Anastasia

Easter 2018 - Pedoulas, Cyprus

The village of Pedoulas lies leisurely in Marathasa Valley at about 1200 metres above sea level, on the northern flanks of Troodos Mountain Range. The village counts 130 inhabitants as most young people fled to the city. Alkis and I went for an Easter holiday in Pedoulas and had such a great time there! The village is about 119km from Larnaca and it takes 1h 43 minutes to get there. It took us almost 2 h 30m as we stopped at the beautiful village of Kakopetria for a cup of coffee.

DAY 1 - Friday, 6 April 2018

Kakopetria is located in Solea Valley and stands at an altitude of 667 metres above sea level. The village is built on the banks of two rivers - the Kargotis and Garillis, which join within the village and form the Klarios river. Kakopetria is also a popular summer resort due to its cool climate during our hot summer months. Soon after coffee, we took the winding road to Pedoulas. I was so excited as we drove past a magical natural setting consisting of pine trees, poplars and wild vegetation. We checked in at Cristy's Palace Hotel - an old mansion built in 1945. It's got nothing to do with a standard 5-star hotel. It's not a palace in this sense, but it's a beautiful family-run mansion. Mr Andreas, the owner, gave us a warm welcome and both my husband and I felt as if we were guests at his home. Our room was small but functional and nicely decorated. Mr Andreas recommended "Two Flowers Restaurant" for lunch, just opposite the hotel. We loved the food there. As we were both fasting, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the restaurant offered a good choice of lenten dishes.  In the evening, we attended the church service of the Epitaph at the church of the Holy Cross - a church which dominates the village. We went back to "Two Flowers" for dinner.

 

DAY 2 - Saturday, 7 April 2018

Breakfast at Cristy's Hotel was excellent! We really enjoyed it! Soon after breakfast, we set off to explore only a few of the 14 villages which belong to Marathasa Valley.

In the evening, we attended the midnight service of the Resurrection at the Church of the Holy Cross in Pedoulas. And then we had the traditional soup and flaounes  at "Two Flowers Restaurant"

 

DAY 3 - Sunday, 8 April 2018

On Easter Sunday, we visited Kykkos Monastery for the second time in 30 years.  I had tears in my eyes as I knelt down and worshiped Her Grace  - the Grace of Virgin Mary. Photos aren't allowed in the Monastery.

And then we had a festive lunch in Pedoulas.

This was one of the best Easter holidays I've ever had. Apart from its natural beauties, what I loved most about Pedoulas is the warmth and hospitality of the people who made me feel part of their small community.

 

 

Flaounes – Easter Cheese Pies

"Flaounes" - Easter cheese pies - can only be found in Cyprus. It's our number one Easter treat. I don't think there's a Cypriot who can do without flaounes for Easter! According to tradition, they're baked on Holy Friday to be enjoyed on Easter Day and the days to follow since this Holy Week is also a time to fast and prepare our body for the Holy Communion on Holy Saturday.

My flaounes look great, hope they're just as great in taste. Ah well, some are small and some are larger. This is not a problem!

For the dough

• 5 cups self-raising flour
• 2-3 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 6-7 cherry mahaleb grains
• 6-7 small mastic grains
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup oil
• 1.5 cup lukewarm milk

For the filling

• 1 kg flaouna cheese or any other hard cheese
• 1/2 cup semolina
• 1 piece yeast - the size of a large egge
• 6-8 eggs
• 6-7 small mastic grains
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1  1/2  teaspoons baking powder
• lots of fresh mint finely chopped
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 1  1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 1 egg for brushing

Directions

1.Grate the cheese one day in advance and place it in the fridge to dry. Stir once or twice. 

