A beloved holiday tradition returns this weekend in the Mayfield community. St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral is bringing back its Christmas Bazaar on Friday and Saturday at the church center at 701 Hill St., Mayfield.

Joan Bochnovich Zaleski has served as co-chair of the church’s annual fundraiser for 30 years, assisted by her dedicated committee members. For the last few years, the event had been held as a Fall Festival in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

We caught up with Zaleski via email to ask five questions about this year’s event, including its various iterations throughout the years.

1. Tell us about the background of Christmas Bazaar. How long has the church been hosting it and how has it changed over time?

The St. John’s Christmas Bazaar will be held on Nov. 14 and 15 at St. John’s Center, 701 Hill St., Mayfield. It will be a smaller version of what we held prior to the COVID years. This fundraiser has reached its 35th year.

The pandemic, like in many other nonprofit organizations, caused us to shut down the bazaar due to the regulations imposed by the state, at the time. We know the shutdowns were imposed for the safety of all, but many churches and other organizations were affected by it. We substituted the Christmas Bazaar with the Fall Festival for the first few years following COVID.

Due to popular demand, we have decided to bring back St. John’s Christmas Bazaar this year.

2. What kind of response has the bazaar received from the community through the years?

The past few Fall Festivals were a huge success, but our friends, family and neighbors missed the atmosphere of the Christmas Bazaar, so we’re bringing it back on a smaller scale, but with the same enthusiasm, love and hospitality of previous ones. The public’s favorite food items and various stands will be the focal point.

The motivation and dedication of St. John’s faithful is truly inspiring. We are led by two wonderful spiritual leaders, Father Nathaniel Sorochka, who has been assigned to St. John’s as the rector of our parish following his father’s retirement. Father John Sorochka, pastor emeritus of St. John’s, and father to Father Nathaniel, is still helping us keep busy and helps at our projects and church functions. We are truly blessed! These two work endlessly for the betterment of our congregation assisted by truly hard-working, dedicated parishioners who sincerely love their church.

3. What activities will be part of the bazaar? What sorts of raffles and food will be available?

The Christmas Bazaar will be held on Friday and Saturday between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. both days. On Friday the 14th, we’ll be serving our homemade pierogi made by our parishioners, clam chowder, cabbage and noodles and mac and cheese, all made by our parishioners. Only fried pierogi will be sold on these days. However, orders will be taken for the frozen, uncooked pierogi needed for your holiday meals. On Saturday, the 15th, Friday’s menu items will be sold along with homemade cabbage rolls, city chicken (skewered, marinated cubes of pork), steakburgers, hot dogs, homemade Italian wedding soup, kielbasi on a stick or served on a roll, chili, and sausage and pepper sandwiches.

Homemade desserts, homemade loaves of St. John’s famous bread (with or without raisins) and kolachi (nut, poppyseed, lekvar and apricot) will be sold for your upcoming holiday needs if the supply holds out. Arrive early to place your orders.

The main area of our church center will feature a fantastic basket raffle, vendors/crafters, January lottery and chances for our upcoming Christmas cash raffle, which will be held on Dec. 19. Also, you’ll be able to taste the delicious homemade desserts prepared by St. John’s lovely ladies. Some of our basket raffle prizes will include: A freezer with $300 to fill with your favorite foods, wine basket, pizza party prize, lottery tree, cash, car detailing bucket, baking basket, charcuterie charm, football fun, fill “er” up, beautiful hair basket, spa time and much more.

4. What kinds of vendors and crafters will be participating?

Venders/crafters will feature: Candles, jewelry, soaps, holiday crafts, diamond art, maple syrup and more.

5. What do the proceeds of the Christmas Bazaar go toward?

All proceeds earned from festivities such as this bazaar help benefit our parish’s outreach programs and various other needs of the church. We sincerely invite everyone to come and enjoy the weekend with us at St. John’s. The public are always most welcome to attend. Hope to see you there!

Bonus question: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about the Christmas Bazaar?

The public is invited to come join us for a weekend of food, fun and fellowship. Any questions, call St. John’s Rectory (570-876-0730), St. John’s Center (570-876-0391) Mott (570-335-2128) or me (570-906-4520).

If you go

What: St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral Christmas Bazaar

When: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: St. John’s Center, 701 Hill St., Mayfield