The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

• The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (www.greekcathedral.com) serves the religious needs of Columbus' Greek residents who follow the Eastern Orthodox faith. The parish was chartered by the state of Ohio in 1910 and consisted of about 30 Greek families at that time. The cathedral, built in the traditional Byzantine architectural style, was completed in 1922. The cathedral features a giant dome, a Greek-cross floor plan in which there is a central area (nave) with arms of equal length extending from it, stained glass windows depicting stories from the Bible and mosaics built from Venetian glass. As of 2011, the parish has about 800 families on their mailing list. In addition to weekly prayer and religious services, Columbus' Greek Eastern Orthodox community can participate in its Bible study, youth ministry and choir. Those who marry in the Cathedral must first go through premarital counseling in which they learn how to incorporate the faith into their married lives and the theology of marriage. Their Social Hall, which seats up to 600 people, has hosted numerous weddings and parties for the community.
  
  

The Greek Festival

• The Greek Festival is an annual event held at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where Columbus' Greek community comes together to celebrate their heritage. The family-friendly event takes place over four days every Labor Day weekend, from Friday afternoon to Monday evening. Traditional Greek foods, such as gyro, Greek pizza, baklava, Greek salad, moussaka and pastitio, are made by the congregation and sold to visitors. Traditional Greek dancing and music are performed by various groups in the music tent and courtyard. Booths and exhibits feature handmade Greek artwork, jewelry, beauty products and clothing. Tours of the cathedral are offered multiple times a day throughout the four days.
  
  

Greek Olympic Society

• The Greek Olympic Society (www.greekolympicsociety.org) started out as a soccer club by recent immigrants from Greece in the 1960s, but has since evolved into a philanthropic and cultural society. Meetings are held every second Tuesday of every month in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The meetings consist of a social hour, dinner, business meeting and discussion of current events or community concerns. The Greek Olympic Society's mission is to promote Hellenic principles and traditions. Members get involved with events and causes that benefit Columbus' Greek community, such as publication of the "Greek Ethos" magazine, classical Greek theater dinner performances and an annual community picnic.
  
  

Dinner Dance Glendi

• The Greek Olympic Society organizes the annual Dinner Dance (Apokreatiko) Glendi. The Apokreatiko Glendi is a traditional carnival dance that takes place all over Greece the week before Lent so that people can dance and have fun before entering the period of fasting and soul searching. In Columbus, the Dinner Dance Glendi is held at the Greek Cathedral Social Hall and a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales are given to the church.