Church prepares for return of Fair that started 1906
Volunteers at St. Michael Greek Catholic Church prepared Monday for their Easter Fair’s triumphant return Friday and Saturday.
The fair was founded with the church in 1906 and was not held for two years because of COVID-19, according to David Rehm, a hermit at the parish. The community already has responded by purchasing all of the fair’s presale items.
“People were crying on the phone saying they’re so happy to have us back,” he said.
Kiffels, nut rolls, paska bread, ham haluski and stuffed cabbage are a fraction of what was offered on the presale order sheet provided by the church.
“This is going to be our biggest year yet,” said Father Douglas Lorance of St. Michael.
He added that certain items will be for sale during the course of the fair, which runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. until sellout Saturday. The church is at 620 Hansen Ave.
In addition to food, Rehm said the church also will be selling bracelets, the flag of Ukraine and pysanka, Ukranian Easter eggs. As a symbol of Christ’s tomb, the eggshells are hollowed out and hand-painted in preparation for Easter. The eggs were made in Ukraine, and will directly benefit those suffering due to the Russian invasion of the region.
“If you buy eggs, you support the war effort,” he said. “The man who makes them runs a pizza shop in Ukraine, and with the money he gets from the eggs he helps those who come in and are suffering.”
Stephanie Reeves was one of many volunteers preparing baked goods for sale. As a new church member and Easter Fair volunteer, the preparations have helped her get to know people in her congregation.
“This helps (the church) financially, but it also brings people together. The people of Lyndora and the Butler area look forward to it,” she said. “It’s a tradition for this area.”
Rehm and Lorance said their volunteers are indispensable.
“Thank God for these good people who come help and keep our parish going,” Lorance said.
“To help the church, you need every person,” Rehm said. “A third of our numbers are helping with this.”
The Easter Fair is about more than food or raising funds for the church, Rehm added.
“It’s about community. We pray while we’re here, we’re not just baking,” he said. “It’s also about outreach. You bring people here and you hear about what’s going on in people’s lives. Then people say, ‘now I know what this is all about: Jesus Christ.’”
Those interested in purchasing Ukrainian pysanka eggs can contact the church’s rectory at 724-283-0363.
