McKeesport church to hold ‘A Taste of Serbia’ festival

By Michael Richter
mrichter@yourmvi.com
This weekend, a McKeesport church will celebrate Serbian culture and food with a festival months in the making.
The St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church of McKeesport-Duquesne will host its fourth installment of A Taste of Serbia festival this Friday and Saturday, which includes a smorgasbord of Serbian dishes. The first day will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., while the festival will run from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday.
Folks in the McKeesport area have taken a liking to Serbian cuisine throughout the years at International Village and other St. Sava events, which is why the church created A Taste of Serbia.
“I think they’ve become familiar with it — those who don’t have a Serbian background or a Serbian grandmother,” church spokesperson Dorothy Ikach said. “They’ve become familiar with the flagship items.”
St. Sava began preparation for the Serbian food festival months in advance due to its eclectic menu. According to Ikach, the church starts making nut and apricot rolls in early June.

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Jeff Helsel / Mon Valley Independent
In the kitchen at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church of McKeesport-Duquesne preparing roasted lamb for the festival, from left, are Protinica JoAnn Rocknage, Mike Vranesevic and Dan Pacura.