Sale features Greek delicacies

The Greek Bake Sale at Holy Cross-Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church on Nov. 14 will feature baklava, melomakarona cookies, Tyropitakiaat and Greek bread. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – Members of the only Greek Orthodox Church in North Alabama will offer authentic, handmade Greek pastries at their upcoming event.

Holy Cross-Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at 3021 University Drive in Huntsville will host their “Greek Bake Sale” on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale provides North Alabama residents with a chance to buy Greek pastries for the holidays.

This congregation consists of numerous branches of the Orthodox religion. “We have families from Romania, Georgia, Russia, Malta, Ethiopia, Thailand and many more,” publicist and Philoptochos charity president Sula Mulligan said. Event chairpersons are Elaine Taras, Popi Missios and Helena Xenofos.

Organizers recommend placing orders in advance, because items sell out quickly. To order, call 256-534-4221 or visit greekbakesale.net.

However, people are encouraged to visit the sale and to meet Father Kevin Milsaps, tour the church and ask questions “about this religion in existence for over 2,000 years,” Mulligan said. Pastries also will be sold at the event.

World-famous baklava is popular with its layers of phyllo dough, walnuts, spices, butter and steeped in traditional syrup for a pastry that is heavenly, Mulligan said. Honey-and-nut melomakarona cookies are topped with walnuts.

“My personal favorite, Tyropitakia, is a blend of four cheeses wrapped in phyllo dough formed into triangles and excellent for appetizers,” Mulligan said. “Our Greek bread is truly a work of art. Each loaf is lovingly hand-braided, brushed with an egg wash and baked to perfection.”

Greek Orthodox and Catholicism were once one religion. “We are a Christian religion (similar) to Catholicism, including baptism, communion and the Lord’s Prayer,” Mulligan said.

Proceeds will support church ministries and Huntsville area organizations, like their prison outreach program and youth group. Philoptochos uses proceeds to prepare meals for The Salvation Army, sack lunches for the homeless, hand-sewn blankets for the hospital and help to other charities.

For more information, visit holycross-stsconstantinehelen.org or Facebook/Holy Cross-Saints Constantine & Helen.