Greek Food Fest Program 2008

INTERNATIONAL

ANNUNCIATION

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

1100 Napa Valley Drive • Little Rock,AR • (501) 221-5300

WWW.GREEKFOODFEST.COM

MAY 16-17-18

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ANNUNCIATION

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 1100 Napa Valley Drive • Little Rock • 501-221-5300

www.OrthodoxChurch.com Rev. Dr. Nicholas J.Verdaris

All Are Welcome!

Divine Liturgy Church Services 10:00 a.m. We are delighted to have you join us at the International Greek Food Festival of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. We hope that you will not only experience the exciting food, festivities and culture, but will take a moment to learn about our faith. If you’ve never been to an Orthodox Christian Church before, we encourage you to participate in one of our guided tours to be conducted by our very own Rev. Dr. Nicholas Verdaris. But first, here are some things that will help you understand our church and/or our Christian faith.

America’s Best-Kept Secret

Do you know that there are some 250 million Orthodox Christians worldwide with more than five million right here in the United States? It’s the second largest denomination in all Christendom. Despite its size, relatively few Americans are aware of the Orthodox Church. It’s America’s best-kept secret.

Our church aptly reflects America and is made up of men and women from around the globe all witnessing to the Good News of Christ. The Annunciation is a vibrant parish that adheres to Orthodox Christian principles which are concurrently Scriptural,Traditional, Apostolic and Eucharistic.

Entertainment

SCHEDULE 3:00 p.m. Music 4:30 p.m. Micro Greek Dancers 5:00 p.m. Greek American Folk Dance Society 5:30 p.m. Dancers of India 6:00 p.m. McCafferty Irish Dancers 6:30 p.m. Dubkee Middle Eastern Dancers 7:00 p.m. Greek American Folk Dance Society 7:30 p.m. O'Donovan School of Irish Dance 8:00 p.m. Bailey Hefley 8:30 p.m. Bailey Hefley 9:00 p.m. Festival Closes

5:00 p.m. Grupo Enlace (Mexican Folk Performers) 5:30 p.m. Dubkee Middle Eastern Dancers 6:00 p.m. LAAND (Greek-American Live Ent.) 6:30 p.m. UALR Classical Guitar Ensemble 7:00 p.m. Greek American Folk Dance Society 7:30 p.m. O'Donovan School of Irish Dance 8:00 p.m. LAAND (Greek-American Live Ent.) 8:30 p.m. LAAND (Greek-American Live Ent.) 9:00 p.m. LAAND (Greek-American Live Ent.)

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Friday, May 16, 2008

12:00 p.m. LAAND (Greek-American Live Ent.) 12:30 p.m. ANOUSH International Dance Troupe 1:00 p.m. Dubkee Middle Eastern Dancers 1:30 p.m. Micro Greek Dancers 2:00 p.m. Greek American Folk Dance Society 2:30 p.m. Russian Performers 3:00 p.m. Dancers of India 3:30 p.m. LAAND (Greek-American Live Ent.) 4:00 p.m. Micro Greek Dancers 4:30 p.m. Greek American Folk Dance Society

1:00 p.m. Dubkee Middle Eastern Dancers 1:30 p.m. Micro Greek Dancers 2:00 p.m. Greek American Folk Dance Society 2:30 p.m. Russian Performers 3:00 p.m. Grupo Enlace (Mexican Folk Performers) 3:30 p.m. Dubkee Middle Eastern Dancers 4:00 p.m. UALR Classical Guitar Ensemble 4:30 p.m. Greek American Folk Dance Society 6:00 p.m. Festival Closes

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Though you can learn a lot about Orthodox Christianity by hearing it described, it really must be seen and experienced firsthand to be fully understood. And perhaps there is no better place to see and experience the heart of Orthodoxy than in its worship.

Let’s look at a few characteristics of Orthodox worship which may be different from any of your past experiences.

The Work of the People

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The main Sunday morning worship service of the Orthodox Church is called the Divine Liturgy. The term Liturgy means, “work of the people.” Participation is the key word here. The whole congregation is active in worship, even the children. The Divine Liturgy is the common act of prayer, worship, teaching and communication of all those who constitute the Church. In the Liturgy all are invited to participate, by grace, in the life of Christ. It is through worship and service that we thereby come to know Christ, the source of our hope. What happened almost 2000 years ago becomes vital, alive and contemporary to us in the Divine Liturgy.

