Multiple generations of Glenview’s Saints Peter and Paul Ladies Society bring homemade Greek flavor to Holiday Faire 2025 on Dec. 6
Driven by the Philoptochos Society of Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church’s multi-generational volunteer force, Holiday Faire returns for its 65th year on Saturday, Dec. 6. The event showcases traditional Greek home-cooked savory favorites like spanakopites, tiropites, Greek chicken, gyros and pastitsio, as well as home-baked kourabiedes, koulourakia, melomakarona, galaktoboureko and baklava. All are invited to attend this festive event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the church community center, 1401 Wagner Road, Glenview.
Philoptochos, which means “Friends of the Poor” in Greek, is the name of the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, and the Saints Peter and Paul chapter of the organization is recognized for its vibrant volunteer base and significant charitable impact. Typically, one-third of the funds they distribute annually are generated from the proceeds of the Holiday Faire, and last year, they successfully donated over $100,000 to those in need at local, national and global levels.
Two organizations that will directly benefit by receiving a portion of this year’s Faire’s proceeds include K9s for Veterans, whose mission is to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder transition back to civilian life once their military service has ended with the help of trained service dogs, and Camp Soar, an organization that provides an inclusive and fun overnight summer camp experience for children who otherwise would not have this opportunity.
“The Holiday Faire is our major fundraiser for the year,” event chair Kris Tsitsis said. “We typically serve over 650 meals during the event, in addition to those meals we prepare for carry-out orders. This is only made possible by the hard work of over 100 individuals, — many who represent three generations of the same families — who work together to prepare the food for the luncheon and bakery.”
“Our Philoptochos members and supporters begin planning for the event months in advance,” Bakery Chair Nancie Poulos said, “and we use traditional Greek recipes that our own parishioners have handed down through multiple generations. For example, our spanakopita recipe has been used for 30 years! These recipes have been thoroughly taste-tested, and some may have undergone minor adjustments; the end result is our offering of only the finest baked goods.”
To that end, the baking team insists on using only top-quality ingredients, including fresh phyllo dough delivered directly from the manufacturer, honey sourced from growers in Oregon, the best feta, pure vanilla, and real, name-brand butter and sugar. This level of attention to detail makes a noticeable difference in flavor, and they have even received “fan mail” from someone who claimed their baklava was the best he had ever eaten.
While fantastic homemade Greek pastries and food have always been the largest draw to the event, this year’s Holiday Faire will feature a festive food court atmosphere, live holiday entertainment performed by Glenview students and young traditional Greek Dancers; a room where families can build and decorate gingerbread houses; boutique shopping, a pop-up-shop offering a curated collection of vintage finds, and of course, a visit from Santa.
Hours for Holiday Faire 2025 are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with carryout meals available until 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact Kris Tsitsis at kristsitsis@sbcglobal.net, or visit ssppglenview.org/events.