Local Orthodox priests gather at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church hall. From left: The Rev. Nathan Clausson, pastor of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church; retired Very Rev. Archbishop Vladimir Fetcho; the Rev. John Nightingale and the Rev. Paul Witek, All Saints Orthodox Church. (Courtesy of Lauren Telep)
Beki Donovan and Anna Witek select their favorite food from the main food table at the Cheesefare dinner in St. Nicholas Church hall. (Courtesy of Lauren Telep)
Parishioners await the official blessing of the food. From left: Debie Donovan, Brittany Sakson and Stephanie Sakson. (Courtesy of Lauren Telep)
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Local Orthodox priests gather at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church hall. From left: The Rev. Nathan Clausson, pastor of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church; retired Very Rev. Archbishop Vladimir Fetcho; the Rev. John Nightingale and the Rev. Paul Witek, All Saints Orthodox Church. (Courtesy of Lauren Telep)
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Olyphant, held the traditional Forgiveness Dinner on Feb. 22, Cheesefare Sunday, the last Sunday before Lent. The dinner, which included dairy dishes such as pierogies, cabbage and noodles (haluski), scalloped potatoes, salads and dessert, was served at the church hall on East Lackawanna Avenue.
In the Orthodox Church, meat and dairy products are not eaten for the 40 days of Lent. Easter is April 12.