It's All Greek to Me

Last Sunday was the 35th annual St. Elias Mediterranean Celebra- tion in La Crosse. Originally the fest was held in a nearby pavilion in Copeland Park but when it outgrew the pavilion,  it moved to the  Oktoberfest grounds farther south in down town La Crosse. Due to a myriad of reasons, size, attendance, monetary considerations and specifically construction this year, the fest moved home to its church grounds. After the church purchased a neighboring house and razed it, there was new space perfect for tent seating to enjoy the middle eastern cuisine.  It is also definitely a plus to be able to tour St. Elias and learn about its history.

Father D. who has been at St. Elias for 5 years led hourly church tours and  introduced us to the local Eastern Orthodox Christianity community which has been present in La Crosse since the early 1900's. Originally folks met in individuals's homes. But with the increasing number of Syrians and Lebanese arriving to the area in those days,  Greek, Lebanese, Serbian and Russian as well as Syrian 40+ families joined the church which was hand dug in 1912.  Since the Antiochian and Greek Orthodox have the same divine liturgy and building took a while, holidays and life events took place in the Greek Orthodox church in nearby Rochester. In fact St. Elias is Antiochian Orthodox while a Malachite Orthodox church was a couple blocks farther north. With the westward movement many families as well as their Priest left for California since many had been wine makers.  This church community and building were  restored in the '70's. Today, the Twin Cities is the closest parish and  St. Elias's 40+ congregants are a combination of many different ethnic backgrounds.

The upper icons have been refurbished by one of the congregants

Stunning gold leaf icons fill the walls of the sanctuary. Icons are depictions of Christ's life, His mother, the patriarchs of the Old Testament, the apostles and the saints. 

A curtain was replaced by a wall on which these icons hang in a prescribed order. Behind the doors is the altar with the holy sacrament vessels and can only be entered by the priest. It was very interesting to learn about the division of the Churches.

Grilling chicken k-bobs

In the lower level of the church meals were being assembled as well as a large home baked pastry sale.  Outside meats were being grilled. There a 140 some pound local lamb and chicken k-bobs added to the aroma in the air.  

grilled lamb started at 4 am , carved outside

 In addition to the lamb/chicken k-bob dinners that were served with tzadiki sauce (yogurt and cucumber sauce), rice pilaf and Mediterranean salad and pita, there were vegetarian choices such as felafel, salad sampler plates. Fresh deep fried cinnamon donuts also were available. 

Church youth singing about St Elias

With picture perfect weather it was a great afternoon to listen to music, watch folk dancing and enjoy the festivities with the community. 

The St. Elias Mediterranean celebration is a terrific event for all ages and truly a gift to the community.  


Perhaps next year you will put it on your calendars for next July!