The Physical Side of Being Spiritual

Since the times of the New Testament, Christians have believed that when worshipping God, we who are earthbound enter by the spirit into “heavenly places.” In Orthodox worship, we can step out of the pandemonium of time into the peace of eternity.Therefore, everything in our worship has heaven as its point of reference. But this heavenly focus by no means turns worship into a mental religion. In the Orthodox Church, a human being coming before God involves the unity of soul and body. Accordingly, worship calls for the action not only of the mind, the emotions and the will, but also of the body with all its senses. So, as the Scriptures describe, in worship there are things to see, hear, touch, taste and smell. Our whole being is to participate actively in the worship of God.

Windows to Heaven

One of the first things you’ll probably notice as you enter the Annunciation is the icons or pictures — images of Christ, the Virgin Mary with her Child, angels, Saint John the Baptist, along with three brand new icons that have just recently been installed.

An icon (icon is a Bible word meaning, “image”) is a dramatic and constant reminder that there is infinitely more to reality than what we see day by day on this earth. Icons serve to illustrate the Bible as well as highlight the presence of heaven to us in our worship. We don’t worship the icons, of course: worship is for God alone. But we do use them as vital tools to draw near to God, His servants and the Truths of Christian faith, and as such they have long been called “windows to heaven.” We hope you enjoyed this brief glimpse into the Orthodox Church. For more detailed information, please visit our web site at www.OrthodoxChurch.com or simply visit us on any given Sunday at 10:00am to behold a dynamic 2000-year-old tradition come alive at the Annunciation in Little Rock.

Your Support Helps Others Money raised from the Greek Food Festival will benefit six deserving charities, plus the Annunciation Scholarship Foundation and the church building and grounds fund. The Annunciation family, volunteers and charities gratefully acknowledge your generous support. CareLink has a 29-year history as aging specialists, connecting people to services throughout the community and across the nation. In 2007, CareLink helped nearly 18,000 people in our six-county area (Faulkner, Lonoke, Monroe, Prairie, Pulaski and Saline). CareLink helps homebound older people continue to live in their own homes by providing nourishment, in-home assistance and companionship. A combination of appropriate home care services amounts to only a fraction of the cost of nursing home care. Active older men and women wish to spend their later years learning, growing, staying fit and doing things for others; CareLink offers them transportation, fitness, recreational and educational opportunities, as well as ways to volunteer. Caring for an older spouse or parent can be challenging, confusing, even overwhelming; we give family caregivers the resources and support they need to maintain their own lives while caring for an older person. One of our free services—information and assistance—is also one of our most important.The best first call to make for answers on aging is to CareLink, 501-372-5300 or 800-482-6359. More information about CareLink services is available at www.care-link.org

LTCare Ministries, founded in 1986, is located in the historic Central High neighborhood of Little Rock, Arkansas, and is involved in Christian community development. Our goal is to empower and equip indigenous inner city leaders and workers to improve the community spiritually, physically, socially and economically. For more information or volunteer opportunities call 501-374-8477 or visit our web site at www.lovetruthcare.org

The mission of Parents and Friends of Children and Adults, Inc., is to operate a facility that will provide affordable lodging in a homelike setting for cancer patients and parents of premature infants being cared for at the UAMS Medical Center and to provide a cancer support center where education, fellowship and nurturing can take place in a supportive atmosphere. For more information visit our website at http://guesthouse.uams.edu

Centers for Youth and Families is a private, notfor-profit agency providing the most comprehensive array of behavioral health care in Arkansas through specialized prevention, intervention and treatment services for children, adolescents and their families. Centers for Youth and Families annually serves more than 8,000 children and family members through its commitment to healthy children, families and communities. Its programs include residential treatment services for children and youth with serious emotional or behavioral problems, day treatment services in specialized classroom programs, outpatient counseling and school-based services, the Parent Center / Community Education, therapeutic foster care, the Dyslexia Center, juvenile services for adjudicate delinquent youth and their families, youth emergency shelter, the Shepherd’s Ranch, emergency services and case management. For more information, please call 501-666-8686 or visit its web site at www.youthandfamilies.org

