ST. DIONYSIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
8100 W. 95th ST.
OVERLAND PARK, KS 66212
(913) 341-7373
www.stdionysios.org
 

HELLENIC HERITAGE

Greece is the cradle of civilization, the origin of the West and the birthplace of democracy. It’s hard to imagine what civilized life would be like today without the influence of Ancient Greece.

The Greeks, or Hellenes, invented drama and the amphitheaters where they were performed. (Just think, there wouldn’t be Starlight Theater or Sandstone if not for the Golden or Classical Age of Greece!) They also invented the Olympic Games, Euclid and Pythagoras, who formulated the theories of geometry. There isn’t a computer programmer who hasn’t studied the logic of Aristotle. During this period, the ancient Greeks built the Parthenon and this style of architecture (which was the model for the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and many state capitols across our country) can still be found everywhere.

Doctors still take the Hippocratic Oath, named after the Father of Medicine. Children still learn about the famous fables of Aesop and about mythology. What a debt we owe to Greece for their language. Words such as: sophisticated, metropolitan, aristocratic, philanthropy and ecology are all Greek. (Approximately 90% of all English words have roots in the Greek language!) A major historical figure was Alexander the Great, who became king of Greece in 336 BC

In truth, the Greek influence has been so strong throughout our heritage, so ubiquitous in our everyday life that any visitor to Greece is like the prodigal son and his return home. As Greeks, we want to tell you, “Welcome home. You’ve been away too long!”

ORTHODOXY

Patrons can learn all about Eastern Orthodoxy while waiting in line, just outside our beautiful church and through the narthax. We have beautiful Byzantine iconography inside the church while liturgical hymns and informative tapes will tell you about the Orthodox faith. Of course, those who are really interested can come back Sunday morning to join us in worship at 10:00 AM before the second day of festival activities resume. Our stain glass windows and some of the iconography were creations of two talented parishioners here at St. Dionysios—John Fadel and Tony Daskalopoulous. Church tours will also be given throughout the weekend.

FESTIVITIES

There are many celebrations in Greece, but weddings and holidays always generate the biggest parties. Last year, the movie, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” premiered the week of Greek Festival 2002. The timing was great for us since the festival is the ultimate tie-in to many of the wedding traditions—food, drink, dance and music. If you’re just seeing the video or DVD, you’ll appreciate what the festival has to offer.

We just recently celebrated Orthodox Easter, which is the biggest holiday of all. In Greece, they hold carnivals to celebrate this important day, with dancing and music. Most importantly, there are church ceremonies, followed by huge feasts.

No Greek festivity is complete without live music. In Greece, folk musicians still play instruments that were invented centuries ago, such as zournas, a wind instrument like the oboe and the bouzouki, another traditional instrument, which looks like a pot-bellied guitar. This year, the band, A Night in Athens (of North Carolina) will bring their talent and music from various parts of Greece. Renowned international bouzouki player, George Antonopoulos will perform with a female vocalist and band.

Greek dancing is a “soul” dance in which the leader expresses his innermost emotions through various movements. He leads with a line of dancers supporting his/her dance embellishments. Our Greek festival folk dancers take pride in presenting to you some of the most traditional and modern folk dances—from various parts of the mainland to regional, island choreography. The costumes worn reflect the clothes from different villages. Some of the most common and popular dances are the: Syrtos, Tsamikos, Zebekiko, Pentozalis, Kalamatianos and Cretan Sousa, Hasapiko (known as the “Zorba the Greek” dance.

We have three dance troupes here at St. Dionysios, all under the leadership of Ms. Christine Gregory. Ms. Gregory has been practicing and teaching dance since she could walk. The groups have been practicing hard to bring you a new show in 2003. The youth group, Ta Zouzounia will perform. Troupe Omega consists of teenage youth and the adult group; Glendi Dancers have been together for several years.

THE FOOD

“Greek cuisine is country cookery at its best, home-based, dependent upon the seasons and often passed on in nothing more than a calligraphic hand in a ragged notebook from grandmother to mother to daughter.” Greek cookbook author Diane Kochilas couldn’t have expressed it any better. “Greek cooking is really about folklore, customs, ancient traditions and a general approach to life.”

