Savor the Flavor

and Hungarians. A very large emigration came to America between 1880-1914. One of these Carpatho-Russians, Sgt Michael Strank, was the soldier who raised the stars and stripes at Iwo Jima. Our Carpathian ancestors brought with them customs unique to the villages they come from, such as the art of pysanka (egg decorating). Its name derives from the Ukrainian verb “pysaty,” meaning “to write.” Passed down from generation to generation, it is much more than egg decorating as markings are symbolic of Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection. Easter Celebrated by the blessing of the special paschal basket filled with foods denied during lent. Wicker baskets of food including the Easter Paska, a special golden-colored bread, decorated eggs, Pisanky, ham (shunka), egg cheese ball (Hrutka), horseradish (hrin), sour cream (smetanka) beets (tzvikla) sausage (kolbasa), butter (maslo), and other meats are brought to church to be blessed. These foods bear a special symbolism of Christ’s Resurrection, so they are blessed for this association. During the blessing of the baskets a candle placed in the middle is lit meaning Jesus is the true light who brightens the whole world through radiance of His Holy Resurrection – ‘Christos Voskrese!’ ‘Christ is Risen!’. Christmas On Christmas Eve, the last day of Advent, a Holy Night Supper, consisting of the twelve dishes is served representing the twelve Apostles. Families gather at a table with a white tablecloth and a blessed lighted candle in the center representing the Star of Bethlehem. Once the meal begins no one may leave the table. Foods served vary according to geographic locations. Most families serve the Lenten Bread, wine, garlic, honey, mushroom soup, potatoes, baby limas, green beans, sauerkraut, pirohi (perogi), fruit of prunes or apricots, bobal’ki, and nuts. Once the meal is over children argue over who gets to blow out the candle watching in anticipation to see if the smoke rises symbolizing good luck. On Christmas Day we greet each other with ‘Christos Razdajetsja! ’- ‘Christ is Born!’. Ethiopian Cuisines During the annual food festival of St. Mary Church in Bluefield, we serve a typical Ethiopian cuisine, either a spicy meat-based dish or vegetarian meals served with pieces of injera. Injera is baked from sourdough of whole grain, teff, and self-rising white lily. Teff (Eragrostis ) is a cereal grass common in Ethiopia highlands. It is a source of calcium, protein, and fiber.

Meat-based meals Wat (beef meat Stew)

Tablespoons of Ber-beri (Ethiopian red pepper) + chopped finely ONION + Ginger + herbal spices simmer over low heat until mixture is uniform.

Savor The Flavor

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