Savor the Flavor

A “Taste” of Our Customs and Traditions

Orthodox Christian churches can be found all over the world. But, here at St. Mary’s in Bluefield, WV, we have customs, traditions, and people from all over the world! A rich diversity comes together in our church to share in one common worship. Though we celebrate together as one body of believers, we never forget where we come from. One way we so fondly remember our traditions is through our food. Below is just a sampling of some of the various customs and histories our parish members celebrate and have passed down through generations and generations that we hope you find interesting to learn about. United States of America When our church decided to showcase our parishioner’s ethnic foods in the way of a festival, we unanimously agreed it would not be complete without a booth recognizing the country that united us. As we bring these recipes together, each sharing family traditions, it’s hard not to imagine what our ancestors were thinking as they uprooted their lives to come to America. We are a recipe of a thousand villages, a new homeland, creating history together.

United States of America (A recipe of the people, by the people, for the people)

A cup full of dreams Season with bravery Sprinkle constantly with hope Coat well in perseverance Stir with a lot of heart Add in cultures blended with customs Note: If mixture gets too hard don’t forget your Faith Bake in love.

Carpatho-Russian “The land of a thousand villages”

CZECH-HUNGARY-POLAND-UKRAINE-SLOVAK

No need looking on a map, you will not find Carpatho-Russia. Throughout its history, Carpatho-Russia has frequently been invaded, a victim of one great power or another. Most Carpatho-Russians lived scattered across a thousand villages - Czech, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Slovak. With their emigration, the Carpatho-Russians number as many as one and a half million people. By folklore, the Carpatho-Russians resemble the Slovaks, Ukrainians, and Poles, with influences from Austrians vi

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Savor The Flavor