2. Whisk the eggs for the filling and combine the cheese with the semolina.

3. Make a hole in the centre, place the yeast in it and on top add an egg.

4. Press and squeeze the yeast, egg and the cheese with your fingertips until the yeast is dissolved.

5. Add as many eggs as needed (about six) to make a rather firm mixture.

6. Cover with a kitchen towel and set aside.

7. Make the dough by mixing the flour , baking powder, mastic and the cherry mahaleb pounded with 1 teaspoon sugar. Pour in the oil and rub into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Knead with as much milk as needed to make a rather fluffy dough.

8.Cover with a kitchen towel for half an hour. Before starting rolling out the dough, finish the filling by adding the mint, baking powder, raisins,, cherry mahaleb and the mastic pounded with 1 teaspoon sugar.

9. Stir well. Rinse the sesame seeds, drain and place on a kitchen towel.

10. Roll out the dough thinly to give a square shape of medium size.

11. Place each piece of dough on the sesame seeds and press on the bottom side only.

12. Put some filling in the centre of each piece and fold the four sides to form a square shape, leaving the filling in the centre uncovered!.

13. Place the flaounes on an ungreased, lightly floured baking tray and brush them with some beaten egg.

14. Bake for about 40 minutes in a pre-heated, moderately hot oven (160*C) until golden brown. 

Adapted from : Cyprus Cooking for Friends by Sandra Lysandrou.

Useful Tips:

• Prepare the filling the day before and let it rest in the fridge. In this way, your flaounes filling will release all these wonderful aromas and spices.
• Do not push down the filling or cover it with the dough or else your flounes won't rise! The filing in the centre must remain uncovered!
• Do not overwork the dough as this may cause the gluten to develop and become bread-like.
• Remember, flaounes is not a kind of Easter bread as you may see on various food websites. It's a cheese pie - a very special Easter cheese pie.
• Flaounes can be stored in the freezer for 3 - 4 months.
• Flaounes is not a dessert. You can enjoy them with tea or coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
• Bear in mind that flaounes are packed with cholesterol! So, consume in moderation. 

Σήμερον κρεμάται επί ξύλου, ο εν ύδασι την γην κρεμάσας.

To take away our sins, Christ willingly endured spitting, scourging, buffeting, scorn, mocking, and purple robe; the reed, sponge, vinegar, nails, spear, and above all, the Cross and Death. The confession from the cross of the penitent thief, crucified with Christ, is celebrated. This service is long, but its content is dramatic and deeply moving for the devout Christian. Participation in the prayers and the historical sequence of the events, as related in the Gospels and hymns, provides a vivid foundation for the great events yet to come. Following are the references of the "Twelve Gospel" readings of this service:

1. St. John 13:31 thru Ch. 18:1
   2. St. John 18:1-29
   3. St. Matthew 26:57-75
   4. St. John 18:28 thru Ch. 19:16
   5. St. Matthew 27:3-32
   6. St. Mark 15:16-32
   7. St. Matthew 27:33-54
   8. St. Luke 23:32-49
   9. St. John 19:38-42
   10. St. Mark 15:43-47
   11. St. John 19:38-42
   12. St. Matthew 27:62-66

These readings relate the last instructions of Christ to His disciples, the prophecy of the drama of the Cross, the dramatic prayer of Christ and His new commandment. The day should be devoted to reading the "Gospel of the Testament" of Christ which He left for all men. The Church services during Holy Week re-enact the events of this Gospel.

After the reading of the fifth Gospel comes the procession with the Crucifix around the church, while the priest chants the 15th antiphon: "Today is hung upon the Tree, He Who did hang the land in the midst of the waters. A Crown of thorns crowns Him Who is King of Angels. He is wrapped about with the purple of mockery Who wrapped the Heavens with clouds. He received buffetings Who freed Adam in Jordan. He was transfixed with nails Who is the Bridegroom of the Church. He was pierced with a spear Who is the Son of the Virgin. We worship Thy Passion, O Christ. Show also unto us thy glorious Resurrection."

