14 May, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Denver -- The 106 year old Holy Transfiguration of Christ Orthodox Parish in the historic North Denver Globeville Neighborhood announces a new annual public cultural and culinary event to honor the many Eastern European immigrants and ethnic groups which have played a part in the life of the Parish and of Colorado. On Saturday, 24 July, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 25 July, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., they will open their beautiful grounds for a celebration of good food, arts and entertainment from at least a half dozen cultures represented in the Congregation.

Serbian roast lamb, Greek Souvlaki (kabobs) and roast chicken, Romanian meat patties, everybody's favorite sarmali (cabbage rolls), Ukrainian Piroshki, Russian Pelmini, sausages and around a dozen more meat, soup, pastry and desert items will be available at a half dozen ethnic booths, together with exotic handicrafts for sale and displays of the art, culture, history and religion of the respective nationalities.

All of this will be accompanied by the lively authentic song and dance of such local groups as the World Famous Planina Singers, the Boulder Romanian Dance Ensemble, an internationally traveled Balkan Band and authentic recorded music from Russia, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, and Bulgaria.

For over 100 years the Globeville Congregation has kept the last weekend in July as "Picnic time" but the event was only open to Parishioners and friends of the Parish. Recently, however, with a revival in immigration from Eastern Europe bringing more worshippers to the Church and with a program to restore the antique Church building, combined with increased interest in the Parish on the part of the Colorado historical community, it was decided to open up and expand the event. Although this will be the first year for the "Orthodox Food Festival" large crowds will be provided for by the use of part of the adjacent Argo Park.

Eventually, it is hoped that this will join celebrations such as Denver's Greek Market Place, and similar demonstrations of cultural pride by Denver's Hispanic and African American Communities as a "Can't miss" event on Denver's summer cultural calendar.

Festivities will include games and entertainment for children as well as folk dance lessons for those who are interested. Also, Church tours will be offered regularly throughout the two days and those attending will have the opportunity to hear sacred music rendered by the English and Slavonic Church Choirs.

Those who are interested will also have the opportunity to purchase a copy of the newly publish full color coffee table book, The Art & Architecture of Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, written and illustrated by, well known Colorado graphic artist, Anna-Marie Kuczun.

Holy Transfiguration Church was erected in 1898, making it the oldest Orthodox Temple west of the Mississippi and south of Alaska. It has always been a multiethnic Community and has always played an important part in the life of the Globeville neighborhood. In 1988, the small Church was designated a "Cathedral" by the Bishop of San Francisco, in recognition of its big role in the life of Globeville, of Denver and of Colorado.