Use fresh lemons to make juice, rather than bottled juice. Keep a supply of chicken stock to add flavor to your recipes. Try growing your own oregano and basil - there's nothing like the flavor of fresh herbs. As salad dressing, all you need is a touch of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon (and don't forget to top your salad with feta cheese and Kalamata olives).
Our Yia-Yia's would have conniptions if we gave away family-secret recipes over the Internet - you'll just have to come to the Festival and pick up a (free once you get in!) Program and Guide Book which is packed full of recipes of the food and pastries we sell.
The Parish of the Church of the Holy Cross would like to thank the City of Belmont, the Belmont Police Department, South County Fire, Oracle Corporation, E-Loan, BFI, Notre Dame High School, Carlmont High School and the Congregational Church for their support with this year's Festival. We would also like to offer a special thank you to our neighbors for their on-going cooperation each year as our cultural event takes place. A sincere "Thank You" to all of you who help to make this Festival possible.
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all of our supporters, sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees alike. Thank you to our spiritual leaders, Father Peter Salmas and Father Christopher Flesoras whose inspiration and guidance give us the strength to carry out this endeavor. Also, to Espie Cobos, Maximo Ayala, and Francisco Bettancourt for their commitment and support. We are most especially grateful to Ella Stamates for her dedication and direction which has paved the way year after year. This Festival succeeds only because of all of you!
Special thanks :
Our Festival would not be as successful as it's been without the support of generous sponsors like those listed below. Please support them with your business and tell them you were pleased that they supported the Belmont Greek Festival! Look for their ads in the Festival Program and Guide Book.
Advanced Spinal Care - Dr. Pete Tsiglieris / Ah Sam Florist / AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope & Maids of Athens / Aladdin Market & Deli / Alliant / Loula Anaston / Annunciation Cathedral Festival / Antiques on Broadway - Joy McNab / Astaria Catering - Eleni Lolas & Alicia Petrakis / Atlas Quality Printing - Ed Doty / Attorney-at-Law - Jim Frangos / Attorney-at-Law - Don Galine / Attorneys-at-Law - Grathwohl & Rauch PC / Attorney-at-Law - Marjorie Mandanis / Attorney-at-Law - Iraj Shahrok / Autoquest - John Galus / B & B Floors - Miller Family / Bank of America / BFI / Black Mountain Water / Bread Board Catering - Dorothy Vasiloudis / Burke Company - Chuck Donegan / Byzantine Jewelry / Cache - Katie Bagis / Cal Pac Roofing - John Rossi / California Bank & Trust / Cal-West Realty - Herman Bukrinsky / Canellos Family / Carlmont Ace Hardware - Cliff & Debbie Walters / CFA - Sandra Pazanin / Chris' New Harbor / Coldwell Banker - Chris Ilias Frangos / Coldwell Banker - Dena Karbo / Coldwell Banker - Dimitri Melas / Crosby N. Gray & Co. / Delis & Vandarakis Families / Dentistry - Dr. Donald Curia / Dentistry - Dr. Andrew Loukas / Dentistry - Dr. Connie Morris / Dentistry - Dr. Charles Zarganis / Duggan's Carlmont Chapel - Joe Stinson / Eichen's Lighting - Chris Daskalakis / E-Loan / et cetera - Katherine Garadis / Evvia Estiatorio / Eye Physician - Dr. L. Scott Feiler / Farmers Insurance - "Costa" Gus Anagnostou / geoffrey's diamonds - Geoffrey Stern / Georgiou Family / Geranios Family / Gin Mon Restaurant - Ben & Joanne Wang / Grand Avenue Hardware & Sporting Goods - Tentes Family / Greek Orthodox Memorial Park / Henri's Gifts / Hotel Sofitel / Ideal Electric - Tony Haldezos / ISU Cruden & Company - John Cruden III / John Sutak Insurance Brokers - Nicholas Svetcoff / Lunardi's Super Market Inc. / Metro Properties - George Mitropoulos / Mr. R's Honey - John Raptis / Narita Japanese Restaurant - Joanne & Ben Wang / Paine Webber - Steve Charonis / Papas Taverna - Leo Papageorge & Lana Sutton / Peet's Coffee & Tea - Kimberley Winarske / Peninsula Tropicals / Pepsi / Players Club - Joe Fernando / Priola Body Shop - Rick Priola / Prudential Securities - James Rochlitz / San Mateo Electronics - Ted & Thomas Kyriakis / Shaughnessy Roofing - William Shaughnessy / South City Gas & Auto Repair - Tom Koulouris / Irene Pappas / Sneider & Sullivan / Sperow Hair Gallery - Tony Sperow / Tanya W. Spirtos, MD / Star Fashions - Nijmeh Hadeed / Sterlings Carpets & Draperies - Richard Fitzgerald / Sunset Service Station - Katherine Lampros / Terrace Associates, Inc. - Eric Ruxton & Will Richardson / Titan Construction - Fotios Karastamatis / Trag's Market / Ultimate Motor Works - Alex Bess / Vision West Medical Associates - Melto Goumas / Wedding Store & More / Women's Cancer Center at Palo Alto - Nick M. Spirtos, MD / Woodside Deli / Yianni's / Zongus Family
Produce Sponsors : / A&B Produce & Egg Company / A&Q Produce / Banner Fruit Company / Cal-Bay Produce / Carcione's Fresh Produce Co. Inc. / Cooseman's of San Francisco, Inc. / Earthquake Produce Co. / Franzella Produce Inc. / Greenleaf Produce Company / John DeMartini Co. Inc. / New City Fruit & Produce / O. Lippi & Company / Pacific Produce / Shasta Produce / Stanley Produce Company / Supreme Produce Inc. / Washington Vegetable Company / What a Tomato Produce Co.