 

During the Procession, the faithful Christian kneels and prays for his spiritual welfare, imitating the thief on the Cross who confessed his faith and devotion to Christ. He then approaches and reverently kisses the Crucifix.

via http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8432

Holy Wednesday: the Holy Unction

The sacred ceremony of the Mysterion of the Holy Unction takes place on this Wednesday evening, following an old custom. It is the evening of repentance, confession, and the remission of sins by the Lord, preparing the faithful to receive Holy Communion, usually the next day, Holy Thursday morning.

Holy Unction is the Mysterion for cleansing sins and renewing the body and the spirit of the faithful. Holy Unction is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church, and it has its origin in the practice of the early Church as recorded in the Epistle of James (5:14-15). At the end of the service, the priest anoints the people with Holy Oil, the visible carrier of the Grace of God.

via http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8432

Easter 2015 – Corfu, Greece - Part 3

Day 4 – Sunday, April 12, 2015

On this bright and sunny Easter Sunday, we wouldn't miss the grand Easter Concert and Parade. Philharmonic orchestras surge in the streets of the town centre playing joyous melodies in celebration of Jesus' Resurrection. Taking advantage of the good weather, we decided to get away from the crowded city centre and enjoy coffee at Kanoni – one of the best sites of Corfu and a place of truly unique beauty.

Kanoni lies to the south of the town of Corfu and is noted for the splendid view it offers to the visitors. I was impressed with the changing hues of the blue and green and turquoise of the waters. The landscape is supplemented by the world-famous "Pontikonisi". This is a beautiful islet whose name in Greek means "islet of the mice". There are no mice on the islet, but seen from afar the shape of the island looks like that of a mouse! There is a monastery on the islet dedicated to "Pantokrator" (All-Mighty God). Just opposite "Pontikonisi", there is another islet dominated by the monastery of "Panayia ton Vlacheron", which is dedicated to Virgin Mary.

Day 5 – Monday, April 13, 2015

We spent our last day in Corfu at Dassia, walking along the beach, talking and reading. Aegean Airlines flew us back home safely with a half-hour delay. The transition to routine was hard! At 9:00 pm , I cooked dinner, but I'm glad Alkis helped to prepare the tomato sauce for the spaghetti!

Easter 2015 – Corfu, Greece – Part 2

Day 3 – Saturday, April 11, 2015

After a very good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast at Corfu Palma Boutique Hotel, we set off to explore the town of Corfu. We started our tour at Spianada – the large open space lying between the town centre and the Old Fortress. The original reason this place was left open was that the gunners from the fortress would have an open range of fire against any invader. At the same time, it was also useful for military parades. The old buildings on the west side of Spianada are the town's pride and joy. They consist  of the vaulted gallery with cafés and restaurants known as "Liston." The cafés and restaurants there are the centre of social life in Corfu and the hustle and bustle of this amazingly charming town.

 

Liston

The northern side of Spianada is dominated by the Palace of Saints George and Michael. This superb neoclassical building was made with porous stone brought from Malta and was designed by Colonel George Whitmore in 1819 as the dwelling of the High Commissioner. The statue of Sir Frederic Adams, who helped secure Corfu's water supply, stands before the palace. This building is also where the summit of the European Union was held in 1994.

The palace of Saints George and Michael

The Old Fortress, also called "Fortezza", was built at the easternmost point of Corfu town, practically opposite "Liston". The fortifications, built by the Venetians, are a marvel of military architecture. It is worth paying the garrison a visit in order to observe the architecture as well as enjoy the view.

The old fortress

Having enjoyed the view to the Harbour, we hurried back to Spianada and the surrounding streets in order not to miss the culminating point of the First Resurrection. Custom has it that the people living in the nearby buildings throw off their balconies clay jugs filled with water while church bells ring joyfully to announce Christ's Resurrection. This custom is closely related to the remembrance of Virgin Mary and Maria Magdalene, who were the first to see the open tomb of the resurrected Jesus.

