A big pull for the third St. George Festival at the church’s Fishers location is the food, most of which is Middle Eastern. Many of the parishioners at St. George Orthodox Christian Church are of Christian heritage in the Middle East.

The two most popular menu items are lamb shanks and falafel.

“Lamb is more popular than beef and chicken in the Middle East because there are so many shepherds and sheep,” Riyad Bannourah, chairman of this year’s festival, stated in a press release sent to Current. “Lamb shanks are marinated with spices, lemon pepper, garlic, olive oil and baked for an hour and a half. You can eat them like a drumstick. Falafel is made with blended chick peas, onions and spices and then deep-fried to perfection.  It’s served inside pita bread and garnished with tahini sauce, onions, tomatoes and hummus. Falafel is like hamburger in the U.S.  Every corner of every street has a vendor or restaurant selling it.”

Other menu options include gyros, kibbee, kafta, desserts and pastries, honey balls and grape leaves. Guided tours of the newly built church will be available.

“I think the big draw for most people is the unique food,” member David Sumner said. “The other thing I think people should see is the church itself. The architecture and the paintings are so awe-inspiring.”

Explanation of the iconography in the church is provided during the tour. There is a live band and an indoor marketplace featuring Middle Eastern jewelry, arts, crafts and a bookstore. Bounce houses and a zip line are available for children.

IF YOU GO

Date and time: 5 to 11 p.m. Sept. 16, noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 17.

Where: St. George Orthodox Christian Church, 10748 E. 116th St.

Cost: Free. Offsite parking is $5 at Journey Lutheran Ministries, 10401 E. 116th St. Shuttle buses run continuously. Service animals only. Handicapped parking onsite.

For more: www.stgfest.org.