Our vendor’s apron says it all: “Sahtain!” This Arabic expression translates to a wish for double health – for you to enjoy your food before and after eating it. Think of it as the Middle Eastern “Bon Appetit!”

Holy Transfiguration’s beautiful and richly symbolic baptistery is where revelatory church tours begin.

The kids’ zone includes a petting zoo with all kinds of farm animals including ducks, bunnies, goats, ponies, and a cow!

Find the perfect icon for your home at Holy Transfiguration’s special Festival book & icon shop.

Protodeacon David, a Holy Transfiguration clergy member, describes the icons in the baptistery.

During a typical year, we start publicizing the Labor Day Weekend Festival on our well-recognized banner facing Lewinsville Road.  We’ve been blessed to attract a record numbers of visitors each year.

A special selection of icons, books, and gifts from Holy Transfiguration’s permanent icon and bookstore are brought out for Festival shopping.

The petting zoo offers kids the opportunity to feed farm animals – this goat looks like he’s waiting for a bite!

More and more icons… Favorites include the “Visitation to Abraham” (three angels that can represent the holy trinity) as well as icons of specific saints.

Neva volunteers with the sale of crosses and other beautiful collectibles made of olive wood from the Holy Land.

Chess, as well as the Middle East-originating backgammon, are a couple of the many games offered for children and adults.

Several of our parish volunteers are eager to explain various icons and offer them for sale.

Longtime parishioners and annual cashiers Donna and Anthony join volunteer Craig at the beverages line.

Joe enjoys the indoor festival merriment with his cousin Monique and her daughter Allison.

Our priest Father Charles was a guiding light to the Holy Transfiguration congregation and a pillar of both the parish and the archdiocese.  He was one of the first Americans trained to serve the Melkite Church in the United States.  He died in May 2017 at age 85 while at residence at our church, shortly before his 55th year as a priest. We miss him dearly. He’s pictured at our 2016 Festival with parishioner Cynthia (right), her husband Tony, and her mother.

A highlight of the weekend is the fresh Zaatar bread made on the saj by Miro of ZuZu Cuisine.

The hot saj cooks and crisps flatbread, which is topped with Zaatar, a classic Middle Eastern spice blend.

Miro of ZuZu Cuisine prepares zaatar bread. Sumac, a ubiquitous Middle Eastern spice, is a key ingredient in the zaatar blend.

Every year Lee does a great job talking up the 50-50 raffle while welcoming our guests!

Festival volunteers can’t wait to warmly welcome you to our parish family!

Reggie displays our Middle Eastern wine selection available for sale at our outdoor food station.

Carrie, dressed in a gorgeous traditional Middle Eastern embroidered garment helps lead kids’ activities with the help of her daughter.

Festival goers enjoy a beautiful day in our extensive vendor area under the tent.

One of the most popular vendors at the festival is Dimitri Olive Farms, which sells several varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Our talented volunteer face painters do a great job with the kids!

Balloons, balloons everywhere! The kids zone offers activities and games to keep kids occupied for hours.

Tom, our resident photographer, also helps out twisting balloons into cute animals.

The late Reader Romanos (Richard) enjoys a light moment in the back of the church, surrounded by happy visitors.