Saint George Middle Eastern Food Festival October 27-29, 2011
The Melkite Community of Birmingham Celebrates 30 Years

of Middle Eastern Hospitality and Middle Eastern Cooking!

Over two thousand years ago the ancestors of Melkite Christians of Middle Eastern origin, led by St. Peter, established Christianity in Antioch (Syria). According to the Acts of the Apostles (11:26), these disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Parishioners ofSt. George Melkite Catholic Church, of Birmingham, Alabama are descendants of these Christians from Antioch. Since the early 1950’s, preparing and selling Middle Eastern suppers

has been a major source of income for Saint George. Money raised has been used to build a new and larger church facility for the fast growing Melkite community, while also supporting various charitable causes.

Thirty years ago, the church parish immigrant descendents of Lebanese and Palestinian origin introduced the City of Birmingham to Saint George’s first International Food Festival. Eventually, the Festival evolved into a Middle Eastern Food Festival. Good food, exciting entertainment and of course, Middle Eastern hospitality, are the driving factors behind the success of the festival. And Saint George has been able to establish various ministries with monies raised. Father Frank Milienewicz says, “Because of the enormous support of our festival by the people of Birmingham, we are able to give back to the community. We cook three meals once a month for Pathways a women's shelter and the Ronald McDonald House. Our parish youth and their advisors help out once a month serving food to the homeless in the downtown area. We also donate money to various Melkite Diocesan charity funds.” This year Saint George celebrates its thirtieth anniversary hosting the Middle Eastern Food Festival.

The event is scheduled for October 27, 28, and 29. A wide variety of homemade foods such as kibbee, falafel sandwiches, hummus and buttery pastries will be served. Cultural booths and vendors will feature all kinds of Middle Eastern and Byzantine wares, including olive wood carvings made by artisans of the Holy Land. Judy the Camel will be there on Saturday, October 29, from 4-6 p.m. Visitors may have their picture made in costume with Judy!

Hours of operation: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A convenient drive thru service will operate from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (ATM on Premises) Downtown delivery will be available for lunch Thursday and Friday with a $75.00 minimum order. For priority lunch delivery, call 492-9621 or 915-8051 or email stgeorgefestival@bellsouth.net. For additional information visit www.saintgeorgeonline.org or find us on Facebook