Another Fasting Feast Day

September 14th is the day we remember the Elevation of the Holy Cross.  It's the second major feast day of the new church calendar year.  It's a good way to reflect upon what Christianity really is: To follow Christ means to "pick up your cross." 

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.   For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.  For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?  -Luke 9:23-25 

 

 

To honor the importance of the day and what the cross is, the Church has designated this feast day as a fasting day.  And not just a meat free day, but a strict fast day.

This dichotomy of a fasting feast is appropriate for today as the cross was the tool for torture and killing of Christ, but it also reveals the power of the resurrection. We all have something that we are struggling with.  Many times we run from the struggle due to fear or weakness.  But there are times when we accept our cross, we also experience the joy of the resurrection. 

If you need a new fasting recipe, follow the Lenten Recipe page above for my top posts, or search "Lenten" over to the right. 

 

The Feast Day's Apolytikion Hymn

 

Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance,

granting our rulers to prevail over adversaries,

and protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.

Returning to the Classics with PB&J.

One of the most basic sandwiches around is the classic peanut butter and jelly.   It's a childhood favorite (unless you or a classmate have an allergy to peanuts.)  We used to eat them all the time. Crunchy peanut butter and grape jelly on soft (mushy) white bread.  It was even better when cut into four squares, as opposed to triangles.  I remember getting into trouble for not eating the crusts. 

I had forgotten all about PB&J until I found myself making them for our son. He loves them!  Can eat them everyday if I let him... even the crusts.  And that's when I was reintroduced to the perfect sandwich.  It possesses the balanced combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet and salty.  I just love them now!   And with the Fast for the Panagia, it is an easy go-to for protein and energy.  


I still prefer the classic crunchy peanut butter and grape jelly but I toast my wheat bread and cut the slice in half, diagonally.   Do you have a favorite combination you can suggest? Share it with us below.

The Perils of Lentils, My New Found Favorite

When President George Bush, declared in 1990 that ''I do not like broccoli, and I haven't liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I'm President of the United States, and I'm not going to eat any more broccoli!'' I stood and cheered!  Such was my dislike for Lentils. 

 

But as I enter into another fast, I am finding it harder to get the necessary nutrients and I have finally found a recipe I can not only swallow but enjoy. 

 

My mom helped me with this post... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Half a bag of Lentils is all we make at a time. 

Lentils... look for small pebbles.

Rinse with warm water.

Fill large pot with enough water so the lentils have room for movement while boiling. 

Boil for 5 minutes.  Water will get cloudy.

Strain lentils, to remove dark water but no need to rinse.   I've found the meal to be lighter when I rinse out the water. 

Have three quarts of boiling water on stove ready to quickly return to cooking the beans. 

Return to boil.

 

 

 

Chop 2 celery stalks, 3 carrots, 1 onion, parsley, 4 whole garlic cloves and add to soup. 

Also add 1/2 c tomato sauce, 1 bay leaf, 1 t salt and 1/4 t pepper.

 



Cook for another 30 minutes and remove foam if necessary.

Add olive oil at end to taste.  I don't know why my mom uses such a small spoon. 

Add your choice of vinegar to taste.

www.shop.vscardbox.com
 

 

 

Moveable Feasts and Fasts

 

 

It's that time of year again and we are fixin' to get ready for Lent.   As we enter into this Movable Fast/Feast Period of the Orthodox calendar let me give you the quick rundown:

 

Feb 9-15:  The Triodion- "Three" weeks before Lent.  No Fasting

Feb 16-22:  Meatfare- Regular Fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays

Feb 23-March 2:  Cheesefare- Fast Week (Dairy, Eggs, and Fish Allowed)

March 3- April 11: Great and Holy Lent- Strict Fast (No Eggs, Dairy or Meat) ((not even lamb.))  (((Big Fat Greek Wedding)))

April 12: Saturday of Lazarus (Wine and Oil Allowed)

April 13: Palm Sunday (Fish, Wine and Oil Allowed) ((Big Fish day to give you strength for the upcoming week))

April 14-19: Holy Week, Strict Fast

April 20: Great and Holy PASCHA, Easter. Fast Free (But you already knew that)

April 21-27: Bright Week, Fast Free

April 28-June 8: Back to our regularly scheduled fasting schedule…. Wednesdays and Fridays.

May 29: Holy Ascension

June 8: Pentecost

June 9-14: No Fasting

June 15: Sunday of All Saints, No Fasting

June 16-June 29: Apostles Fast, (fish allowed) ((One of the "lesser" fasts that is often overlooked))

June 30: Holy Apostles

This concludes our moveable feast portion of the calendar.  You may now return back to our regularly scheduled fasting schedule…. Wednesdays and Fridays. 

 

Remember: fasting is not a diet but a spiritual exercise.  Use it with prayer and almsgiving. 