Breaking clay pots on Holy Saturday

At midnight, we attended the Resurrection Mass. The Metropolitan of Corfu and priests from all churches in Corfu town ascend the platform erected at Spianada. At the stroke of midnight, announcing Easter Day, "Christos Anesti" ( Christ is Risen) is sung by the choir of the priests while the people holding their candles sing along. And the fireworks set off! Spianada is then transformed into a stage of dancing and high spirits as the resurrection ceremony gets into full swing.

We took a taxi back to our hotel where we enjoyed a huge, festive dinner!!!! Alkis had two large servings of "mageiritsa" – our traditional Easter soup. As I hardly ever eat soup, I enjoyed a Greek salad from the buffet AND two large pieces of "pastitsio." Pastitsio is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that is sometimes called the Greek lasagne; however, there are differences. While both are baked pasta dishes, pastitsio is traditionally made with large tubular pasta, minced meat and tomato sauce, and topped with a thick béchamel sauce. Of course, we clinked our Easter eggs, and I won! Despite Alkis' efforts, my egg remained uncracked! At about 2:00 am we had dessert and some more wine and at about 4:00 am we went to sleep.

To be continued

Easter 2015 – Corfu, Greece - Part 1

"There rose up

Large and lofty trees

Pear trees and pomegranates

The brilliant golden apples

And green olives

And winter or summer fruit never failed these trees."

Homer, The Odyssey, Book Seven

Corfu has a rich mythology and history, lofty examples of its art and culture. Each feature of its natural beauty is closely related to the legends and historical events that occurred there. It has received the praises of Homer and Xenophon as well as those of Casanova and Bondelmonti, not to mention contemporary artists from all over the world. They have fallen in love with Corfu and recorded its unique beauty and breathtaking scenery in works that have a special place in world literature and art. The island of Corfu was a bone of contention between the British, the French and the Italians who all passed through and left their mark. The history of the island is like a painting in itself where each culture left its own special "stroke" of colour, yet the one overriding fact is the vibrant spirit of the Ionian Islands.

Back in 1984, Alkis and I had lived and worked in Corfu for six months before we decided to settle down in Cyprus. Thirty-one years later, we thought it was time we planned a holiday on the island of the Phaeacians. Easter seemed to be the perfect timing since Easter in Corfu is said to be a very special and unique experience and a pole of attraction for many travellers from all over the world.

DAY 1 – Thursday, April 9, 2015

I got up early in the morning, feeling excited and looking forward to our Easter holiday in Corfu. I finished packing while Alkis was at work, had a light lunch and a nap in the early afternoon and then got ready for our trip to Corfu. Despite my fear of flying, I truly enjoyed our flight with Aegean Airlines which took off on time at 5:00 pm and landed us safely at Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport about two hours later. We got through customs in no time, and then a taxi drove us to our hotel in the area of Dassia – Corfu Palma Boutique Hotel. The General Manager warmly welcomed us in person and offered us a welcome drink while the efficient staff at the reception took care of check-in. We were shown to a beautifully decorated room on the third floor which we fell in love with at first sight. As we were on half-board basis, we spent our first night at the hotel and enjoyed a delicious dinner and a bottle of Strofilia, laughing away the hours and talking about all the great things we'd do in Corfu.

DAY 2 – Friday, April 10, 2015

The breakfast buffet at Corfu Palma Boutique Hotel was simply impressive and so very tempting! I was unable to resist the hot croissants and Greek pies or the variety of jams and cheeses and three cups of green tea. Soon after breakfast, we took the bus to Corfu town and strolled around the city, had coffee at Liston, a glass of ouzo and meze at Kanoni contemplating the breathtaking view to Pontikonisi. Then we took the bus back to Corfu town and enjoyed a traditional Corfiot lunch at Elia Restaurant.

Just before dinner, we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the hotel. We were very lucky to have  great weather. Even in late afternoon we could sit outside.

