Food. It sustains the human body, and when shared in good company, it nourishes the soul. Empires have been built and destroyed, battle plans drawn and peace accords brokered at the dinner table. In the case of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church’s annual “World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner,” it’s where long-lasting friendships are formed and a community is strengthened. It’s been that way for 60 years now. Nov. 14, once again, the Greek Orthodox congregation will serve up mouthwatering spaghetti dinners and Greek pastries at the Hellenic Center at 614 Oakridge Ave.

The dinner is a carry-out only affair; tickets are available at the door.

This much-anticipated event lasts just a day, and for the congregation, it is a herculean effort. For the community, it is a delectable, easy way to enjoy a hearty meal and support a noble effort.

Dozens of volunteers join ranks to put together thousands of meals in just 10 short hours. That equates to around 4,000 pounds of dry pasta, 900 gallons of meat sauce and 200 pounds of grated cheese. The amount of work that goes into making that much spaghetti is incredible, but when the cars start lining up at the Hellenic Center and the volunteers are bustling to fill orders, it is all worth it. Not many events get that kind of community support.

While the pasta alone is a great reason to support the Spaghetti Dinner, anyone with a sweet tooth can find relief at the Greek Pastry Sale that happens in conjunction with the dinner. It is, in its own right, worth a trip to the Hellenic Center.

The congregation treats the community to delicious Greek pastries and desserts, complete with traditional recipes and presentation twice a year. The Spaghetti Dinner is one of those times. The other is the Greek Festival, which happens every September. Dripping with honey, coated in powdered sugar, with coffee or on the go, the pastries are a decadent treat for anyone craving a little something sweet from the islands of the Mediterranean.

The entire daylong event is a big commitment, but what is even more impressive is the fact that the money raised at the event goes right back into the community. The “World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner” is a fundraiser for local nonprofits. The beneficiaries change from year to year, but the spirit behind Spaghetti Dinner does not.

Each meal costs just $6. Tickets are available at the door. This all takes place at the Hellenic Center at 614 Oakridge Ave. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit http://stsch.nc.goarch.org/spaghetti-dinner or call the church at 910-484-8925 for information.