 

A Sweeter Way to Say Thanks... A Recipe for a Phanouropita

I recently misplaced my keys... Read my post on Sounding to find out why I ended up making a cake. 


When St. Phanourios Finds Lost Things...

Fixin' to Get Ready for the Nativity of Our Lord.

We've lived in the land of fried foods and the revolution for five years now.  I have learned a lot about pound cakes, state's rights and the variety of hunting seasons that fill the year.  I know to ask how a person's Mama is doin' and I know that BBQ is pork smothered in sauce and chicken and steaks are grilled on an open flame.  I know that tea is always sweet and the humidity is always high.  And I know what it means to be "fixin' to get ready."  Every Orthodox Christian knows what  "fixin' to get ready" is, only we call it a fast. 

On November 15th we begin the Advent Fast, 40 days to prepare ourselves to appreciate the miracle that is Christmas.  I look forward to this season of a lighter fast (not as strict as Easter's Fast) because it keeps us looking at the prize, that Christmas is a religious holiday and not a day we can finally rest from all the shopping, parties and travelling that filled our days since Santa rode down 34th Street and walked into Macy's at the end of the Thanksgiving Day Parade.   

I actually enjoy the way the Church Calendar is set up with fasting and preparations leading up to Christmas and then celebration until the eve of Theophany, the real Twelve Days of Christmas.  But most people have it backwards.  They over stress, over eat, over drink and over spend during a time when they should be holding back, reflecting on the miracle that is the Virgin's childbirth.  Christmas is a wonderful time not because of the loot under the tree or the vacation time to be with family (all that is good), but because it is a time when we celebrate that the Son of God put on flesh and lived among His creation in a way that only pure and true love would allow.  This kind of truth, this type of deep, awesome act of love can't be properly reflected upon or appreciated in and out of festive parties and rich dinners; walking up and down mall aisles searching out for the perfect present.  This type of miracle deserves a quiet, sober mind and heart.   This type of miracle deserves our full attention, and so we fast.

And after the time of preparation has passed... after the fast is over and the time to celebrate has come, we are free to celebrate, not just for one day, not for 8 days like we do for Christ's Resurrection, but for twelve days!  The Church Calendar gives us twelve days to celebrate Christmas- until we come to Theophany, the baptism of our Lord in the Jordan River, when the dove appears and God declares, "This is My beloved Son."  Then Jesus begins His public ministry and the miracles, teachings and healing that reveal who He is really begins.  Then we are given the opportunity to respond to Christ's invitation to follow Him. 

So yes, on November 15th we will begin the time of preparation for Christmas.  We should try to fast from meat for the 40 days.  We should schedule time to take care of the poor and lonely.  We should reflect upon the wonderful gift that God gave us more that we stew over what we will be giving our friends and family.  And then when December 25th comes, we will celebrate!  Twelve Days worth! 

Meal Plan with Top 14 meals for Panagia's Fast, August 1-14.

Here we are at another fasting period.   Are you ready? 

Here is a list of our top fourteen favorite.

1. Banana Bread

1. 
   
   Shrimp and Potato Soup

1. Fifteen Bean Soup
   
   
   
2. Pierogies
   
   
   
   
   
3. Pasta Shells in Clam Sauce 
   
4. Fish Plaki 
   
5. Greek Fries
   
   
   
6. Hummus
   
7. Shrimp and Rice 
   
   
   
8. Chocolate Cake 
   
9. Tuna and Potatoes 
   
   
   
10. Spanakopita 
    
    
    
11. Baked Vegetables 
    
12. Spinach and Rice 
    
    
    

Don't Let the Celebration of the Saints Get Lost in Lazy Summer Days

It's summer!  Can you feel it?  Are you on vacation? Are you on a schedule?  Do you even know what day it is?  It's easy to get off schedule and let the ease (chaos) of summer take over, especially if you have kids.  Finding a balance to get work done and kids entertained is a juggle.  Just knowing the day of the week is an accomplishment.

Well, get it together because summer is a great time to teach our kids about the church calendar.  During the month of July we celebrate some awesome saints and in the month of August we participate in a fourteen day fast and two of the twelve great feasts: Transfiguration and Assumption of the Virgin Mary. 

Here are a few links to find the daily celebrations and learn more about the lives of the saints. 


The Prologue from Ochrid

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America CALENDAR

MYSTAGOGY The Weblog of John Sanidopoulos 

I encourage you to keep up with the celebrations.  Teach your kids the saint of the day over breakfast.  Ask for the intercessions of the daily saint during evening prayers.  Attend weekday liturgies or treat your church staff to homemade treats like muffins or cookies in honor of the saints.  Don't let the celebration of the saints get lost in lazy summer days. 

