LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Annual Greek Festival at
the Greek Orthodox Shrine Church of Saint Nicholas in Flushing, New
York, October 6-9, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
those events which serve to enhance the cultural enrichment of the State
of New York and preserve the heritage of Greek-Americans; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 40th Annual Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Shrine Church
of Saint Nicholas in Flushing, New York, to be celebrated October 6-9,
2011; and
WHEREAS, The Greek Festival has become an Annual tradition for the
church since 1971, when St. Nicholas Church was the first community to
sponsor an ethnic festival in the New York metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, Greek music will set the mood of being in an Athenian cafe or
on a Grecian isle; along with Greek foods, the foods of Cyprus will be
offered; traditional Greek pastries such as baklava, and loukoumades
will be available; there will also be vendors selling a variety of
authentic Greek merchandise; and
WHEREAS, Visitors of the festival can also tour the Greek Orthodox
Shrine Church of Saint Nicholas; and
WHEREAS, Erected in 1971, Saint Nicholas Church was cited by the
Queens Chamber of Commerce for its architecture; the church was desig-
nated The Shrine Church in 1972 when Archbishop Iakovos received at St.
Nicholas the relics from the grave of St. Nicholas in Bari, Italy; these
relics have been enshrined in a reliquary; the walls of the church hold
six 30x12-foot panels depicting scenes from the Bible; and
WHEREAS, The Greek festival at the Greek Orthodox Shrine Church of
Saint Nicholas welcomes everyone to come for a taste of Greece and
Cyprus in Flushing, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Greek Festival is a cherished event which provides a
uniquely warm environment in which to enjoy the music, dance, arts,
crafts, flavors, colors, laughter and love of Greek heritage; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize those
important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our
great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Events which celebrate diversity and peace contribute to
fulfilling our Nation's great legacy of equality opportunity for all,
and do so profoundly enhance our shared commitment to freedom and
justice; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Annual Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Shrine
Church of Saint Nicholas in Flushing, New York, October 6-9, 2011; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Greek Orthodox Shrine Church of Saint Nicholas, Flushing,
New York.