A Spokane (and Greek) Tradition
Spokane boasts many gastric-centered traditions: the crowded summertime classic of Pig out in the Park, the dingy but addictive Dick’s Hamburgers, the autumn apple pies from Greenbluff—heck, even the garbage-eating goat has a following.
But nothing compares to the deep spiritual (and culinary) roots boasted at the Greek Dinner Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, which celebrated its 74th anniversary of the festival this September.
Matt (left) helping in the kitchen Matt (left) helping in the kitchen
Prospera Wealth Management Consultant Matthew Foust and LD Senior Manager Steve Roark are more than just fans of the souvlakia (grilled meat seasoned with lemon and herbs) or the loukoumades (deep-fried puffs of dough drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon), both served during the three-day event. They’re proud participants in both the festival and parish life of Holy Trinity.
Matt (left) helping in the kitchen Steve and Matt at the festival
Matt has helped with the festival for 10 years now, but he’s not the only volunteer in his family. After making preparations for the fundraiser in the spring, his wife and mother-in-law both make pastries and help cook many of the authentically Greek dishes. The fun doesn’t stop there.
“All four of my children dance in the festival,” Matt said. “The dancing is actually a big hit, and is one of the main reasons people go to the festival.”
Matt (left) helping in thMatt's daughter performs with the "Opa!" dancers
Matt and Steve share similar stories of marrying into the Greek Orthodox faith years ago, and have since benefited from the close community and rich traditions of their church.
“I’ve been involved with those fun-loving, 'Opa!'-yelling, circle-dancing Greeks for the better part of 30 years,” Steve said.
“My favorite part of the festival is getting to meet so many of the people in the local community—some are even clients! Also, I get to throw around the few Russian phrases I know, since many people from the former Soviet Union speak Russian and are Orthodox. On top of that, I hear fun Greek music and enjoy a wonderful cultural event.”
Steve points to Matt’s role as the “stalwart of the church” who did “the lion’s share” of the work for the festival. After three days of helping coordinate food, grills, dancing, and cooking demonstrations, Matt knows how to relax.
“My favorite thing to do at the festival? Grab a souvlaki with a pita, and have a beer in the ‘taverna.’”
After all that work on a long-time Spokane tradition, both men deserve as much.
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