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RAFT ISLAND, WA–A large crowd enjoyed the annual Pascha picnic celebration at All Saints Camp and Retreat Center. What initially began as a small celebration of a few families several years ago, this year’s event ballooned to over 500 people. Attendees included parishioners from all of the Greek Orthodox parishes in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area and even from Portland, newly baptized former catechumens, as well as many Greek immigrants who have recently arrived in the Seattle area to work mostly in its bustling tech sector.
All Saints Camp, located some 50 miles south of downtown Seattle on Raft Island, consists of 19 acres overlooking Henderson Bay within Puget Sound. The facility is owned jointly by the two Greek Orthodox parishes in Seattle, St. Demetrios and Assumption. The event was organized and presented by a committee led by George John, Dino Bekris, and Demetri Themelis.
An Agape Vespers service was offered in the camp chapel to start the picnic, celebrated by Fr. Photios Dumont, proistamenos of St. Demetrios Church in Seattle.
This year with such a large crowd, the organizers cooked over 180 pounds of lamb and an additional 180 pounds of “Kontosouvli,” a traditional rotisserie pork found in Greece. People were eager to bring their own favorite Pascha dishes to share with others and meet new people.
“There was live music, a DJ, easter egg hunts organized for the over 100 children present, sports court activities, and lots of good eating,” noted organizer Dino Bekris. “Blessed with good weather and a spirit of fellowship, it was a successful event. The picnic is supported by donations and is free and open to all. We look forward to many more in the years to come.”
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