What began as a longtime church tradition turned into a sellout success Saturday, as St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church’s 25th annual pierogi and halupki sale drew record demand — fueled in part by first-time promotion on Facebook.

“We are basically sold out. There was an increased demand this year,” said parish Secretary Marie Krepicz. “We saw many people who weren’t regulars.”

Krepicz and other parishioners believe that the increased demand was due to the first-time posting about the sale on Facebook.

Supplies were limited, and some returning customers had even placed their orders weeks in advance.

Pierogies, also known as varenyky, are immensely popular in Pennsylvania. Pierogies are filled dumplings made by wrapping unleavened dough around a filling and cooked in boiling water. Typical fillings include potato, cheese and sauerkraut.

The cost was $12 a dozen for potato and cheese pierogies, $13 a dozen for potato and sauerkraut pierogies, and $10 for a container of halupki. Kielbasa stew and stuffed peppers were also for sale.

Krepicz said she and the other event organizers prepare the food ahead of time, then fresh-freeze most of the items for customer convenience in preparation for the day of the sale.

“This sale is a generational thing,” Krepicz added. “We use traditional Ukrainian recipes, and everything is always made with love.”

Krepicz went on to praise the “overwhelming outpouring of support” for the event, extending gratitude to everyone who participated in the event. She added that, given the resounding success of the event, the church is already planning its next sale.

The Rev. Evhen Moniuk praised the event organizers and trustees.

It’s important to keep this a holy place, not just during the holidays, but year-round,” he said. “I am very proud of the event, proud to see we keep tradition alive, as we pray for blessings for everyone involved, including the young generations. We were able to make renovations and upgrades to the property, and events like these help a lot with things like that.”

Moniuk added that in addition to the aforementioned parishioners who made the event possible, he wanted to thank other parishioners and supporters of the church, including Mary Campbell, Anna Mertz and Jim Chalis.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the St. Vladimir Catholic Church fund. For more information on future sales or to get involved with the parish, call 610-573-3031 or search for St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church on Facebook.