NEW YORK – Parathosi 2016, the annual celebration of Hellenic Heritage & Dance of the Direct Archdiocesan District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, held this past weekend Feb. 26-27, has completed its fourth year and is already looking forward and planning an even greater fifth year in 2017.
More than 300 dancers and 22 groups participated in the Parathosi 2016 festival, which this year was held Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, at a larger venue, the Lefrak Concert Hall at Queens College, in Flushing, N.Y.
“It is a big step ahead for the Parathosis Festival,” said His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, who attended the all-day event. The Archbishop expressed his “deep appreciation for all the performances and the parishes or associations that participated,” and added “we have the potential for something greater, not only in numbers of participants but in every aspect.” His Eminence challenged the participating groups to incorporate live traditional music in next year’s competition and remarked “this festival is an opportunity for our Youth to come together in fellowship, meet, connect and interact with their peers from other parishes, built friendships and togetherness.” His Grace Bishop Antonios of Phasiane and His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela attended the event along with many priests of our parishes, parents, grandparents and friends.
Parathosi 2016 Dance Festival strives to bring together the youth of our parishes and communities, to provide a platform for their talents and pride in traditional Greek dancing; and to cultivate and promote our rich Hellenic heritage.
“Our vision is to involve as many groups and teams as possible in order that we expand and continue to promote the deep love and respect we all have for our ancestral traditions,” said Dn. Panagiotis Papazafiropoulos, the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Direct Archdiocesan District. “We hope that this festival provides a haven and an outlet for those that are seeking to express their love for dance on a District Level.”
This year, the event was open to groups from other Metropolises of the Archdiocese and groups from Greek-American community associations representing various regions of Greece. The festival is organized in divisions according to age. Division 4 is for children up to 8 years old and their dance performances are not judged in competition. Division 3 is for children 9-11 years of age, division 2 is for youths 12-14, division 1 is for teenagers 15-17; and young adults 18 and over, they compete in the senior division.
The winners of the competition as announced at the conclusion of event and the presentation of awards are as follows:
In Division III –2nd place: Kimissis of Theotokos, Brooklyn, NY; 1st place Kimissis of Theotokos Brooklyn, NY. In Division II - 2nd place: Rythmos, Assumption of Theotokos, Port Jefferson, NY; 1st place: Kimissis of Theotokos Brooklyn, NY; And in Division I - 2nd place: Church of Our Savior, Rye, NY; 1st place: Chian Federation.
See photo album: https://flic.kr/s/aHsksacZ31
