Senate Resolution No. 1278

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMEMORATING the St. George Greek Orthodox Church
and their Parish Council upon the occasion of
celebrating its 47th Annual St. George Greek
Festival in the City of Schenectady

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those outstanding individuals and religious organizations
who, through deeds and achievements, add significantly to the welfare
and quality of life for their region and community while paying homage
to rich traditions and heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the St. George Greek Orthodox Church and their Parish
Council upon the occasion of celebrating its 47th Annual St. George
Greek Festival on Liberty Street in the City of Schenectady, New York,
from September 8-10, 2023; and

WHEREAS, The year 2023 marks the 202nd Anniversary of Greek
Independence; and

WHEREAS, The Greek people proudly trace their heritage back
thousands of years in Europe, where they developed an advanced
civilization unlike any the world had yet seen; and

WHEREAS, A two-family wooden house located at 107 Clinton Street in
Schenectady was purchased for the purpose of using it as a church, and
on April 19, 1915, is recorded the legal transaction of the transfer of
the property for the sum of $1.00 from Mr. and Mrs. Tom Kansas, Mr. and
Mrs. Anthony Svolos, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Contompasis and Mr. and Mrs.
Alexander Stathes to the Hellenic Orthodox Church of St. George; and

WHEREAS, Each year after Labor Day, the Annual St. George Greek
Festival is held, which was established in 1976 and has been a staple in
the Schenectady community, with the help of St. George Greek Orthodox
Church and their Parish Council; and

WHEREAS, The Annual St. George Greek Festival features three days of
delicious homemade Greek food including moussaka, spanakopita, dolmades,
souvlaki and mouthwatering pastries including baklava, kataifi, and
loukoumathes, as well as live music, folk dancing, arts and crafts and
raffles; and

WHEREAS, Organizers, sponsors and many volunteers and supporters
work diligently and commit their time and energy to make the annual St.
George Greek Festival a premier attraction in the City of Schenectady
and a resounding success year in and year out; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
those New Yorkers of Hellenic descent for their enduring contributions
to the educational, social, moral and economic principles that are so
deeply ingrained in the fabric of our country and State, along with

those events that celebrate this significant rich heritage; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the St. George Greek Orthodox Church and their Parish
Council upon the occasion of celebrating its 47th Annual St. George
Greek Festival on Liberty Street in the City of Schenectady from
September 8-10, 2023, and to publicly encourage the citizens of New York
to reflect upon the contributions of the Greek community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to St. George Greek Orthodox Church and their Parish
Council.