Jersey Shore neighbors and parishioners of St. Stepanos Armenian Church in Elberon, N.J. turned out for the annual church bake sale held by the St. Stepanos Women’s Guild December 20 and 21. This year, the addition of a gift auction drew crowds eager to scoop up sweet and savory treats for their family holiday tables. Many took a break from holiday shopping to enjoy a leisurely lahmajun lunch in the festively decorated Sirvart and Kevork Hovnanian Hall while perusing the tables of goodies and auction items Saturday and Sunday.

Members prepared Armenian delicacies like choreg, tahin hatz, pakhlava, khadayif, soujoukh, yalangi, various kuftahs and cheese boreg for sale, along with a festive assortment of traditional American cookies and cakes. This annual kick off to the Christmas season at St. Stepanos brought a great sense of community and helped stock shoppers’ pantries in time for holiday parties and office gift-giving.

Very special thanks to the many Women’s Guild members who donated their specialties, time, ingredients and monetary support to this annual event.