POCATELLO – Despite long lines and a crowded churchyard year after year, Father Constantine Zozos always “prays” that people will come to the annual Greek festival.

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Pocatello hosted its annual Greek festival on Saturday, with thousands of people lining up to get in. Once in the courtyard, the hungry crowds could choose from an extensive menu of Greek dishes.

“I always pray that someone will remember to come, and they always do,” Zozos said. “And the more people come, the more people want to be here.”

Although the line at the entrance no longer stretches as far from the courtyard as it once did because a maze-like line has been created on closed streets, it still stretches several blocks from the church courtyard at 518 North 5th Avenue. The church uses a block of East Wyeth Street as its line at the entrance, and people still line up all the way to North 6th Avenue, Zozos said.

“And if you notice, people are bringing their bags and piling them up there,” Zozos said. “People are buying more than they can eat.”

Zozos believes that despite the queues, people come because of the delicious quality of the food. Volunteers prepared between 6,000 and 7,000 pastries for the festival and expected to sell them all on the same day.

“This food is the best Greek food this side of the Mississippi,” Zozos said.

Pat and Susan McCullough have been attending the festival “for many years,” and they said it’s the food and community at the event that keeps them coming back.

“It’s pretty much the only way to experience some culture in Pocatello. The Greek dancing is fun and everyone is in a good mood. We love coming here,” Pat said.

Another couple, Nate and Fayth Mort, were present at the festival on Saturday. While Nate has been there twice before, it was Fayth’s first time.

“It’s been a lot of fun so far. The food is really good, of course,” said Fayth. “It’s been a really nice atmosphere. Everyone is very welcoming.”

Zozos remains grateful that the community comes out to enjoy Greek food while supporting the church. Proceeds from the Greek Festival go toward maintenance and renovation of the church facilities. A portion of the funds also go to nonprofit organizations in southeast Idaho.

Reverend Archimandrite Seraphim, who grew up in Pocatello and has been attending the festival since childhood, believes the church has benefited greatly from the community’s support.

“The community is thriving. It’s so beautiful to see all the people and the support of the community,” said Seraphim.

The church can use the funds to further modernize its facilities. Most recently, a commercial kitchen was completed, making it easier and more efficient for volunteers to prepare for the festival.

“We are aware of the fact that people are coming to support us and they come year after year. People are already lining up at 10 a.m.,” Zozos said.

Zozos thanked the community members who volunteered for the festival and the people who came to enjoy delicious Greek food.

“I want to say thank you. It means a lot to our Orthodox community and we look forward to another year,” said Zozos.