Greek Cuisine is over thirty centuries old and one of the most ancient traditions in the world. The foods usually have a combination of various ingredients and spices that are both tasty and satisfying to the palate—oregano, lemon, dill, nutmeg and other aromatic herbs. Greek hospitality extends to both strangers and friends, always including the ritual of eating and drinking. Regional variations, and Byzantine and Eastern influences helped form modern cookery of Greece. Music, dancing and good fellowship goes hand in hand with enjoying life.  Kali Orexi!!! (Good Appetite)

A LA CARTE MENU ITEMS:

Souvlaki      Pork, marinated in oil, lemon juice and Greek spices, skewered and grilled. Served with rice pilaf. Delicious!

Kota Oreganato   Tender Chicken baked in lemon sauce and Greek spices. Served with rice pilaf and pita bread.

Gyro Sandwich     Famous Greek pita sandwich made from pork, lamb and beef, seasoned with spices, grilled and served with onion, tomato and a tangy tzatziki sauce.

Roasted Leg of Lamb    Succulent leg of lamb, marinated and drenched with garlic and seasoning. Baked over a hot grill or in the oven—either way, it’s mouth-watering.

Roasted Potatoes      Potatoes quartered and baked with salt, pepper, lemon and olive oil. Perfect accompaniment to any of main course meals.

Pastitsio     Layers of macaroni, ground beef and cheese, covered with a creamy, Béchamel sauce and more cheese.

Tiropita     Philo pastry filled with a feta cheese mixture and drenched with butter.

Spanakopita     Philo pastry filled with feta cheese and spinach mixture.  

Dolmathes    Grape leaves stuffed with ground beef and rice, covered with a lemon sauce.  (Recipe)

Fasolakie Yahni   Green beans with a special tomato sauce “a la Greco”

Pilafi     Rice Pilaf—Greek style, of course.

Horitiki Salata     Fresh garden salad with Kalamata olives, Salonika peppers, feta cheese and cucumbers.

Pita Bread    Warmed and mouth watering.

Beverages    Beer, wine, ouzo, soft drinks, tea, water

cook bookCookbook order form

Printable Version


Food Fit for Gods     A guide to Greek cuisine. Our Philoptochos Club, with all proceeds to benefit charities, compiled this cookbook. These are the recipes that have been passed down by our great, great grandparents and they are unbelievable.

THE PASTRIES
Greek Pastries (or Glyka), sweet or savory, are the most tantalizing specialty of the Greek kitchen.
Many are made of layer after layer of the delicately thin “filo” pastry dough—light as onion skin yet
Crunchy and flaky— brushed with real butter.  Baklava is the aristocrat of these desserts!

Baklava                 Flaky filo that’s layered with butter, nuts and cinnamon and then covered with syrup. This is one of the most famous Greek foods.  

Ravani                    A Greek honey cake. Simply delicious.

Karithopita           Spiced walnut cake covered with a honey-sauce.

Paximadia             Sweet anise zwieback cookie. Great with coffee or tea.

Galaktobouriko   Creamy custard wrapped in filo and topped with cinnamon flavored syrup.

Koulouria              Traditional, twisted shortbread cookie. Known as the Easter treat. A perfect twist with your hot drink!

Kourambiedes      Rich, almond butter cookies sprinkled with powdered sugar. This traditional wedding cookie will melt in your mouth!.

Loukoumades       Hot, deep-fried honey dough puffs, drenched in hot syrup and dusted with cinnamon. You’ll lick your fingers.

Melomakarona     Spiced nut cookie dipped in honey.

Baklava Sundae    Vanilla ice cream topped with nuts and honey!

GREEK MARKET
In the days of old, the Agora (or Market) was the hub of commerce, education and government. Be sure to visit our Greek Marketplace. We have a little of everything…including Greek “worry beads”, icons, vases, sailor hats, embroidered blouses , clothing, artwork, jewelry and many gift items for that special someone.