Over the President’s Day weekend, the Metropolis of New Jersey hosted its Music and Dance Festival (MDF) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event brought over 500 together as youth and performers from Greek Orthodox communities across the metropolis for a celebration of culture, song, and traditional dancing.
Photo by Metropolis of New Jersey/MDFThe festival kicked off on the evening of February 14, with participants arriving and preparing for the days of performances ahead. Saturday featured opening ceremonies and the first round of music and dance presentations, where ensembles and dance groups showcased traditional dances, choirs, and instrumental pieces representing their parishes and communities throughout the region.
Photo by Metropolis of New Jersey/MDFOn Sunday, February 16, the Divine Liturgy was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey. There, the parishioners commemorated the life of Saint Anthimos of Chios, whose relics and living relatives were present. Afterwards, attendees gathered for the final round of performances, followed by an awards ceremony and banquet to recognize outstanding dancers, singers, and groups.
Photo by Metropolis of New Jersey/MDFThe event, in trend with other dance fests around the country, was both a cultural celebration and a community reunion, reinforcing connections between young people and families involved in the Metropolis’s ministries and fostering new friendships through shared music and dance.
Photo by Metropolis of New Jersey/MDF
