Pittsburghers Observe Good Friday

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's a Lenten tradition for Catholics around the world: no meat on Fridays. For many people, that means seafood for lunch and dinner.

At Epiphany Catholic Church, which is located next to Consol Energy Center, business at their weekly fish fry really picks up this time of year. They hold their fish fry dinners every Friday from September through June, not just during Lent.

Epiphany Catholic Church is one of Pittsburgh's historical sites. It was built in 1902. People have been coming to the church for years for their Friday fish frys. All the money raised goes toward maintaining the church.

On Good Friday, the church's hall was packed with people. From young to old, they all came together to enjoy a meal.

"The food is just really, really good," says Sadie Alex, who lives in the South Hills. "We actually came here last year on Good Friday as well, so it's our second year, a little tradition."

There are people who sit down to eat and take their time. And there are a lot of "to go" orders for busy business men and women who are out on their lunch break.

Many are repeat customers.

"We stumbled across this place, I actually stumbled across it with my dad a few years ago," says Dan Harold, who lives on the South Side. "We were getting ready to go to… a hockey game down at Consol [Energy Center]. We didn't eat dinner beforehand, so we saw the fish fry happening. Came in, it was awesome. They were out of everything except the buns! It was really good."

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Many volunteers say the quality of the food is a big draw. The fish is cooked fresh, and the people who work in the kitchen are churning out orders constantly.

"From the time it's cooked until the time it reaches the person's dish is less than five minutes. We think that's pretty good," says Jack Webber, a long-time volunteer. "It's all North Atlantic Cod, which is the best you can get… We want to keep it at $8.00. Where can you go for $8.00 and get a fish this size, this big, you know?"

The homemade slices of cake are also a big hit with people at the fish fry. They're baked by Frank Dascola, who is retired and volunteers at the fish frys. Every week, he makes all different flavors of cake. They sell them for $1.00 a piece at each week's fish fry.

Everybody's favorite flavor? "Chocolate!" he says with a laugh.

But no matter who walks through the door, they all gather for one reason: to celebrate Lent together.

"It's the ultimate sacrifice that the son of God has given for everyone, all mankind," says Matthew Cox, a volunteer. "A Christian is realizing that we don't have everything figured out for ourselves, and that only through Jesus can we really be saved," adds Kent Poole, who lives in Pittsburgh.

If you're looking for a fish fry in your area, you can check out KDKA-TV's Fish Fry Guide.

In the streets of Etna on Friday, a solemn procession took place to commemorate Jesus Christ's crucifixion on the cross.

"Just an oppornuity to celebrate the death of our lord. The triumph of the cross," said Father Jim Gretz of All Saints Church.

Many said that they look forward to honoring this event.

"It means a lot to my heart. I live for this, my religion," Kathleen Mawhinney said.

They mounted the hill, up High Street. Barb and Ed Authur pushing their 10-month old grandson Gus.

"This is a community event and we want to come out and show our respoect and celebrae withthe community," Barb said.

At the Church of Etna Cemetery they set a ladder at the foot of the cross and placed a crown of thorns at the top.