History of St. George's Greek Festival
The beginnings of the Greek Orthodox community in Knoxville dates back to 1915 with the arrival of the Nicola Cazana family. Soon afterwards many other Greek families migrated to East Tennessee area. Some of the original founders and their familes have remained are an active part of our community today. The St. George Hellenic Community Club was formed in 1934. Nick Caracostis served as the first president. The first Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgy was celebrated in 1935 by Father Demetrios Cassis.
In 1968 property was bought and a new church was built on 4070 Kingston Pike. The altar was consecretated in 1978. Following the Byzantine style architecture and using beautiful mosaic icons, the building has become a focal point of Greek Orthodox worship in the area. The Saint George Greek Orthodox church is home to one of the most beautiful example of Mosaic Byzantine Iconography in the United States.
In 1978 a young energetic Priest Father Tom Pistolis, suggested and greatly supported a Greek Festival as a way to share our culture and heritage with our neighbors and as a annual fund raiser. Our neighbors could sample our food, our culture and visit our church see the awe inspiring Byzantine iconography. Here we are in 2008, working on our 30th Greek Festival Greekfest. This two and half day festival takes the combined efforts of everyone in the church. The Ladies young and old will cook for weeks on end to get the pastries done just right. The men will build the infostructure for the festival and also cook. Everybody works even the children!
The Greeks at one time had conquered the known world and excelled in philosophy, arts and medecine. They were also one of the first to accept Jesus Christ. The bible was written in Greek and the liturgy or service that was deveoped 2000 years ago is still practiced at Saint George Greek Orthodox church every Sunday in Knoxville. As you can guess we are proud of our chuch and our heritige and we welcome you.
Video History of Christian Orthodoxy
Choose ==> Part 1 Beginning then Choose your Media Player i.e. Real Media Player or Apple Quick Time.
These videos are really well done and you will enjoy them. Don't forget
Part 2: Byzantium and the most important Part 3: A Hidden Treasure .
The Church becomes the only institution perceived by Greeks as the preserver of their national identity during 400 years of Islamic/Turkish rule. By the end of the 19th century, a worldwide Orthodox community is born and the Church expands its influence to major social and philanthropic concerns.
Click Below to see this Mutimedi Presentation
Greek Orthodox Art & Architecture
The art and architecture of the Orthodox Church came to maturity in the Christian Roman, or Byzantine, Empire and accompanied the faith to those countries that received their Christianity from Byzantium. It also exerted strong influence on the art of Western Christians until well into the thirteenth century.
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