The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW held its much-anticipated annual Cherry Picking Weekend from Saturday, December 7 to Sunday, December 8, bringing members together for a memorable weekend filled with tradition, community spirit, and delicious food.
The day began at 6am as attendees made their way to Young, New South Wales, to visit Allambie Orchard for cherry picking.
Members enjoyed the opportunity to harvest fresh cherries straight from the trees, sharing in a hands-on experience that celebrated both nature and community. The orchard visit was followed by a BBQ feast, freshly prepared on-site for all participants.
After a busy morning, the group travelled to Canberra, where they checked into their hotel for a well-earned rest.
Later in the evening, members took charge of dinner preparations, serving a mouth-watering spread of traditional Greek cuisine. The menu featured lamb and chicken souvlakia, sheftalies, fresh salads, and warm pita bread – all cooked to perfection. The meal fostered a strong sense of togetherness, as members gathered to enjoy good food and great company.
On Sunday morning, the group prepared breakfast for attendees before heading to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra. There, they took part in a church service, followed by the annual Paniyiri, a traditional Greek festival filled with music, dancing, and celebration.
The Cherry Picking Weekend is a beloved annual tradition for the Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW, offering members a chance to reconnect with nature, their cultural roots, and one another. From fresh cherries to festive meals, the weekend embodied the Brotherhood’s enduring values of community, tradition, and hospitality.
