For the last 4 decades, people have been able to experience Greek culture right here in Knoxville.
And this year, St. George Greek Orthodox Church is celebrating a special milestone with their 40th anniversary of Greek Fest.
The music, the dancing and the delicious, authentic food allow guests to immerse themselves into Greek culture.
New this year, the doors to the church's newly renovated sanctuary will be open for tours and history lessons.
"For the last four years, we feel like we have only had the 'fun side' of Greek Fest and have missed that quiet meditative part where guests will come into sanctuary and you barely hear the loud band," church member Lori Liakonis described. "It's place to come in and absorb the beauty we experience each week."
A step inside the renovated space will teach visitors about Greek history and culture, making them feel that they've transported them halfway around the world.
"The blue is just...I call it Mediterranean blue. It's like the ocean water in Greece. The only place in Greece you could find it, it's mirrored here and it's just magical," Liakonis said.
That magical space has had a long journey after a fire destroyed the sanctuary in April of 2015.
"When we had the fire, it was very emotional to me, very emotional to the whole community," John Peroulas said. "It was devastating to have that happen."
Peroulas was just 14 years old when the original church opened in 1968. He once again watched as it was rebuilt a second time and helped orchestrate the project as the president of the building committee.
"We rolled our sleeves up, we were very fortunate, we are very strong," Peroulas said. "We got together and didn't let that deter us to rebuild."
The fire may have taken their place of worship, but it didn't destroy their hope. They've spent the last four years cleaning and rebuilding. What was old and broken, is now new and restored.
"The stained glass, the pews, everything had to be replaced and redone."
"Having watched people I know work so hard to complete it, all the love that went into it brings tears to my eyes," Liakonis said.
Now, it's a shining place of faith for generations to come. The older members of the church are eager to see younger members carry on traditions in the new home.
"It was very important to me to see those children walk into this facility and put their eyes on the beauty of this sanctuary," Peroulas said. "It was a joy. I won't forget that. I was just excited then as I was at 14 years old to see their faces."
The original mosaic artist, Tonelli, actually traveled from Italy to redo the iconography in the sanctuary. He passed away at the age of 94, just two weeks after completing the sanctuary.
You can look for his signature on the blue-domed ceiling.
Greekfest details:
- September 27-29
- Friday, Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- $2 adults
- Children 12 and under free
- Free shuttles available to and from the festival
- Greek dancing, costumes, sanctuary tours, authentic food and pastries, souvenirs at the marketplace
- Credit cards accepted
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