In answer to the great need in Arkansas for access to medical care for the uninsured, the AR Medical Society launched the Arkansas Health Care Access Foundation, Inc., (AHCAF), a statewide non-profit program that would recruit volunteer physicians, along with other medical professionals, to donate office visits and other care to qualified, referred Arkansans. Over the past 18 years, the AHCAF program has grown to include volunteer physicians of all types, pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers such as Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, and Blansett, dentists, hospitals, podiatrists, and Advanced Practice Nurses, (APN’s). All in all, nearly 2,000 medical professionals statewide donate care through the program. In addition, since Medicaid and Medicare are not able to offer dental services for adults, AHCAF added a dental program (Donated Dental Services, DDS) targeting the elderly, disabled, and medically compromised who need comprehensive dental treatment. Through DDS, dentists donate the treatment, and dental laboratories donate dentures, partials, crowns, bridges, and other needed lab

work. Thousands of needy Arkansans have been able to receive crucial medical and dental care through these programs. AHCAF has been recognized as the 2008 Martin Luther King Commission Non-Profit of the Year, and is one of only 4 states nationwide to develop this type of program for the uninsured. Please call 1-800-950-8233, or visit our website at: www.ahcaf.org for more information. Easter Seals Arkansas is a nonprofit health and human services agency dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities and special needs gain greater independence. Easter Seals provides more than 17 different programs across the state of Arkansas to meet the varying needs of people with disabilities and their families. These comprehensive services provide a continuum of care — from birth to aging adult — and focus on the family as a whole. Today, thousands of Arkansans with disabilities lead improved lives because of the high quality programs for children, vocational training and employment services for adults, and medical rehabilitation services offered by Easter Seals. For more information, please call 501-227-3600 or visit the web site at www.ar.easter-seals.org

Community Connections was established to help make a difference in the lives of children and families within our Arkansas community. At Community Connections, we believe children are our most precious resource. It is our goal to offer quality, compassionate programs that provide support and training to families, and encourage children and adolescents to reach their full potential. Our programs include The Autism Resource Center of Arkansas, dedicated to serving children and young adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, their family members, and the professionals who work with them; ACTS Jr. (Acting Creates Therapeutic Success), a program to integrate children and adolescents with and without special needs through the use of the performing arts; and Triumph Soccer, an adapted community soccer program designed for children with special needs. For more information, please call 501.329.5459 or visit our website at www.communityconnectionsar.org

Beginners Guide to Ordering Butter cookie rolled in crushed almonds with an apricot center

Almond Jewel

Baklava (pronounced “bahk-lah-VAH”)

More than 40 layers of filo dough brushed with butter and layered with nuts and spices, then drizzled with honey syrup

Calamari (pronounced “cah-lah-MAH-ree”)

Battered and deep-fried squid rings served with a tangy dipping sauce

Chocolate Baklava (pronounced “bahk-lah-VAH”) More than 40 layers of filo dough brushed with butter and layered with chocolate chunks, nuts and spices, then drizzled with honey syrup Chicken quarters smothered in spices and lemon juice, baked ‘til it’s tender and juicy, and served with sides of rice pilaf, Greek salad and pita bread

Grecian-Style Baked Chicken Dinner

Lettuce, onions, feta cheese and Greek olives tossed with Pete’s Famous Salad Dressing, a vinegar-and-oil based dressing, and served with pita bread

Greek Salad

Gyros Sandwich (pronounced "YEAR-os") Blend of lamb, beef and seasonings, seared and stuffed in a pita topped with diced tomatoes, onions and tzatziki (pronounced za-ZEE-kee), a savory yogurt sauce loaded with garlic and cucumbers Kourambiethes (pronounced “koo-rahm-bee-EH-thes”) Delicate, buttery almond powdered sugar cookies Sliced roasted lamb served with Greek-style vegetables, oven-roasted potatoes, Greek olives, feta cheese and pita bread

Lamb Dinner

Loukanika (pronounced “loo-KAH-nee-kah”) Greek grilled sausages Pastitsio (pronounced “pas-TEET-see-oh”)

Long macaroni layered with seasoned ground beef, topped with a thick cheese sauce

Pasta Flora (pronounced “PAH-sta FLOOR-ah”)

Buttery shortbread cookie with strawberry filling and a lattice top

Sourota (pronounced “soo-roh-TAH”) A spice, nut and filo-rolled pastry resembling a hollow log, which is lightly dipped in honey syrup

Souvlaki (pronounced “soo-VLAH-kee”) Choice of tender chicken or pork tenderloin marinated in olive oil and a blend of Greek seasonings, grilled to mouthwatering perfection, and served on a skewer with a slice of pita bread Spanakopita (pronounce “spa-nah-KOH-pee-tah”)

Delicate filo dough brushed with butter and layered with a filling of feta cheese, spinach and herbs

Vanilla-flavored frozen yogurt topped with baklava sprinkles

Sundae in Athens

Tiropeta (pronounced “tee-ROH-pee-tah”) Filo triangles stuffed with a blend of three cheeses and spices Falafel Wrap (pronounced “fah-LAH-full”)

