The smell of hot kebabs and the strum of the lute will snake through a bustling bazaar this weekend in Hampton.
The 18th Egyptian Festival, hosted by St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, will offer a slice of authentic food, culture and history.
Tom Miller, head of youth programming and education at the church, said that the history of Egypt and its influence on Christianity are rarely taught in America. But the church wants to share “the tradition that has been passed down and preserved by the people.”
Father Befnoty Magdy said this inspired the festival.
“We wanted to show it to everyone. We are a traditional church, a very ancient church.”
Coptic Orthodoxy comes from the story of the Apostle Mark spreading the gospel in Egypt. The church has its Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and many of the church's prayers and hymns are still spoken in Coptic, the ancient language of Egypt.
Most congregation members have some ancestral ties to Egypt, whereas most festival attendees do not.
“By doing this kind of festival, this kind of community service,” Magdy said, "the congregation is praying for the community and all Americans.”
During the festival, Miller gives presentations about the church and the lives of Jesus and his family in Egypt.
“They traveled into Egypt on the run—like as refugees, as fugitives,” he said, “They were not well received.”
Attendees can also learn about Egypt through its popular food area, live entertainment and the wide array of souvenirs.
“It’s not easy here to find this Egyptian cuisine,” Magdy said, “So the people come especially to have a taste of Egypt.”
He knows of people who stock their freezer with gyros and kebabs until the spring festival.
In the largest tent, the “King Tut Bazaar” sells souvenirs, including mugs, shirts and a variety of accessories. Booths sprawled across the lot offer henna tattoos, African masks and decorations, thermal printing, custom frames and fine gold jewelry.
Attendees can also enjoy traditional Egyptian coffee, hibiscus tea, or freshly pressed sugar cane juice while listening to choir hymns and watching a pharaonic parade complete with costumes and props.
The “Kid’s Kingdom” offers face painting, bracelet making, games and bounce houses. Magdy said they introduce new activities and information so that regular attendees can learn something new. The congregation helps.
“All of us have a very valuable role to play, no matter how small … all of these roles require someone to spend time and effort and be faithful in doing them to make sure the festival goes off without a hitch.”
Proceeds from the raffle and food sales help the church keep up with the needs of its growing congregation and the community programs that serve those in need.
“Our faith is not just an idea, but it’s something that has a real impact in the world today and in our lives today,” Miller said.
The Egyptian festival will run from Friday through Sunday at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church,187 Semple Farm Road, Hampton. Visit egyptianfestivalhamptonva.org for more information.