Note: Time is 9-11 a.m. for breakfast!

SAINT DIMITRI News:

Saint Dimitri Orthodox Church will host its Annual Blini Breakfast 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 1. Russian blini, a type of thin pancake, will be served in traditional style with smoked salmon, herring, butter and sour cream. Vegetable caviar, eggs, cheese and a variety of berry preserves will be available as well. 

Blini are traditionally served in Slavic households during the week before the beginning of the Lenten Fast. Thin crepe-like pancakes are traditionally eaten with fish, sour cream and butter in order to consume all these foods before the beginning of Great Lent.

These foods, that is, fish and dairy products, along with meat are not eaten during the 40-day Great Fast period preceding Easter or Pascha, as it is called among Orthodox Christians. The practice of fasting, or abstaining from certain foods, dates to Judaism. The practice was recorded in Biblical times, Christ having fasted in the desert for 40 days.

The practice of “fasting,  together with prayer, almsgiving, and the preparation that the additional services during Lent provide is the true readying for the great feast of Pascha, the Resurrection of Our Lord,” said Fr. John Hennies, attached priest of Saint Dimitri Orthodox Church.   

The rite of Mutual Forgiveness, which gives the name of Forgiveness Sunday to the day, will be celebrated immediately Sunday morning service. On this last day before Great Lent, the rite of Mutual Forgiveness offers preparation for entering into the season of Great Lent through the spirit of forgiveness and repentance.

Saint Dimitri is at 2270 39th St., near the corner of Diamond Drive and 38th Street.

Advance reservations may be made through Thursday, Feb. 27 for $10.50 by calling 505.660.9113, at-the-door for $14 and $6 for children 6-12 years old. There is no charge for children under 6 years.