BOARDMAN — George Zografides has attended the same church all 85 years of his life and, among other things, he’s learned a thing or two about the art of loukoumades.

“He’s a master,” said Constantine Economus, who was frying a batch of the doughy pastries as Zografides performed a little friendly supervision.

The two men worked in tandem Saturday evening to prepare the loukoumades (bite-sized fluffy Greek sweet honey balls), one of many desserts that are part of the four-day annual St. John’s Glendi Greek Festival, which began Thursday and continues noon to 8 p.m. today at St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church, 4955 Glenwood Ave.

The family-friendly fundraiser features plenty of Greek meals, pastries, music and dance. The underlying idea is to celebrate Greek culture, customs and traditions while displaying Greek hospitality and bringing together the community, the Rev. Constantin Ursache, church pastor, noted.

Funds raised will go toward the church while other proceeds will be used to support an organization that’s assisting people affected by the war in Ukraine, Ursache said.

Zografides, affectionately known as “Zog,” said he’s been making loukoumades for about 28 years.

The beginning process entails frying the dough in peanut oil for about 75 seconds before adding syrup, honey and cinnamon, he explained. Zografides said he often rises around 9 a.m. to prepare the dough and may make about 175 dozen of the treats beforehand.

“George taught me the technique,” Ecomomus, a 56-year St. John the Forerunner Church member, added.

The menu is filled with a variety of Greek dinners and desserts such as pastitsio (a baked pasta dish), moussaka (an eggplant or potato-based meal) and spanakopita (a Greek spinach pie). Other available foods include smelts, calamari, tiropita, grape leaves and sides of rice and beans.

Attendees also were treated Saturday to the St. Haralambos Hellenic Dancers of Canton.

If you go …

WHAT: The annual St. John’s Glendi Greek Festival

WHEN: Noon to 8 p.m. today

WHERE: St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church, 4955 Glenwood Ave., Boardman

ADMISSION: Free