Finish What You've Started and Receive Your Just Rewards! (Large Lima Bean Casserole)

 

If anyone has wearied himself in fasting, let him now receive his recompense.

 

We are coming to the end of our Lenten Journey and as I start planning my Pascha/Easter feast for my family, and listing the foods that are now available to us, I sit here at a crossroad.  I love Lent.  I love the opportunity it offers us to repent, to take a hard look at how far we've slipped away from where we want to be.  I love the invitation to remove ourselves from the world even if just a little bit.  I love remembering that there is something greater for us.  There is more than just this life, as blessed as it may be.  And as excited as I am about finishing the fast with ambition, I'd love to sink my teeth into a messy, medium rare cheeseburger with all the fixin's including a bit of chili slipping down the side. 

But there are only 7 days remaining.  Only 7 days left in this season of Holy and Great Lent.  Then we will all be rejoicing.  Then we will all shout from the depths of our souls, "Christ is Risen!" 


To help us finish the fast well, I have posted the Homily of St. John Chrysostom which is read at the end of the Resurrection Service.  

If anyone is devout and a lover of God, let him enjoy this beautiful and radiant festival.

If anyone is a wise servant, let him, rejoicing, enter into the joy of his Lord.

If anyone has wearied himself in fasting, let him now receive his recompense.

If anyone has labored from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward. If anyone has come at the third hour, with thanksgiving let him keep the feast. If anyone has arrived at the sixth hour, let him have no misgivings; for he shall suffer no loss. If anyone has delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near without hesitation. If anyone has arrived even at the eleventh hour, let him not fear on account of his delay. For the Master is gracious and receives the last, even as the first; he gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour, just as to him who has labored from the first. He has mercy upon the last and cares for the first; to the one he gives, and to the other he is gracious. He both honors the work and praises the intention.

Enter all of you, therefore, into the joy of our Lord, and, whether first or last, receive your reward. O rich and poor, one with another, dance for joy! O you ascetics and you negligent, celebrate the day! You that have fasted and you that have disregarded the fast, rejoice today! The table is rich-laden; feast royally, all of you! The calf is fatted; let no one go forth hungry!

Let all partake of the feast of faith. Let all receive the riches of goodness.

Let no one lament his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed.

Let no one mourn his transgressions, for pardon has dawned from the grave.

Let no one fear death, for the Saviour's death has set us free.

He that was taken by death has annihilated it! He descended into hades and took hades captive! He embittered it when it tasted his flesh! And anticipating this Isaiah exclaimed, "Hades was embittered when it encountered thee in the lower regions."

 

It was embittered, for it was abolished!

 

It was embittered, for it was mocked!

 

It was embittered, for it was purged!

 

It was embittered, for it was despoiled!

 

It was embittered, for it was bound in chains!

It took a body and, face to face, met God! It took earth and encountered heaven! It took what it saw but crumbled before what it had not seen!

"O death, where is thy sting? O hades, where is thy victory?"

Christ is risen, and you are overthrown!

Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen!

Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice!

Christ is risen, and life reigns!

Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in a tomb!

For Christ, being raised from the dead, has become the First-fruits of them that slept.

To him be glory and might unto ages of ages. Amen.

Until then... Here's a bean casserole you might like to try. 

GIANTS!

Large Lima Bean Casserole

Prepare 1 lb. Large Lima Beans- I like to rapidly boil the beans in PLENTY of water for ten minutes and then cover and and let stand for an hour.  I drain the water and rinse the beans well. 

Put beans in a large baking dish.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add:

• chopped onion
• 3 sliced carrots
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1/2 can water or vegetable broth
• oregano
• ground pepper
• 2 t salt
• 1/2 t sugar

The oregano container had such little bitty holes!  I twisted the top of and seasoned like a Greek!  :)

Bake uncovered for 1 hour. 

Don't Rest Yet! Finish the Race!

It's amazing what a little ambition can do.

Some days we only have to push ourselves a little further to win the prize and then we will see that we are strong.  Finish the race my dear friends. Don't rest in defeat in front of the finish line. There is one more week till our Lord's glorious resurrection. There are only 7 more days of this gifted time to see things more clearly. Finish the race with ambition. And when it is time to celebrate on the other side of the line, you will rest knowing only joy and gratitude.

PRAYER, FASTING, and CHARITY.

www.vscardbox.com

The Five Steps to Baked Tofu

Recipe called for:

• 2 tofu cakes, vacuumed packed. (10-12 oz)
• 2 T soy sauce
• 2 T cider vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2T chopped onions
• 1/2 c water
• 1/2 t minced, pealed, fresh ginger
• 1 t packed light brown sugar

I didn't pay attention and used one block of tofu. Grrr.  But I added 6 medium sized mushrooms and quartered them. The mushrooms kept it from being too salty but a second block would have been better.

I also did t have ginger so I used mint. Wish I had ginger.  Ginger is a great root to cook with.

