Jeffersonville, PA – “It was really overwhelming to see so many cars in the parking lot. It shows how good a bunch of people we have here at St. Sophia,” said Rev. Peter Thornberg. Father Thornberg celebrated a surprise birthday party yesterday with his parishioners who showed up outside the church in a caravan that lined the parking lot. The much-needed event energized the community, which will also host a curbside Greek festival in a few weeks.
Many waved banners of support and messages of love for Father and the community, as they passed the front of the church honking and yelling out thanks and best wishes. “It shows how much people miss their church,” added Father Thornberg. Waiting with anticipation for Father to appear, many came together outside their cars, blowing kisses and catching up on old community news with each other. Greek filotimo was present and ready to go. It was evident that these devoted parishioners were ready to get back to work and support their church.
St. Sophia Greek Orthodox church, like others, is awaiting to move into Pennsylvania’s “yellow phase” of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will allow them to do a partial opening to serve its parishioners and prepare for a festival. The rumors are that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese is going to move forward within the next few weeks.
“Our festival is going to be different this year, but we are going to have a festival,” said President John Pogas of St. Sophia. “It’s going to be a curbside festival. People can order online or drive up and get their orders. It won’t be a full menu, but we will have all the items people love,” added Pogas.
The festival that was scheduled for this upcoming weekend will now take place on June 17, 18, and 19, 2020. On the 17th and 18th they will be doing dinner service drive-by only. On the 20th and 21st they will be doing roadside service for lunch and dinner.
St. Sophia invites everyone to come out to support their parish and enjoy a great meal, and Happy Birthday to Father Thornberg!