April

One particular day - 29 February - was missing this year – and every four years. A pity, for the saint of the day is St. Cassian. John Cassiαn. Sitting - in the best-known icon - studious and serious at his writing desk. On the Sunday of Orthodoxia we thanked God for our icons. Some monasteries include parts of the Service for St. Cassian at a later hour but usually he is forgotten. Not so in Cyprus where they love him. Monastics love him too. Abba Cassian, the Roman, praised for his writings, well known as the arranger of monastic life in the West. Having been ordained by St Chrysostom in Constantinople, something extra special, he then went to France, opening two monasteries. His writings were highly regarded, forming the rules for monasteries in the West.

John Cassian

Now as we enter Sarakosti (official 40 days fasting), is the time to attend to his words. Especially on Gluttony. St. Chrysostom said, “He who fasts is contrite, restrained, humbled - not drunk with anger.” In St. Cassian’s writings he says how spiritual perfection is a monk’s goal. That the monk should avoid the eight sins - Gluttony being one. He writes how silence is important for the monk at table, he does not talk, he never sneezes or coughs, yawns or sighs. This is why there is a spiritual reading during the meal. Exactly to strengthen silence. All eyes are lowered, no curious glances at others or their plates, “The one who stares has sinned.” (Mt. 5/28). Every monk is prepared to eat all, as eating away from the refectory is forbidden. The cook is aware of the fasting days, of the numbers to feed, and stands at the end of the meal ready for criticism from the Hegumen. Details of St. Cassian’s regime can be read in the small booklet from Paraklyto monastery.

Gluttony by Hieronymus Bosch

St. John Climacus, author of the Ladder of Divine Ascent, with 30 steps to manage vices and virtues. In step 14 he lists how the monk can overcome gluttony, and there is mention in Proverbs 24, how overindulgence brings on drowsiness and sloppiness. All the monasteries have mastered tasty food for fasting - no-one can complain. St. John Climacus is celebrated on 30 March and also on the fourth Sunday of Lent. He lived for 40 years on a mountain eating sparsely. He said so wisely, “Master your stomach before it masters you”.

Koliva, prepared on these days, has been made since the times when Christians were battling to find edible food, not poisoned by Julian the Apostate. A famous story, you have heard it, praising St, Theodore Tyre. Good luck with the recipe below.

To make koliva put 2 lbs of wheat in a deep pan, cover with water and 1 tsp salt, simmer till soft, then drain. Spread on clean linen to dry. Mix in 2 cups of flour and cook in a heavy skillet, stirring till golden. Now mix 2 cups of flour with dry wheat adding 1 cup raisins, 2 tbsp cumin, 2 tbsp cinnamon and a cup of sugar, mix well. Spread it on a tray, cover with 4 cups of chopped walnuts, 1 cup of chopped parsley. Cover with a cup of flour. Sift 1 lb of icing sugar and press down with a spatula. Decorate with almonds and silver dragees. This is a recipe not only for memorial days, but can be made in large quantities for fasting days.

Another tasty meal for fasting is mushroom soup. Nevertheless, do not boast of your intake. Some fast all day, taking only meagre bites at night, but were all day in the courthouse suing the neighbor!

After all its not the deprivation of food, but the deprivation of all vices. Time to love God and your neighbour. St. Cassian said love of God is above deprivation.

Wednesday and Friday are fasting days, all year, having angels for those days as St. Pachomios learnt. A story worth learning.

Good luck. Good Fasting.

August 23 - Festival of The Odigitria

As at every monastery, so too at the Holy Metochi, the celebration of the Saint to whom the monastery is dedicated is the most significant day in the year. 

In the case of the Metochi, our Patroness is the Holy Virgin and Mother of God, the Odigitria, who in this area is called the Panayiopoula. All year in our thoughts and prayers we call to  her to bestow her grace on us.

The 23rd of August is the Return Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the 9th day, and worshippers venerate a small icon of the Dormition, showing the All-Holy settled on her deathbed surrounded by apostles, hierarchs and angels.

Leading up to the day the church is scrubbed, polished and decorated. The Altar is covered with a richly embroidered cloth only used for this festival, flowers fill every corner and rows of flags are strung up and down the street. The  beloved and grace-filled icon of the Panayiopoula is framed in priceless handmade lace.

Celebrating the Panagia Odigitria

The church which so many describe as having a 'soul' is very small, so chairs outside in the quiet street soon fill up with locals and some from further away.

• On 22nd August, Vespers starts at 8 p.m.with the Blessing of the Bread (Αρτοκλασια) and is followed by refreshments.
• On 23rd August, Matins and Divine Liturgy starts at 8 a.m. Later, coffee is served next door, with extra help from a group interested in maintaining Corfu Town customs. Although lacking a refectory we aim at hospitality as that of Abraham.
• The small Canon to the Theotokos is chanted in the evening at 8 p.m., by candlelight, and already we look forward to next year's celebration, God willing.

Each Service is officiated by the Hegumen of the Holy Monastery Platytera.

'All generations shall call me blessed'  Luke 1, 48. That is why we call and pray for her help, our Ever-Virgin Mother. All Holy Theotokos intercede for us.

The church can be contacted by writing to PO Box 532, Corfu, 49100 Greece or by email at info@corfu-odigitria.com.