Step One

Weigh down tofu to release liquid- 30 minutes.

Step Two

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Step Three

 

Combine remaining ingredients in a 9X13 or 9X9 baking dish. Set aside.

Step Four

 
Cut tofu in 3 horizontal slices and then cut into squares (or triangles) and place in baking dish.  Turn to coat tofu with ginger sauce.

Step Five

 

Bake 35-45 minutes and turn several time.  Tofu is done when ginger sauce is absorbed and ginger sauce is gone. 

Step Five

Serve over rice. 

 

 

Feasting and Fasting, the Orthodox Way. Celebrating Palm Sunday with Fish Plaki

We are about to begin our 6th and final week of Lent and then brace for Holy Week and all I can reflect on is how amazing Lent and fasting are. Where else can we fast and feast on the same day? It sound’s impossible, I know! But you can do it with a Greek Fish Plaki.

 

If we’ve been participating in the fast, we are aware that the Orthodox faith instructs fasting by certain levels: first meat (pork, beef and chicken,) then dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and eggs, then fish (but not shellfish as in shrimp and calamari), then wine (all alcohol) and oil and then all food. (My sweet son, who is learning to fast, read this and shouted out, “All food!?! That’s impossible!”)

 

If we have a Spiritual Father to guide us, he has assigned us a certain level of fasting. Knowing our personal experiences in fasting and health issues he might advise a personal fasting rule based on the levels we follow. For example, if we’ve never fasted a day in our life, he might advise us to refrain from meat Wednesdays and Fridays; Wednesday to remember the day Christ was betrayed and Friday for the day He was crucified. Or, he may want us to fast from meat every day and increase our level by instructing us to refrain from dairy or egg products on Wednesdays and Fridays. If we fast from meat, dairy and eggs on Wednesdays and Fridays all year long, he may guide us to keep fasting from meat, dairy and egg products all during Lent and to fast from fish on Wednesdays and Fridays.

 

Yet, do not confuse the “personalization” of fasting to mean that we get to fast from what we chose, like “giving up” chocolate or soft drinks for Lent. A spiritual father’s instruction is one of clemency; the church calls it “economia.” It would be better to fast to our limited ability than to fail in fasting, so a spiritual father can offer us a stepping stone till we can participate in the full fast. Why is this important to clarify?

 

Orthodox Christians fast on various levels. Ideally though, we are fasting for six weeks (seven if you include Holy Week) from meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine and oil. And we are observing a sober time where we reflect on our past actions, intentions and sins; it’s basically a time for repentance. So when a Great Feast Day falls during Lent, like it did with the Annunciation (March 25) and it will with Palm Sunday (this year it falls on April 28,) the Church sees the importance in celebrating the feast. Clergy dress in bright, colorful vestments (instead of purple,) we are encouraged to decorate the interior of the church and icons with flowers and palms, and we break the fast. Well, we don’t stop fasting, but the Church alleviates the fast by taking it down a notch.

 

On Palm Sunday we are “permitted” to eat fish to celebrate the holy day. If we’ve been fasting from meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine and oil for 6 weeks, you can see how fish for dinner is a great treat. If we haven’t been fasting at this level, I imagine we’ll miss the whole point. We might even wonder why we are fasting so strictly on a Feast Day.

 

What will you cook for Palm Sunday? Here is a recipe for a Fish Plaki with Potatoes. What's Plaki (plah-KEE)? It's a dish that is traditionally baked with olive oil, tomato, and vegetables.

 

Mom’s Fish Plaki

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Peel 5 potatoes and cut in ½’ discs. Place them in greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes while you prepare the sauce.

Plaki Sauce

• Slice 2 onions and sauté in olive oil with
• 4 Celery stalks (chopped) and
• 3 garlic cloves

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the onions are translucent, add

• 3T chopped dill
• 2T chopped fresh mint
• 1c chopped parsley
• A splash of white wine
• 1 large can of crushed tomatoes
• 3T olive oil… (1/4 c if you’re Greek)

Let sauce simmer until potatoes are ready.

 

 

 

When potatoes are almost finished cooking, remove baking dish from oven, place 4 pieces of grouper over the potatoes and pour sauce over fish. You can use tilapia, whiting, or cod, but I favor grouper for this dish. Place slices of lemon rounds on top of fish. Bake for another 15 minutes until the fish is flaky. Serve.

Sauce should be thicker.  I didn't let it simmer enough. But it still tasted great!

 

 

(ONE IMPORTANT NOTE: Lent is a time we focus on Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving. But since I write on Lenten recipes I focus on fasting for my blog, In Service and Love at www.presvassi.blogspot.com . During these 7 weeks, if we only focused on the food we ate or didn't eat, we haven’t engaged in a spiritual exercise but we have merely started a diet.)