St. Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Christian Church will host a bliny breakfast March 1. Courtesy photo
By Father Theophan
Rector
Saint Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Church
St. Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Christian Church is again offering our traditional bliny breakfast, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 1.
Normally we don’t have coinciding fasts, but this year Lent in the West and the Great Fast in the East coincide, with us both celebrating Easter/Pascha on April 20.
The two Sunday’s leading up to the Orthodox observation of the Great Fast, this year, are Meatfare Sunday, Feb. 23, the last time we consume meat, and Cheesefare Sunday, March 1, when we say “good-bye” to dairy until Pascha Night, some 50 days hence.
“Cheesefare” is more practical nomenclature than religious observance. More properly it is known as “Forgiveness Sunday”, when we all ask for, and give forgiveness to one another for however we have failed or offended each other. It starts the Fast on a good, solid, humble note and with a clean slate.
A bliny breakfast is traditional in preparation for the Great Fast. This breakfast uses many of the ingredients which we will abstain from for the duration of the fast (eggs, cheese, butter, etc.). We offer this breakfast to the community in thanks for its continued support.
For those who have never attended, and perhaps do not even know what “bliny” are, a quick introduction is in order. “Bliny” are traditional, thin, yeasted pancakes that can be enjoyed savory or sweet. Savory options are filled with salmon, pickled herring, mushroom caviar, or boiled eggs topped with sour cream and green onion. Sweet ones can be filled with fruit preserves, butter, and sour cream.
Our first Bliny Breakfast was served way back in 1999 and we would love to host as many as would like to attend this year. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-12, and children under 6 are free. Contact us for reservations at bliny@stjobla.org.
In the tradition of the season, I ask forgiveness of all of you, news readers and residents of Los Alamos, for any offense I have caused you.