St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville is celebrating its 25th year of Lenten fish frys.
Hundreds of people from the municipality and surrounding towns flock to the banquet hall from 4-7 p.m. every Friday at 2110 Haymaker Road for baked and fried seafood and sides.
Volunteer Beth Stafura said between 450-500 pieces of hand-breaded fish are served each week, as well as multiple pounds of shrimp and scallops.
It is not uncommon to see a couple at one of the many tables with a bottle of wine enjoying the food and fellowship.
Cookies, cupcakes, brownies, baklava and pieces of red devil’s-food cake have been known to sell out within the first hour or two.
Patrons are encouraged to call in advance to secure their orders. Pre-orders start around noon on Wednesdays. Meals are takeout or dine-in.
About $30,000 is raised each season for church capital projects such as heating and air conditioning upgrades, roof repairs, painting and new kitchen appliances, according to volunteer Daniel Markoff.
The layout changed in 2022 to improve efficiency and separate patrons getting baked goods and sweets from the main food line.
