Each spring, St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Jeffersonville becomes the center of a tradition that now marks its 22nd year. Over time, the festival has grown—not just in size, but in meaning for parishioners, families, and neighbors who gather year after year. Many have been coming for decades, and as one organizer shared, “We have a lot of Xeni that come out every year. A lot of our neighbors come every night, and they look forward to it all year long.”
Food is central to the weekend. Souvlaki and gyros are grilled outdoors, while moussaka, pastitsio, and the festival’s top seller, lamb shank, are served inside. “Our lamb really is the best,” says Tom Cox with a smile, “and sorry to our sister parishes, but our lamb really is the best.” Volunteers prepare everything from scratch, including pastries like loukoumades, bougatsa, phynikia, and baklava. The community takes pride in its recipes and traditions. “Everything is homemade here, everything. Our pastries are top-notch. Everything is just fantastic,” adds John Pogas, parish council president. The atmosphere is relaxed, with people catching up over shared tables and trading favorite dishes. As Tom Cox put it, “We’re known for our food, so please come out and join us and join the camaraderie in the wonderful area and the neighbors that come out to support us.”
Music and dance are part of what makes the gathering come alive. Young dancers from St. Sophia and visiting parishes perform in traditional costume, and this year, a new adult group joined in—a sign of growing participation across generations. “I’m blown away at how many young adults are now dancing, dancing the dances of our people from the different parts of the motherland,” says John Pogas. The invitation to join in is sincere. Some visitors take part, while others are content to tap their feet or clap along.
Beyond the food and festivities, St. Sophia opens its sanctuary for tours and services. Visitors are welcome to step inside, admire recent additions to the iconography, and learn about Orthodox faith and customs. Reverend Symeon Williams, now nearly a year into his role at St. Sophia, sees the festival as more than a community celebration. “It’s a blessing to be here and to be able to offer the hospitality and the faith that we have here as Greek Orthodox in our local community,” he explains. For him, the event is an opportunity not just to share a meal, but to invite neighbors to “experience the faith that we have, not just to pop in and look at it, but to see what it actually feels like to attend an Orthodox service.” For those who wish, there are opportunities to attend Vespers and get a sense of what it means to be part of the church community.
The stories shared by festivalgoers reflect the festival’s genuine character. One longtime attendee said simply, “The food. The authenticity of the food. I’m half Greek. I grew up on Greek food.” Others talk about growing up with the festival or traveling from out of town just for the weekend. Parish leaders note the growing lines at the door and the energy that new generations have brought to the event. “It’s very heartwarming to see this festival continue to grow, line at the door. It’s great to see our parish grow. We’re very thankful for Father Symeon Williams. He’s bringing in a lot of young people,” says John Pogas.
The St. Sophia festival isn’t built on spectacle, but on continuity—on the work of volunteers, the dedication of church leaders, and the small traditions that turn a church festival into an annual landmark for the wider community. The invitation remains open, as John Pogas puts it: “So come on out. We’ll be here until 8 o’clock tonight, and Saturday 8 o’clock, and then Sunday until 6.” For a few days, St. Sophia becomes a village in itself—filled with conversation, familiar flavors, and the kind of welcome that keeps people coming back.
The St. Sophia Grecian Festival takes place at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 900 South Trooper Road in Jeffersonville, PA. This year’s festival runs from Thursday, May 29 through Sunday, June 1, 2025. Doors open at 11:30 am each day, with closing times at 7:00 pm on Thursday, 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 6:00 pm on Sunday. Food orders can also be placed online through the Saint Sophia Festival website. For more information, call 610-650-8960 or visit the church’s website.
