"Wisconsin-Happy Festival State", by Eve Phillips. My husband and I love to travel in the state of Wisconsin where we live and get great pictures on the way. My name is Laurie Kutil and photography has become a great passion of mine since 2010. One thing I have learned in researching each town before visiting it is that, "Every town has it's story". When I do uncover those stories by connecting with local residents, our experience becomes so much richer. In turn, sharing the stories with you brings me joy :)
This is one great festival we try not to miss! Greekfest is held at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Madison. They celebrate 50 years this year and still going strong! Here is the history of the festival.
The church has just been remodeled and resumed giving tours again after not having them last year. First though, we enjoyed a Greek dinner and great music by Rhythmos Entertainment from Chicago. They were great and really engaged the crowd to dance and have fun! Here is the menu, yum!
Enjoy the music, Zorba the Greek™would have been leading the line!
Enjoy shopping and more in the marketplace behind the church.
Yummy cinnamon doughnuts, made right in front of you!
Matryoshka, or Russian Nesting dolls sold by two beautiful ladies.
Also jewelery.
New this year, a bounce house by Fun Time Bounces. More fun for the kids!
Let’s go downstairs to the bakery and some coffee. Quite the spread of treats available for sale!
Greek or regular coffee too!
It’s time for the church tour conducted by Rev. Father Michael Vanderhoef. It wasn’t so much as a tour per sé, more like explaining each section of the church and the Orthodox beliefs. My brother and his wife (a member) were married in this church also so we have a history here.
The entryway is called the Narthex. Worshippers can light a candle here and say a prayer before entering the Nave. This is also to get into the proper frame of mind for worship as well. Here are also a few icons for veneration.
And the main area of worship called the Nave.
Within the Nave is the Sanctuary. Only ordained clergymen are permitted behind the screen.
You will notice the beautiful art work inside the main part of the church, called iconography. The artist is David Giffey, he is a member of the church and his work is seen here and worldwide. He has spent 35 years painting this church and is still a work in progress. The ultimate goal is that the entire interior of the Nave be covered in iconography.
We always enjoy going to Greekfest, a fun Madison tradition for over 50 years!
