A Taste of Egypt in Woodbury
By Mariam Guirgis
From an immersive exhibit through the Egyptian pyramids to delicious homemade dishes, traditional music, and live entertainment, Egyptian culture took the spotlight at the Coptic Orthodox Church of Saint Abraam in Woodbury during its annual Egyptian Festival in late September.
For families, there was plenty to take in, including bouncy houses, games, crafts, and exciting activities for kids.
Rebekah Collins, a festival regular from Amityville, said “we love the church community and the involvement, [and] we love the food.” While most people show up for the gyros, Collins said her favorite dish was the “mahshi,” or stuffed vegetables.
Father Joseph Loka, one of the church’s priests, emphasized the deeper meaning of the event.
“It’s very inclusive, and it is to present our Christian Coptic heritage to the American community here,” he said. “It brings us closer to the community and makes us more known to the community.”
Father Loka also highlighted the significance of the festival within the church itself.
“It definitely brings us closer to each other as a community,” he said. “Our church is big, and the best way for people to feel like they are one body and one community is by working together.”
Photo: Father Joseph Loka, right and Father Guirguis Tadros of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Saint Abraam in Woodbury.
Festival-goers were also able to shop at the all-new “El Souk” (Egyptian bazaar market), featuring a variety of Egyptian artifacts, souvenirs, and crafts. Interactive cultural displays, photo booths, and traditional music performances make the experience rich with heritage.
“I’ve been here before, and the food is delicious and the people are very, very nice,” said Armen Tutuyai, a resident from Oyster Bay. “The music, the coffee, the desserts—everything was great.”
Father Loka said the festival was about more than the food and music.
“We would love to spread a message of love, a message of acceptance, of the love of God to all, and the church doors are always open for anyone,” he said.
Tutuyai joked that he didn’t want the event to get too popular.
“They’re missing out, maybe we shouldn’t tell too many people about it so it doesn’t get too crowded and the food runs out,” he said.
Mariam Guirgis is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.