Taste of Greece raising money for Annunciation Catholic Church
This weekend marks the annual Taste of Greece festival hosted by St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church.
It's a parish that's spent over 100 years worshiping in Minneapolis, who aim to share Greek culture and faith with the surrounding community.
This year, the church is also fundraising during the festival to support nearby Annunciation Catholic Church.
"This year, our joy is mixed with deep sorrow. Last week's horrific violence at Annunciation Church has affected our parish deeply," the church's website says. "We stand with Annunciation in shared grief, prayer, and fervent hope."
St. Mary's Orthodox Church is led by Father Timothy Sas, who says Sophia Forchas, one of their parishioners, was injured during the shooting at Annunciation. He says several generations of the Forchas' family are deeply ingrained in the church community.
"They're well loved, they're well involved in everything we do," Sas said. "We are certainly distraught in praying for her well-being for her recovery, not only for her, of course, for all the victims."
Dr. Walt Galicich, a neurosurgeon with Hennepin Healthcare, said in a news conference on Friday that while Sophia Forchas is in critical condition, she is "trending in the right direction."
Sophia Forchas' father describes his 12-year-old daughter as brilliant, kind and full of life
Twenty-one people were injured during mass at Annunciation on Aug. 27. Two children, Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel, were killed in the attack. Sas says his parish remains in prayer for all impacted.
Around the festival, a QR code also shares links to fundraisers for families still recovering. Organizers also hosted a blood drive on Friday for attendees.
"God remains attentive," Sas said. "God is listening to our needs. God is present even in the midst of a tragedy."
The festival is open Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.