Greek Folk Dance

 
Music & Dance Festival 2025!

On the weekend of February 14-16, 2025, the vision of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey came to fruition as the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey held the First Ever MDF (Music & Dance Festival) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was a tremendous weekend of faith, fellowship, and love for our rich Hellenic Culture.

Over 500 excited youth singers and Greek Folk Dancers from every Metropolis of New Jersey region traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With their parents, grandparents, friends, and supporters, over a thousand participated in the inaugural MDF weekend.

The MDF participants offered over fifty performances in three ballrooms on Saturday morning and throughout the weekend. They hosted dance competitions from multiple age categories and liturgical choir presentations.

Saturday evening began with dinner, after which an amazing Greek Glendi Night was held with a live Cretan Band, a Pontian Band, and a DJ. His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey began the festivities by dancing, leading our youngest MDF participants in a Kalamatiano. Soon after, hundreds of other youth MDF participants joined with “kefir.”

Sunday morning began with His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos celebrating the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in one of the Sheraton Ballrooms, which had been converted into a Church. With the assistance of his Chancellor, the V. Rev. Nektarios Cottros, Archdeacon Dn. Konstantinos Loukas and other clergy from throughout the Metropolis allowed all MDF participants to come together to pray and receive Christ as one family.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful participated in an outreach program called “Case for Smiles.”

The day continued with many additional performances the parish Greek Folk Dance Group youth offered as the festival competition continued.

A special occasion soirée was held Sunday evening with the Awards Banquet. His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey awarded beautiful glass trophies and hundreds of medals to the parishes and individuals for their most dedicated work and amazing performances.

We are beyond excited to announce that our Annunciation youth brought home 3 Awards.

  • OUR JUNIOR DANCERS: “KYMATAKIA”, BEST COSTUME AWARD
  • OUR GOYA LITURGICAL CHOIR “LIVANI”, 2ND PLACE
  • OUR GOYA DANCERS “MERAKLIDES” 3RD PLACE IN DANCE PERFORMANCE

To our Youth: Congratulations, YOU DID IT!

We are filled with joy and pride as we reflect on your achievements. We hope the memories of these past few months stay with you always—

May the bonds you've formed, the trust you've built, and the strength of our Greek culture and Orthodox faith continue to inspire and guide you in all that lies ahead.

In His service,

Effie Patounas

More pictures and videos of the event here: Parish Life | ANNUNCIATION / EVANGELISMOS

 

Our GOYA Dance Group at the 2024 Greek Independence Day Parade in Philadelphia 

MISSION

Our Dance Program is committed to teaching the traditional dances of our Greek heritage in a Christian environment. Our dance groups perform yearly at the annual OPA Greek Festival in May and other area Greek festivals, Greek dance presentations, and parish events. Dancers may also participate in the annual Metropolis of New Jersey Folk Dance Festival.

PARTICIPATION

CONTACT

Gregory Kosiras