ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey held its annual Hellenic Folk Dance Festival (FDF) at the Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, Maryland, on the weekend of January 14 – 15, 2023.
The event, co-chaired by the Vicar General of the Metropolis, the Rev. Protopresbyter Kosmas Karavellas and Mrs. Felicia Nolan, brought together over 300 young dancers from 11 parishes throughout the Holy Metropolis of NJ.
His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia, Archiepiscopal Vicar of the Metropolis, attended and blessed the weekend festivities beginning with an Agiasmos Service on Saturday morning. Addressing the participants, His Grace congratulated all for their hard work and conveyed the love and blessings of Archbishop Elpidophoros. He also thanked the parents for offering their support and love for the Hellenic FDF and keep their kids close to their communities and their Greek heritage.
Throughout the weekend, fourteen dynamic dance groups performed dances from all parts of Greece, Cyprus and Asia Minor, showcasing their talents and love of their Hellenic Culture.
On Saturday evening, the youth joined together in faith and fellowship at the Dinner Dance held at the parish hall.
On Sunday morning, His Grace Bishop Apostolos presided over the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Constantine and Helen, assisted by Metropolis of NJ Chancellor Fr. Christophoros Oikonomidis, Fr. Kosmas Karavellas, Deacon Konstantinos Loukas and area clergy.
The Awards Ceremony and Brunch took place following the Divine Liturgy.
Intermediate Division:
Best Costume: “Elpida” – Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Norfolk, VA
1st Place: St. George Junior GOYA Dance Group – St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway, NJ
2nd Place: “Hellenic Golden Coins” – St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Baltimore, MD
3rd Place: “Elpida” – Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Norfolk, VA
Senior Division:
Best Costume: “Holy Trinity Hellenic Dancers” – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, NJ
1st Place: “Holy Trinity Hellenic Dancers” – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, NJ
2nd Place: “Opa Pathia” – Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly, NJ
TIE 3rd Place: “St. Barbara Greek Dancers” – St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Toms River, NJ
“Aegeans” – SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis, MD
