Bringing families together at Holy Trinity

Elyse Klewicki, 18, and Kyra Kraus, 17, shared a sugary snack.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Barynya, a Russian music, dance and song ensemble entertained the crowd with some unique instruments.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Jonathan Lasker, 6, showed off his athletic abilities.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

One of the festival’s youngest attendees, Luke, 10 months old, with his mother, Denise Kraus.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Olivia Zabierowski, 13, far left, Christopher Cuadrado, 12, Jonathan Zabierowski, 8, and Alex, 12, made sure everyone at the festival was refreshed.

Donovan Berthoud/Herald

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It was an idyllic scene at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in East Meadow last weekend for the church’s annual Faith, Food and Fellowship Festival.

Hundreds of residents arrived at the church to enjoy a wide variety of activities, including a children’s bouncy castle and arts and crafts, eat Greek and Slavic food, and listen to music by the Russian band, Barynya.

Holy Trinity opened its doors in East Meadow in 1924. According to church officials, it is the first Christian Orthodox church in Nassau or Suffolk counties. It has been led by The Rev. Martin Kraus since 2007.

While the festival serves as a fundraiser, its primary purpose is to unite community members of all faiths while giving people more insight into the Orthodox faith.

And that’s exactly what happened last weekend, as residents of all ages could be seen on the church grounds, at 369 Green Ave., enjoying themselves under cloudless blue skies.

"Father Martin Kraus would like to thank the community of East Meadow for its ongoing support," said membership Vice President Mark Vassilakis. "We enjoyed spending the day with everyone and we would like to extend an open invitation to come pray with us.

Indeed, faith, food and fellowship were aplenty.