Let's Go Greek!

Okay, so I admit it.  I have been a bit whiny lately about not getting out of the house and doing things.  I guess Mister took it to heart because this weekend he found a new event for us to experience.  We are off to the 58th annual Greek Festival --- that's right 58 years.  They should have this process down pat by now.  It is held on the grounds of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church here in Dallas and both the exterior of the church and the grounds are lovely.

We make one pass through the food booths, stop and get our coupons, and grab a coffee for Mister.  Now for the market.  On our right as we enter, I spot some interesting paintings and we really start examining them.  The artist is working but speaks minimal English so his daughter fills us in on the work involved.  These use actual gold leaf and are painted from the outside in.  Unique concept to me.  They are from common icons in the church and absolutely every detail has a purpose.  For example, the picture of Christ has a very small mouth to represent that he doesn't speak often and larger ears to represent that he is listening always.  There is always a halo to show holiness but it differs from others in that it includes a cross - the Cross of Salvation - although you can only see three arms of it.  Those three arms make up the Holy Trinity and there is Greek lettering of His name and parts of his nature.  The placement of the hands matter as well.  The right hand is shown as if raised to give a blessing and this arrangement is repeated by clergy when blessing others.  It is rich in meaning as the fingers spell out the four-letter Christogram "IC XC", as it is by the name of Jesus that all are saved and receive blessings.  Additionally, the three fingers of Christ also testify of the Tri-unity of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The touching finger and thumb of Jesus not only spell out "C", but attest to the Incarnation: to the joining of divine and human natures found in the body of Jesus Christ.  He is also always holding a book though some variety takes place here --- at times it is open -- and this is to depict that he is a teacher.  There is your education for today.

Feeling as though I have already taken in a tremendous amount of information, we move along and scope out the rest of the market.  The tables are covered with brightly colored wares which have been imported from Greece.  We stop at the wooden dolls and I fall in love with a stacking set of snowmen.  Oh goodness, look how many there are and how very tiny the last one is.  This must go home with me.

As we continue around the room I am now drawn to this wonderful woman sitting and creating absolutely the most beautiful eggs I have ever been privy to see in person.

She follows a very lengthy process that involves wax and coloring to achieve the final result.  We are able to ask questions and  learn about the entire evolution of these eggs.  Oh the beauty of them.  I discover one egg in particular that screams "make a quilt" to me and would love to take it home but I have already purchased my treat.  Drat.  Can you tell which one I truly love?

As we leave the marketplace, it is time for a tour to start in the church and we are both eager to see the building.  Off we go to meet our docent and begin another step of our education today.  Upon entering the foyer, these candles catch my eye.  They have not only been used for someone's prayers, but now have the wonderful ability to set the atmosphere inside the building -- beautiful and calming.

I cannot even begin to tell you everything we learn while on this tour so will let the pictures do most of the talking and will share a few items of interest.  (Notice the icon of Christ in the dome above - identical to the painting we saw in the market.)

The following picture is one that I loved the concept of:  it depicts Christ rising from the tomb and bringing forth Adam and Eve from their graves.  While this concept is taught in many Christian churches, this is the first time I have be blessed with a visual of it.  Very unique.

There are display tables for us to look closely at the ordinance of the sacrament.  The leavened bread for the eucharist is baked by a member each week and is imprinted with a special stamp.  The center is then cut out and placed on the diskos.  The wine is in the chalice and prior to the administering of the sacrament, the center piece of bread is placed into the chalice to mix the "blood and body" of Christ.

The chapel to the right of the nave is small and quiet with beautiful stained glass windows.  Both Mister and I are drawn to them and as a result are able to share the all with you.  He spots me snapping a picture of the savior which you see here on the left and then shows the other side as well.











This is the end of our tour inside the building and we are once again outside and definitely ready for some lunch. As we look over the food selection on our way to the tents, we pass these fine specimens.  Are you ready to follow them into battle?

Mister goes in search of some food and returns with a combo plate, a gyro, and some Greek beer.  Yes indeed, that sounds perfect.  Now the music and dancers are starting and we sit back to enjoy.

After the show, we are ready to go but still need a little sweet treat before departing.  One last stop to use up our coupons and we have these wonderful little caramel puffs --- kinda like doughnuts.  I'm stuffed and it is time to go home.  This has been a great day and we will definitely put it on the calendar for next year.

See ya'll later and oh, by the way, all this day did was make me want to travel to Greece and spend some time.  Another country on the list now.