Greek community celebrates Panagia Virginia Spring Festival

October 2017

Despite poor weather conditions hundreds of Adelaideans made their way to Virginia on Sunday 24 September to participate in the annual Virgin Mary Festival held at the Kapiris farm as their private chapel located on the premises bears the name of the Birth of Virgin Mary. The first part of the two-day event commenced on Thursday September 7 at the private chapel with Bishop Chrisostom together with the rest of the Greek Orthodox Community

SA’s Greek Community clergy conducted the Great Evening Vesper as well as the Blessing of the Five Loafs. The celebrations continued on Sunday September 24 with the Great Celebrative Morning Mass as well as the Blessing of the Five Loafs conducted by Bishop Chrisostom along with the Community’s clergy. The Community’s President, Mr Bill Gonis as well as many members of the Executive and Supervisory Committee attended the mass and the celebrations in general.

The morning mass concluded with the procession of the holy icon of Virgin Mary around the chapel and the surrounding areas, followed by hundreds of parishioners. Amongst other guests, the Speaker of the House of Assembly Michael Atkinson and Jennifer Rankine MP joined the religious celebrations.

Meanwhile the Kapiris farm was transformed into an openair Greek funfair with grills working full time, rides for the kids and an entertainment area. The traditional dances from the Serbian Community Dance group, Greek Community’s Dance Academy students and the OPA dancers, along with the culinary aromas of the Greek grilled delicacies added to the Hellenic atmosphere.

The Kapiris family organise the annual festival at their own expense, however, all proceeds are donated to the Community’s Afternoon Greek Schools.