   To be continued

Easter Sunday

 

In Greece and Cyprus, Easter Sunday is a widely celebrated occasion. Lambs are roasted on a spit and the provision of wine is abundant. The roasted lamb is served in honour of Jesus Christ, who was sacrificed and rose again from the dead. Lamb is the most traditional Greek Easter food. Red-dyed eggs are cracked against each other and the person with the last remaining uncracked egg is said to have good luck. Easter Sunday is a time of festivity and people eat, sing and dance throughout the day. On this Holy Day, we greet each other by saying Χριστός Ανέστη (Christos Anesti) meaning Christ has risen and the reply is Αληθώς  Ανέστη  (Alithos Anesti) meaning He has truly risen. 

Easter Sunday, they meet with family and friends to celebrate Christ’s victory over death. Upon greeting a friend or relative on this Holy Day you would say “Christos Aneste” meaning Christ has risen, the reply would be “Alethos Aneste” meaning “It is true, He has Risen.” The family will break the fast and celebrate with flowers and a wonderful dinner.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_2309143_celebrate-easter-as-orthodox-christian.html

Easter Sunday, they meet with family and friends to celebrate Christ’s victory over death. Upon greeting a friend or relative on this Holy Day you would say “Christos Aneste” meaning Christ has risen, the reply would be “Alethos Aneste” meaning “It is true, He has Risen.” The family will break the fast and celebrate with flowers and a wonderful dinner.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_2309143_celebrate-easter-as-orthodox-christian.htmlOn the islands of Crete and Cyprus,  children prepare a bonfire effigy of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament of the Bible.  In the lead up to the bonfire event, people gather sticks and branches to prepare to burn the effigy.

 

Holy Saturday - The Resurrection

On Saturday midnight, the life-giving Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated. Before midnight, the Odes of Lamentation of the previous day are repeated. The Orthros of the Resurrection begins in complete darkness. The priest takes light from the vigil light and gives it to the faithful, who are holding candles. The priest sings: "Come ye and receive light from the unwaning life, and glorify Christ, who arose from the dead," and all the people join him in singing this hymn again and again. From this moment, every Christian holds the Easter candle as a symbol of his vivid, deep faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as Savior. In many churches, the priest leads the people outside the church, where he reads the Gospel which refers to the Angel's statement: "He is Risen; He is not here." (Mark 16:1-8)

 

 

Then comes the breathless moment as the people wait for the priest to start the hymn of Resurrection, which they join him in singing, repeatedly: "Christ has Risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and has bestowed life upon those in the tombs." From this moment, the entire service takes on a joyous Easter atmosphere. The hymns of the Odes and Praises of Resurrection which follow are of superb meaning and expression. The people confess, "It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be glorious, let us embrace one another and speak to those that hate us; let us forgive all things and so let us cry, Christ has arisen from the dead." By this hymn, they admit that love of one's fellowman is the solid foundation of the faith in the Resurrection of Christ.

Saint Raphael Church-Xylotymbou-Easter 2006

Saint Raphael Church-Xylotymbou-Easter 2006

Saint Raphael Church-Xylotymbou-Easter 2006

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostomos is then officiated. At the end of the Liturgy, a part of the marvelous festival sermon of St. Chrysostomos is read, which calls upon the people to "Take part in this fair and radiant festival. Let no one be fearful of death, for the death of the Savior has set us free...O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is Thy victory? Christ is Risen and Thou art overthrown. To Him be glory and power from all ages to all ages."

via http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8432

Holy Wednesday

The sacred ceremony of the Mysterion of the Holy Unction takes place on this Wednesday evening, following an old custom. It is the evening of repentance, confession, and the remission of sins by the Lord, preparing the faithful to receive Holy Communion, usually the next day, Holy Thursday morning.

Holy Unction is the Mysterion for cleansing sins and renewing the body and the spirit of the faithful. Holy Unction is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church, and it has its origin in the practice of the early Church as recorded in the Epistle of James (5:14-15). At the end of the service, the priest anoints the people with Holy Oil, the visible carrier of the Grace of God.

via http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8432