Spicy fried patties of ground chickpeas served in a flat “wrap” with diced tomato, onions and lemony tahinneh (pronounced “tah-HEE-ney”) sauce, a tasty sesame-based dressing

Hummus (pronounced “HOO-mus”) Thick and tangy chick pea dip, served with pita bread

Tabbouleh (pronounced “tah-BOO-ley”) Tossed cracked wheat and parsley salad

Sauteed sliced beef and onions stuffed in a warm pita

Steak in a Pita

2008 Entertainment Schedule Great entertainment all weekend long!

While you’re munching away on all your goodies, enjoy hours of toe-tapping music and fun. There’s something for everyone happening on stage at the Greek Food Festival. So gather up a sampling of mouthwatering foods and grab a seat for a great time!

Bailey Hefley, up-and-coming Nashville artist

Bailey Hefley is 16 years old and a junior at Pulaski Academy. Bailey spends most of her time doing something involving music, whether it be singing or playing the guitar and piano. But, in her spare time she loves barrel racing and other outdoor activities. Bailey sang before she could walk… she would sit at the family piano, play and sing, “Jesus Loves Me” in this really deep, low voice. Music is definitely her passion. Living on a farm in Arkansas, Bailey began performing around town as early as age 8, at festivals, fairs, and contests. At age 16 she sang the National Anthem for more than 80,000 people at the Arkansas/USC game. Bailey has been exposed to just about every style of music but country is her love and her niche. While her sound is country, her style has been influenced by many male and female artists of various genres. She has a really hard time “not” singing… she sings all of the time, even while doing her homework. Bailey is working with Nashville producer, Bobby Pinson. Pinson wrote the Sugarland #1 h it “Want To”, Trent Tomlinson’s current single,“One Wing in the Fire” and his own hit,“Don’t Ask Me How I Know.” Recording in Nashville is a lot of hard work. She has to juggle her school work and extra curricular activities while making many trips to Nashville. Finding enough time to study is a challenge but she has managed to maintain straight A’s. Bailey has opened for Hank Williams, Jr., Larry Gatlin, Hot Apple Pie,Trent Tomlinson,The Wreckers and Jason Michael Carroll.

McCafferty School of Irish Dance

The McCafferty School of Irish Dance has been entertaining audiences for more than 25 years. It is directed by Judy McCafferty who has been trained and certified under the guidelines and regulations of the Irish Dance Commision in Dublin, Ireland. The school has been headquartered in Arkansas for the past seven years. The troupe is made up of children and adults who share a love for Irish music and dance. We take great pride in the competitive accomplishments of these dedicated individuals. Classes are held in Fayetteville, Fort Smith and Little Rock.

2008 Entertainment Schedule LAAND

Laand is a Greek/American Duo that offers great music and entertainment. Andreas has played both lead guitar and bouzouki with various groups in Athens, Greece, and across the United States and Canada. Laura-Anna is both a singer and a dancer, and has been entertaining people all over Texas and Louisiana for many years.They were married in 2002 and formed the group LAAND a short time later. Since that time, they have been thrilling audiences with their performances.

Anoush International Dance Troupe

Anoush is a Fayetteville-based international dance troupe which enjoys sharing dances of other countries with their audiences, using authentic music, costuming and styling of the nation being showcased. Anoush will be presenting a set of dances from Bulgaria for this year's Festival. The group is available for performances in and around the state of Arkansas and is on the Arkansas Arts Council's Arts on Tour Roster.

you’ll need to create your own authentic Greek meals.

ON THE MENU

Everyone knows the best part of the Greek Food Festival is eating. So hurry on down for a scrumptious medley of Middle Eastern, Greek and Romanian dishes. Here’s a taste of the complete dinners and a la carte items being served at this year’s festival: Greek • Calamari • Grecian-Style Baked Chicken Dinner • Greek Salad • Gyros Sandwich • Loukanika • Pastitsio • Savory Lamb Dinner • Souvlaki (K-bob) • Spanakopita • Tiropeta • Sundae in Athens

THE DRIVE-THRU IS OPEN!

Running throughout the festival, the drive-thru will offer a limited menu. Choose from Greek chicken dinner platter or gyros platter, baklava or assorted pastry plates. Middle Eastern • Falafel Wrap • Steak Wrap • Hummus • Tabbouleh

INDOOR OLD WORLD MARKET

Grocery Take home a taste of all the great foods you’ve found at the Greek Food Festival by stopping by the Grocery. You’ll find practically everything

Frozen “Dinners-to-Go” Including generous pans of pastitsio (long macaroni layered with seasoned ground beef, topped with a thick cheese sauce) and appetizers, like tiropeta (cheese puffs), spanakopita (spinach cheese puffs), black bean hummus and red pepper hummus.

