MANSFIELD — Mansfield residents will find a taste of Greece, from traditional Greek dances to home-cooked meals, at the 2025 Greek Festival on Sept. 5 and 6.

Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 265 West Third Street hosts the annual event. that’s become a popular cultural event for residents throughout the city and beyond.

The Greek Festival starts at 11 a.m. and runs through 10 p.m. Guests can enjoy authentic home-cooked Greek food as well as traditional music and dancing. Admission is $2.

Reverend Father Michael Ellis said he also wants the community to experience the church itself. Ellis said that he is not Greek, neither is more than half the congregation. Instead, the church has become a home for people of many backgrounds.

“This is an opportunity not just to do fundraisers, but also to invite the community to come and see the church,” he said.

Sharing culture and binding people together is what Ellis said this festival is all about.

“The connection between the festival and church is that we get this opportunity to welcome people into our home,” he said. “We welcome them to have food with us, dance with us and to be a community.”

The festival has built a reputation for its authentic Greek dishes, lively entertainment and welcoming atmosphere. Every hour, Ellis offers guided tours of the church for visitors who want to step inside and learn more.

He noted that the event draws a good mix of first-time guests and longtime festival-goers.

“I always enjoy the opportunity to meet people for the first time,” Ellis said. “They tell me they have heard of this place and would love to get to know more about it.”

Whether guests come for a taste of Greece or to discover the Greek Orthodox faith, the festival offers a chance to connect.

Philoptochos Society Connects Church and Community

The Philoptochos Society also plays a key role in making the festival happen, donating all the baked goods.

The Philoptochos Society is a national organization of the Greek Orthodox Church that supports philanthropy through a variety of programs.

Bethel Burton, president of the Philoptochos Society, said the local group paused around 2020 during COVID-19, as longtime members prepared to pass the baton.

Younger women have stepped in to revive it over the last two years.

“Honestly, the older ladies were the ones doing all the work for the festival,” Burton said. “I had a whole team of people that helped to lift this off the ground and make sure it happened.”

Presvytera (Priest’s wife) Jessica Ellis, Toni Shaum and Sophia Camphorst are just a few names Burton thanked for the combined effort to make everything happen.

Burton said the festival is both a celebration and a lifeline.

“This is a huge fundraiser for the church and a major part of why we can continue to operate,” she said. “It’s not just come check out all of the Greek home-cooking. It is fun to see the culture, but it is also a way to come see our church.

“This festival brings everyone in to come see, listen, taste and learn about the Greek culture and Greek Orthodox Church,” Burton said. “If you can’t make the festival, still come check us out. Our doors are always open on Sundays.”

Parish Council President, Andrew Burton said this is a very important event that helps to share their faith and culture with the whole community.

“We are pleased that we are able to be doing this,” he said. “And a big thank you to everybody for coming out.”

(Picture from the 2025 Greek Festival on Friday. Picture credit: Hannah Martin)

Greek Festival tent

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