The Pierogi Makers

In summer 2002, I was recruited to document how the parishioners of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church make pierogi (varenyky). Several times per year, this spirited group would gather early on a Saturday morning, form an assembly line, and mass produce the delicious dumplings to sell as a fundraiser. The video shows how, with much frivolity, they make the potato/cheese filling, mix the dough, roll, cut, scoop, pinch, boil, chill, oil, and package the pierogi. It was a massive team effort. Special makers to look for are Pani Czekaluk, wife of the priest, who reveals her recipe for the dough, and Dolores “Dorie” Bochnak, the kitchen worker and chief organizer of the fundraiser, who does not shy from appearing sweaty on camera. Filmed on location at the parish center on Front Street in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. Since then, the “Ukes” hall and social club has been sold and closed. Many of these makers have passed on. Memory eternal!