Pastries Sample our sweet confections right on the spot or take home a variety, all lovingly prepared by our very own members based on timehonored recipes. • • • • • • • •

Baklava Kourambiethes Rich Butter Cookies Sourota Pasta Flora Chocolate Baklava Almond Jewel Josehind

CHRISTMAS PASTRIES Make Christmas extra special this year with pastries from the Annunciation. To order, visit our website at www.ChristmasPastries.com or call 221-5300.

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday, May 16

11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 17

Noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday, May 18

Coffee Beanery Bar Indulge yourself in a steaming cup of fresh-roasted coffee or espresso, or try a refreshing frozen smoothie in a number of yummy flavors. Russian Collectibles Russian gifts fit for a czar! Discover the exotic handiwork of Russian artisans in myriad forms. Hand-painted eggs and ornaments, wood carvings and papier-mache boxes with exquisite scenes are among the treasures offered. And perhaps the most familiar and popular is the Russian nesting doll, known as the Matryoshka, a Russian folk craft dating back to the 1890s.

Stavriana Jewelry Distinctive jewelry crafted in Greece and around the world. Delight in original designs with a wide selection of bracelets, crosses, pendants and necklaces in sterling silver. This unique collection of fine jewelry is created especially to be treasured. Greek Market Beautiful jewelry from Greece, fisherman hats and much, much more.

And Much More! The Market will be offering even more exceptional items this year carefully selected and imported from Russia, Syria and Greece. Stop by and discover something wonderful!

ENTERTAINMENT

While you’re munching away on all your goodies, enjoy hours of toe-tapping music and fun. There’s something for everyone happening on the main stage of the Greek Food Festival. So gather up a sampling of our mouthwatering foods and grab a seat for a great time on stage! Slated on the entertainment schedule this year are:

• Greek-American Folkdance Society

• Grupo Enlace Mexican Folkloric Performers • Dubkeh Middle Eastern Dancers

• O’Donovan’s School of Irish Dancing

• “Micro” Greek Dancers • Dances of India

AGAPE CHURCH, 701 Napa Valley Drive

ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 1700 Napa Valley Drive

FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH, 12601 Hinson Road

CHURCH TOURS

You might want to take a break from all the festivities by visiting the church which will be open to the public throughout the weekend, with guided tours to be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Nicholas Verdaris. You’ll have an exceptional opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of the Orthodox Christian faith. Guided tours are set for 3p.m., 5p.m. and 7p.m. Friday; 2p.m., 5p.m. and 7p.m. Saturday; and 1p.m. and 3p.m. Sunday.

THE KIDS TENT

More Fun for Kids The Centers for Youth and Families will set up a mountain of fun, like frame making, face painting, and a candy walk. And we know how finicky kids can be about what they’ll eat, so we’ll be serving grilled hot dogs and nachos, too. Plus this year we’ve added even more fun attractions, including some super-fun rides and games.

GETTING TO THE GREEK FOOD FEST From I-430 South Exit off Rodney Parham Road and Turn Right (Chili’s Restaurant will be on the right). Stay on Rodney Parham for 1/2 mile. Continue going straight on Rodney Parham, which will turn, into Hinson Road. Stay on Hinson for 1/2 of a mile.Turn Left on Napa Valley Drive at the stop light. Go about 1 mile on Napa Valley Drive until you come to the first stop light at St. Charles Boulevard. The Church will be on your right hand side. From I-30 East (Airport / Sheridan) Exit onto I-630 West (follow directions below) From Downtown: get on I-630 West Continue on I –630 West until it ends at the stop light. Continue straight through the stop light crossing Shackleford Road on to Chenal Parkway. Go for about 1/2 mile and then turn right on Bowman Road (Best Buy Store on Right hand side). Stay on Bowman Curve for about 1/2 a mile, you will cross West Markham Street. Bowman Road will turn into Napa Valley Drive. Stay on Napa Valley Drive for another 1/2 mile, you will pass a couple of apartment complexes on the right and left sides of Napa Valley Drive.You will come to a stop light at St. Charles Blvd.The Church will be on the left corner of Napa Valley Drive and St. Charles Boulevard. Printable maps can be found online at

WWW.GREEKFOODFEST.COM