All Around Ashburn: A Taste of Greece

Last weekend the Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County hosted its second annual "Taste of Greece" event. Parish council president Bill Aubin explained that the primary purpose of the event is to build awareness of the parish's existence in the community. "There are people who drive all the way into the District to St. Sophia's because they don't know there is a parish here." The parish, which was established in 2006, currently serves about 120 families. They're in a temporary building near Dulles Town Center but are hopeful that the Taste of Greece festival and other fundraisers will help them acquire their own building. In addition to saving for their building, the Parish donates a percentage of their event proceeds to community groups like the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter. 

The Taste of Greece event featured a menu of traditional Greek dishes prepared by the parishioners using their own recipes. The gyro sandwich was delightfully messy and overflowing with the savory meat, cheese, onions, and other vegetables. Where other pitas seem to be the main ingredient of the gyro, this pita could barely contain its contents.

Patrons had the opportunity to get the food take-out style or dine in. I stood in line with a woman who was not a parishioner, but who was making her second stop that weekend at the event. She and her husband came by Saturday night for dessert—the baklava was delicious—and had a take-out order for lunch Sunday. Dining in was pleasantly crowded and the children's Greek dancing entertainment was great fun, especially as audience members clapped in time and sang the Greek songs aloud with the music.

The Orthodox Parish has an even bigger outdoor event in June that includes food, rides, entertainment, and other family-oriented activities. Check out the Parish's Web site at www.GreekOrthodoxLoudoun.org for more information.