Assembly Resolution No. 623

BY: M. of A. Hunter

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of St. Sophia's
Greek Cultural Festival

WHEREAS, Fairs and festivals empower communities to attract new
visitors while capitalizing on local commercial and cultural value; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
support events of significance which contribute to the entertainment and
vitality of the communities they serve, and which exemplify the history
and development of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church's
Greek Cultural Festival; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1917, St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church has
grown from a handful of families emigrating from Greece, Asia Minor and
other areas to a community of approximately 600 families; through the
years, the Church has been housed in three buildings and has been led by
20 different priests; and

WHEREAS, Syracuse's Festival of Nations, which began in 1969,
increased community awareness of different ethnicities and, by
extension, resulted in greater appreciation of Greek culture in Central
New York; and

WHEREAS, First held from September 28-30, 1973, the annual St.
Sophia's Greek Cultural Festival is an opportunity for the congregation
to share their rich culture with others as well as help keep the
traditions alive for their children and future generations; and

WHEREAS, Sustained by the love of their faith and culture, many
parishioners have worked hard throughout the year to make the festival a
success; as a result of their efforts, it has become the most successful
church festival in the area, and people mark their calendars months
ahead to attend this great event; and

WHEREAS, The parish children and young adults practice for countless
hours to perfect their dances and provide the much-anticipated
entertainment which includes live music and singing, and the parish
priest and some laypeople give tours of the church and explain Orthodoxy
to those who are interested; the festival also gives visitors an
opportunity to try a variety of delicious Greek food, especially the
pastries; and

WHEREAS, An important part of Central New York, the four-day
festival draws over 10,000 visitors each year who love to dance, sing,
and eat, and simply enjoy life; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those events which have brought entertainment and cultural

enrichment to the citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of St. Sophia's Greek Cultural
Festival; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church's Greek Cultural
Festival Committee.