Local bargain hunters can find many deals at the annual flea market held by St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Mayfield on Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church center, 701 Hill St.
St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral’s annual flea market is celebrating its 35th year. The flea market started in 1991 as part of the parish’s Christmas Bazaar. However, over the years it grew into its own event, according to the Rev. Nathaniel J. Sorochka, rector at St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral.
The annual flea market is a “tremendous fundraiser,” said the Rev. Nathaniel Sorochka. The fundraiser helps the church since the “church is just like anyone else’s home” with water and electricity bills, he said.
This year’s flea market will not be run by Sandy Suey and Patty Suey, “affectionally known as the parish’s ‘Babas,’” said Alexandra Sorochka, publicist for St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral. However, “the parish is grateful for everything they have done and hopes and prays that Sandy and Patty Suey will return in good health and once again be able to lead the flea market,” she said.
“Sandy and Patty Suey have devoted 27 years to making the flea market the successful and much anticipated event it has become,” said Alexandra Sorochka.
The Rev. Nathaniel Sorochka said he is “thankful for the people that laid the groundwork for the event.”
“We have a great team of helpful volunteers,” he said.
This is the third group of volunteers that helped with the flea market and “keep the tradition going,” said the Rev. Nathaniel Sorochka. The group of volunteers is a “dedicated group of people” who “take pride in their work.”
The Russian-themed table at St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral annual flea market that will be held Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church center, 701 Hill St., Mayfield. (Danielle Karwaski/For The Valley Advantage)
According to the Rev. Nathaniel Sorochka, St. John’s Russian Orthodox Church is more than just a church.
“We consider ourselves a family,” he said. The many events and projects the parish works on “keeps everyone together” and has everyone “work as a family.”
To prepare for the annual flea market, volunteers wash, organize and test items to make sure they work before putting the items up for sale, according to the Rev. Nathaniel Sorochka. The group of volunteers start setting up the flea market in July each year, he said.
“You know it is in good shape and you’re not buying junk,” said the Rev. Nathaniel Sorochka.
Tables of the many items available for sale at St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral annual flea market in Mayfield. (Danielle Karwaski/For The Valley Advantage)
Items for sale at the flea market include “things from years past to present,” he said. Some of the many unique items include Dearborn Glass, items from Russia and an antique cabbage slicer.
At the flea market, “there is a little bit for everybody,” the Rev. Nathaniel Sorochka said.
Other items for sale include books, puzzles, toys, small appliances, Christmas décor, dinnerware, purses, collectibles, jewelry, kitchenware, pictures, home décor, seasonal items, flatware, pots, mugs, furniture and more.
Books and furniture items available for sale at St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral annual flea market at the church center in Mayfield. (Danielle Karwaski/For The Valley Advantage)
Items for sale at the flea market were donated by parishioners as well as local community members, according to the Rev. Nathaniel Sorochka.
After the flea market, many unsold items such as household appliances and toys are donated to local charities in need, he said.
In addition to the flea market Friday, St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral kitchen will be selling homemade fried pierogies and mac and cheese by the pint or by the quart, according to Alexandra Sorochka.
On Saturday, there will also be a takeout-only chicken cordon bleu dinner served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for dinner. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting 570-335-2128, 570-876-3576, 570-254-6882, 570-466-8431 or the rectory at 570-876-0730. A very limited number of tickets will be sold at the door, according to Alexandra Sorochka.
St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral will be having a Christmas Bazaar in November with craft vendors, raffles and food, including halushki, soup, burgers, pierogies and more, according to the Rev. Nathaniel Sorochka.
For more information about the St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral’s flea market and Christmas Bazaar, check out its Facebook page at facebook.com/StJohnsROC or call the rectory at 570-876-0730.
If you go
What: St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral’s annual flea market
Where: St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral center, 701 Hill St., Mayfield.
When: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A takeout-only chicken cordon bleu dinner will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Info: Visit the church’s Facebook page at facebook.com/StJohnsROC or call the rectory at 570-876-0730.