By Joseph Knoop
The world of Byzantine heritage, faith and culture is set to draw in attendees at this September’s St. George Festival at St. George’s Orthodox Christian Church in Fishers.
St. George Church will bring Byzantine ethnic food, live music, a children’s carnival, a silent auction and more during the festival.
Above all the attractions, the multicultural aspect of the festival and church is what parishioner David Sumner feels stands out the most.
“Our church was established by immigrants from Syria in 1926,” Sumner said. “We have three main purposes for the festival. One is outreach to the community, and introduce the church.”
Sumner added that other purposes for the festival are to introduce the community to Byzantine food, acquaint attendees with the significant architecture, and fundraise for the church’s bills.
Reverend Nabil Hanna, who immigrated to America with his family in the late 1960’s, echoes the importance of these multicultural roots.
Tours will be made available for all interested, and will elaborate on the Byzantine architecture and iconography originally created by a team of Greek iconographers.
“We’re going to have a room with videos that go in-depth if people want to explore,” Hanna said. “We definitely want people wondering “what is that church about?” Come and see.”
The St. George Festival is held Sept.18 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sept.19 from noon to 11 p.m. Admission is free, but offsite parking is available for $5 at Fall Creek Community Church. The St. George Church is located at 10748 E. 116 Street. Shuttles will be made available for those parking at Fall Creek. For more information, go to stgindy.org.
