Clearwater GreekFest
The Clearwater GreekFest is one of Pinellas County’s oldest cultural celebrations. Established more than 55 years ago, the festival strives to bring its heritage, its Orthodoxy, and of course, its wonderful food to individuals from throughout Tampa Bay. It is one of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church’s biggest public fundraisers.
Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy strolling through the Grand Hall, indulging in inventive spirits at the Opa! Party Tent, and watching professional sports games in The Grecian Gardens, an outdoor oasis on the opposite side of the cathedral from the Kid’s Zone. Church tours are offered throughout the day, providing an opportunity to explore the beautiful Byzantine architecture and learn about the rich history of the Greek Orthodox faith.
Whether it’s freshly prepared Mediterranean-style food and pastries, an evening of live music and beautifully choreographed dance, or a unique shopping experience, The Clearwater GreekFest gives everyone the chance to enjoy life like a Greek.
For the First Thousand Years of Christianity, There Was One Church
For the first thousand years of Christianity, there was one Church. In 1054, the church broke into two, with the churches of Rome and Constantinople excommunicating one another. After 1054, the church in Eastern Europe became known as the Orthodox Christian Church, and the church in Western Europe became known as the Roman Catholic Church. Today, most of the Christians in Eastern Europe (Greece, Albania, the Balkan Countries), Russia, the Middle East and in the northeast part of Africa are Orthodox Christians.
In many countries, like Greece and Russia, the Orthodox Church is the official state church. In non-Orthodox countries like the United States, the Orthodox Church bears the name of the ethnic group which founded the church. The Orthodox Church is marked by Traditions that are universally practiced, including the way churches are built (architecture), decorated (with icons), the services that are held and the theology that governs the church. We invite you to take a tour of our newly constructed church and learn a little bit more about its history as well as the symbolism of its beautiful interior appointments.
About Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is the third oldest Greek Orthodox community in Tampa Bay. It was founded by Greek Americans in 1969. This doesn’t mean that the church is for Greeks only—in fact 80% of marriages in our church today are between Greeks and non-Greeks. The church is under the authority of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta and serves more than 550 Clearwater families through a vibrant variety of activities and outreach efforts.
Our Daily Schedule
Friday
- 11:00am: Opens
- 3:00pm: Cooking Demonstration
- 3:30pm: Church Guided Tour
- 4:00pm: Cooking Demonstration
- 5:00pm: Cooking Demonstration
- 6:00pm: Cooking Demonstration
- 7:30pm: Jr. Hellas Dancers
- 8:00pm: Sr. Hellas Dancers
- 11:00pm: Closes
Saturday
- 11:00am: Opens
- 12:00pm: Cooking Demonstration
- 1:00pm: Cooking Demonstration
- 1:30pm: Church Guided Tour
- 2:00pm: Cooking Demonstration
- 3:00pm: Cooking Demonstration
- 3:30pm: Church Guided Tour
- 4:00pm: Jr. Hellas Dancers
- 5:00pm: Cooking Demonstration
- 5:00pm: Sr. Hellas Dancers
- 5:30pm: Church Guided Tour
- 7:00pm: Jr. Hellas Dancers
- 8:00pm: Sr. Hellas Dancers
- 11:00pm: Closes
Sunday
- 12:00pm: Opens
- 1:00pm: Cooking Demonstration
- 1:30pm: Church Guided Tour
- 2:00pm: Cooking Demonstration
- 3:00pm: Jr. Hellas Dancers
- 3:30pm: Church Guided Tour
- 4:00pm: Sr. Hellas Dancers
- 6:00pm: Festival Ends OPA!