Senate Resolution No. 2304

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING St. George Greek Orthodox Church upon
the occasion of hosting its 50th Annual Greek
Festival taking place September 4-6, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those municipalities that partner with their local
business communities while recognizing celebrations which foster ethnic
pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens
the fabric of the communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend St. George Greek Orthodox Church, in the City of Schenectady,
upon the occasion of 50th Annual Greek Festival taking place September
4-6, 2026, on Liberty Street in Schenectady, New York ; and

WHEREAS, Parish priest, Rev. Father Neofitos Sarigiannis has
described the event as bringing "a touch of Greece to Schenectady" in
order to create a homelike feel for all members of the local community
who attend; and

WHEREAS, For many decades, the State of New York has held the
distinction of having the highest population of Greek Americans in the
United States; and

WHEREAS, Greek food, entertainment, and musical traditions are long
withstanding and developed throughout the many diverse regions of the
nation, such as Attica, Peloponnese, Crete, and ten others; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1976, the Annual St. George Orthodox Church
Greek Festival is held each year around Labor Day, and with the help of
the St. George's parish members and local affiliations, has been a
staple in the Schenectady community ever since; and

WHEREAS, The St. George Orthodox Church Greek Festival allows for
community members to take tours of the church and its attractions,
provides shops where individuals can purchase goods, tables where
children can perform arts and crafts projects, and stands featuring
homemade authentic Greek foods such as Moussaka, Olympian Kotta, Lamb
Shanks Yiovetsi, and Stuffed Peppers; and

WHEREAS, The city closes off Liberty Street for the three-day period
of the festival so residents can enjoy authentic Greek family fun, with
a full music Lineup, other forms of entertainment, and numerous
additional children's activities; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious day provides an opportunity to celebrate
the significant contributions of Greek Americans so that all people may
know and appreciate Greek history, traditions, and of the role Greek
Americans have played in Schenectady, and will continue to play, in our
communities, State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend St. George Orthodox Church upon the occasion of hosting its 50th
Annual Greek Festival taking place September 4-6, 2026; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of St. George Orthodox Church in the City of
Schenectady.