WHEELING — Mouths are watering for stuffed gyros, chicken kabobs, grilled sausage, lamb, baked fish and baklava bathed in honey sweetness. And it all can be found at the 19th annual Grecian Food Festival set for later this week in the heart of Center Wheeling.

The sights, smells and tastes of Greece will return to the beloved food festival at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church at 2215 Chapline St. where the street will be turned into festival grounds fit for dancing, dining and fellowship.

The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

“It is our hope that you all have a wonderful experience at our annual food festival, and that you will enjoy the various virtues that shine through our parish community at such an event: our zeal for the gift of life, our love of fellowship, and our hospitality to our neighbors,” festival organizers said in a release.

The festival may focus on the delicious ethnic dishes, yet it offers much more in the way of a cultural experience and a means for the church to share its faith with others. Tours of the church will be given by the church’s priest, the Rev. Demetrios Tsikouris. There will be dancing, music, gifts of jewelry, imported olive oils, art and much more.

The festive outdoor setting allows visitors to enjoy a fresh gyro, tavern fries, wings or chicken kabob. The youth of the church community prepare golden fried honey puffs, lemonade and baklava sundaes by day and by night.

The Agape Dancers have been practicing their steps for weeks and will perform at 1:15, 6 and 7:15 p.m. each day. The dancers in their colorful costumes are a crowd pleaser each year as they perform dances from various regions of Greece. The authentic Greek music will be provided by The Greek Company, an local favorite.

In addition to outdoor activities, five full dinner entrees are available in the air-conditioned Hellenic Center Hall in the church. Dinner choices include Grecian chicken, sausage, lamb, twice marinated and grilled pork kabobs and baked fish. Also available is an ala-carte menu and a wide selection of homemade delicious Greek pastries. Flavorful food items, only authentic to the Greek culture, are being offered.

For the fourth year, a cooking show will be presented as part of the festival. Maria Kayafas and Patty Papadimitriou Dunlevy will offer “Fun with Fillo” at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the Hellenic Center Balcony.

There will be a full demonstration for making baklava, copies of the recipes available, and a sample of what was cooked so people can try it.

Baklava is a traditional, popular, Greek dessert made with layers of crispy fillo, filled with nuts, butter, sugar and spices and then bathed in a delicious, sweet syrup.

The demonstration should take approximately 30 minutes and the hope is that many people come to watch and learn.

“This is probably the best known and a favorite Greek dessert with origins dating back over 2000 years,” Dunlevy said.

According to church leaders, the true reason for the festival is to also share the beauty of its Orthodox Christian faith. Anyone interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian Church can do so by visiting the church’s bookstore, participating in one of the church tours, listening-in on one of the liturgical chant demonstrations, and, of course, by talking with anyone in the church. The sanctuary will be open at designated times during the festival for guided tours.

Go online and browse www.grecianfest.com for more information or to download a menu or order food for take out. If you click on the contact tab and complete the information form, you will get a free Greek pastry. Call in or fax your order: 304-232-4976 (GYRO).

Free parking is available at the Center Wheeling Parking Garage.