Be Greek For A Day

If you're anywhere near Berks County this weekend, the place to be is Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, which is hosting its 38th Annual Greek Food Bazaar.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the largest ethnic food festival in Berks County on Oct. 17, 18, 19 for the best in Greek food, music and culture.

All the food is cooked on the premises by church members using traditional Greek recipes.

The most popular dish is Athenian-style chicken, which comes in a platter with a side of rice pilaf or pastitsio (layered Greek pasta, seasoned with chopped beef topped with béchamel) and Greek-style string beans cooked with tomatoes and seasonings, a Greek salad featuring feta cheese, and roll and butter for $10.

On Friday, Plaki (fresh fish fillet baked with vegetables, herbs and wine) is available as a platter in the main dining hall.

There are also a la carte items, such Gyro (marinated beef and lamb slices) and Souvlaki (pork shis-ke-bob) sandwiches, Calamari (squid) cooked in tomatoes and wine; Moussaka (eggplant casserole) and Arni Psito (roast lamb) as only the Greeks know how to make. All dishes are available to eat-in or take-out.

A variety of imported Greek wines and the popular Ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, will be served. (Beer and soda is available for less adventurous visitors).

While enjoying a meal in the main dining hall, visitors are treated to Greek dance music by Stavros & Maria, a brother-sister musical duo from the Reading area, who are also church members.

After a hearty meal, there’s plenty to see and do on the church grounds. An Agora (Greek market) room offers packaged Greek foods and prepared dishes to go. The Kafenio (Greek coffee house) features fresh-brewed Greek-style coffee, rice pudding and pastries.

Visitors can also shop in the gold jewelry room and Greek gift shop, featuring many items imported from Greece.

Visitors can also see one of the largest collections of Byzantine iconography in the United States. Free guided tours of the church interior are provided every hour.

A popular stop for all visitors is the pastry room, where you can pick between favorites such as Baklava (almonds, butter, and honey layered in flaky pastry), Teelikta (walnuts, butter and honey rolled in flaky pastry); Kourabiethes (butter cookies topped with powdered sugar), Koulourakia (Greek twisted butter cookie) and Galaktobouriko (a filo pastry filled with custard and moistened with honey syrup).

Another Greek delicacy is Loukoumathes (honey balls) a warm dough pastry topped with honey, cinnamon and chopped nuts. Honey balls are made fresh Saturday and Sunday only. Also try the Baklava Sundae for a unique taste treat.

Bazaar hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Admission and parking are free in the church lot. Additional parking is available at the adjacent Holy Name High School. The event is held rain or shine.

The church is located at 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., about one mile from Business Route 222 South (Lancaster Avenue).

For directions, call the church at 610-374-7511 or visit the church’s Web site, www.stsconstantinehelen.org