The Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Christian Church held its Third Annual Festival Bazaar in Mount Crawford, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural offerings. Attendees enjoyed traditional Eastern European foods, samovar tea, and unique vendors like Victor and Anna Ogora, who displayed an extensive collection of samovar teapots. Victor explained the significance of samovars in Russian culture, emphasizing their role in community life.
Other vendors included Olga Baranova, who sold various types of tea and Russian soda, and Ilena Hamilton, who debuted her handmade jewelry featuring Orthodox themes at her booth, The Icon Corner. The Clagett family offered fresh lemonade and maple-based drinks made from syrup produced by Peter Clagett’s own maple trees.
The festival also featured performances by Russian folk singers in authentic 200-300-year-old costumes, alongside church tours showcasing the elaborate iconography within. Fr. Gabriel Weller noted that the church’s iconography is only about one-third completed, with further work needed.
With over 250 attendees and plenty of fundraising activities, the festival was deemed a success, marking the church’s growth year after year. For more information about the church, visit holymyrrh.org.
