“Russian Days,” a celebration of tradition, food and culture, returns, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sept. 6, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sept. 7 and 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sept. 8, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, 980 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem.

Rev. Matthew Joyner, St. Nicholas Rector, and the parishioners give a heart-felt welcome to the community and invite all to Saint Nicholas Church grounds to explore the church at the 36th Annual Russian Days Food Festival.

“Russian Days is a wonderful opportunity for us here at St. Nicholas to open our doors to our community, not only to share in hospitality with food and drink, but also to open a small window into what Orthodox Christianity is,” said Rev. Joyner.

Entrance to this memorable festival is free. Those attending may enjoy homemade ancestral recipes like borscht, halupki, halushki, blini, pelmeni, pirozhki, pierogi, and potato pancakes.

Inside the St. Nicholas hall, exhibitors will be showcasing crafts, traditional jewelry, holy icons and music in a Russian Tea Room setting. Tours of the majestic church will be directed by Rev. Joyner. Participants might even get to experience the singing of the nationally-recognized St. Nicholas choir, directed by Nick Lezinsky.

“Russian Days” focuses on traditions, food, culture and authentic connections that have stood the test of time. If the old country could meet the new, this would be the place. For more than 100 years, St. Nicholas has maintained its faithful hub in the Lehigh Valley. Patty Felix is St. Nicholas Council Chair. Today, this church is a collective of every community, ethnicity and background.

Information: StNicholasSoca.org