ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church is inviting the community to experience a “Weekend in Greece” at its annual Greek culture and food festival on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28.

The two-day celebration will feature authentic Greek dancing, music and food, along with cultural displays and guided tours of the Byzantine-style church at 9165 Peets St. 

Inside, visitors can admire hand-carved furnishings from the island of Crete, Greek marble, colorful iconography and mural paintings, all depicting the historical aspect of the Orthodox Christian faith. 

This year’s tours will also include a demonstration of Byzantine chanting, an ancient form of Christian music older than Gregorian chant.

Father Constantine “Dino” Pappademos recommends first-time visitors try the Pastitso, a Greek casserole similar to lasagna but made with noodles and ground beef.

Other festival favorites include lamb and chicken kebabs, calamari, gyros and souvlaki.

“The neat thing about our festival is that all of the foods are handmade here in Elk Grove in our church,” said Pappademos.

Pastry lovers can enjoy traditional treats such as baklava, a flaky phyllo dessert layered with walnuts, cinnamon and honey syrup, and Karithopita, a spiced nut cake with honey.

Pappademos noted that he not only hopes attendees can enjoy the food, music and art but also experience Greek hospitality.

“The Greek culture is focused and centered around hospitality more than anything else,” Pappademos said.

Proceeds from the festival benefit church programs and community initiatives, including the Elk Grove Food Bank, support for women escaping violence, the WYNN program for homeless youth, and other charities and orphanages.

“Weekend in Greece” typically draws from 2,500 to 3,000 attendees, making it one of the biggest events held by Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church.

Festival hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28. Admission is free.