Search - Page 25 | Monastiriaka

The Best Traditional Christmas carols: lyrics and their origin

Carols are one of the most timeless customs in many regions. They are usually associated with celebrations of the Twelve Days, that is Christmas, New Year and Epiphany. Essentially, the carols are folk songs and their lyrics express customs that are passed down from generation to generation and are sung even today. We Three Kings Of Orient Are John Henry Hopkins Jr. was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was the author and composer of this christmas song. He composed the carol around 1857 and was inspired from the narrative of the journey of the magi in Matthew 2:1-12. We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder Star. O, star of wonder, star of might, star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. Oh little town of Bethlehem Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) penned this cherished Christmas hymn specifically for the Sunday school children within his Philadelphia parish, Holy Trinity Church. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Silent night Silent night stands as a timeless Christmas carol. Ideal for various settings such as concerts, performances, church gatherings, and home celebrations. Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon Virgin Mother and Child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. The first Noel This song is a traditional christmas carol from the 16th or 17th century. The word ‘Noel’ originates from the French word ‘christmas' and Latin word ‘natalis' which means birthday. The first Noel, the angel did say, Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter's night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel. Born is the King of Israel. Away in a manger The origins of the Christmas hymn "Away in a Manger" have often been linked to Martin Luther (1483-1546), but these connections are largely steeped in legend rather than historical accuracy. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay. Hark! The herald angels sing This Christmas song is based on Luke 2:8-14, the well-known segment of the Christmas narrative that encompasses the angels and the shepherds. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled." Joyful, all ye nations, rise. Join the triumph of the skies; With th' angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem." Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King! O come, all ye faithful The Christmas hymn was a version from a Roman Catholic traditional text that was found in the 18th century in the College at Douai. O come, all ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels! O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him: Christ, the Lord. Joy to the world This Christmas hymn is based on a second part of a psalm (Psalm 98:4-9), entitled “The Messiah’s Coming and Kingdom.” Joy to the world! The Lord is come: Let earth receive her King. Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room. And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and heaven and nature sing. Christmas Carols in Greece Carols are one of the most timeless customs in many regions of Greece. Christmas Carols - in Bethlehem We bid good evening, gentle folk. Would you… would you desire to hear told Of Christ's nativity divine? We'll sing... we'll sing it to your household. For Christ is born in Bethlehem. Sing out... sing out in jubilation! The heavens break forth into joy. Rejoice... rejoice all of creation . The King of heaven has been born, Who is… who is the world's creator. With horses 'round him in a cave, He lies... he lies inside the manger. The hosts of angels sing His praise: "All glo... all glory in the highest!" The faithful shepherds at his side Draw near... draw near him, first to be blest. From out of Persia, Magi come; With gifts... with gifts they will adore him. Led by the brightness of the star, Three kings… three kings, who bow before him. So, many years we wish to you And all…and all of your relations. And may God grant you peace and joy In all...in all your celebrations. Christmas Carols - Lyrics in Greek Καλήν εσπέραν άρχοντες, Kalin esperan, archondes, αν ει.. αν είναι ορισμός σας, an i... an ine orismos sas, Χριστού τη Θείαν γέννησην, Christou tin thian yennisin να πω… να πω στ’ αρχοντικό σας. na po... napo st' archontiko sas. Χριστός γεννάται σήμερον, Christos yennate simeron εν Βη.. εν Βηθλέεμ τη πόλη, en Vi... en Vithleem ti poli, οι ουρανοί αγάλλονται, i Ourani aghallonde, χαίρεται η κτίσις όλη. cheri, cheri i ktisis oli. Εν τω σπηλαίω τίκτετα, En to spileo tikteta, εν φα.. εν φάτνη των αλόγων, en fat... en fatni ton aloghon, ο βασιλεύς των ουρανών, o Vasilefs ton ouranon και ποι…και ποητής των όλων. ke pi... ke piitis ton olon. Πλήθος αγγέλων ψάλλουσι Plithos angelon psallousi το Δο.. το Δόξα εν Υψίστοις to dho... to dhoxa en ipsistis και τούτο άξιον εστί ke touto axion esti η των… η των ποιμένων πίστις. i ton... i ton pimenon pistis. Εκ της Περσίας έρχονται Ek tis Persias erchonde τρεις Μά… τρεις Μάγοι με τα δώρα tris ma... tris maghi me ta dhora, άστρον λαμπρόν τους οδηγεί astron lambron tous odhighi χωρίς…χωρίς να λείψει η ώρα. choris... choris na lipsi ora. Χρονιά πολλά ευχόμεθα, Chronia polla evchometha στους σε.. στους σεβαστούς γονείς σας stous se... stous sevastous ghonis sas και σ’όλους τους αγαπητούς ke s'olous tous aghapitous φίλους.. φίλους και συγγενείς σας! filous... filous ke singenis sas! Carols Christmas The song 'Christmas' is very well-known in Greece and abroad as well. It is not a folk song, while its lyricist and composer are Stelios Sperantzas and Georgios Horafas respectively. In the corner fireplace glow the embers red and still. While outside the snowflakes fall, softly on the window sill. All the village keeps a watch in the cold moonlight church bells toll the glad some news: Christ is born this night. You whom all the angels praise, come to us this holy night. We shall cut the Christmas bread, join us for the sweet delight. Near the hearth so warm and bright, we have made your bed, where my Christ Child you may lay down your sleepy head. Carols Christmas - Lyrics in Greek Στη γωνιά μας κόκκινο τ’ αναμμένο τζάκι. Sti ghonia mas kokkino t’ anammeno tzaki. Τούφες χιόνι πέφτουνε στο παραθυράκι. Toufes chioni peftoune sto parathiraki. Όλο απόψε ξάγρυπνο μένει το χωριό Olo apopse xaghripno meni to chorio και χτυπά Χριστούγεννα το καμπαναριό. ke ktipa Christoughenna to kambanario. Έλα Εσύ, που αρχάγγελοι Σε ανυμνούν απόψε, Ela esi, p'Archangeli s'a nimnoun apopse πάρε από την πίττα μας που ευωδιά και κόψε. pare apo tin pitta mas pou evodhia, ke kopse. Έλα κι η γωνίτσα μας καρτερεί να ρθεις! Ela k'i ghonitsa mas karteri na'r this, Σου έστρωσα, Χριστούλη μου, για να ζεσταθείς! Sou strosa, Christouli mou, ghia na zestathis.

Three Kings of Orient and The Carols of Epiphany in Greece

"We Three Kings," originally titled "Three Kings of Orient" and alternatively known as "We Three Kings of Orient Are" or "The Quest of the Magi," stands as a timeless Christmas carol penned by John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857. Three Kings of Orient - Lyrics We Three Kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, Moor and mountain, Following yonder Star. O Star of Wonder, Star of Night, Star with Royal Beauty bright, Westward leading, Still proceeding, Guide us to Thy perfect Light. Born a King on Bethlehem plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King for ever, Ceasing never Over us all to reign. Refrain Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh: Prayer and praising All men raising, Worship Him God on High. Refrain Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom;— Sorrowing, sighing, Bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. Refrain Glorious now behold Him arise, King, and God, and Sacrifice; Heav’n sings Hallelujah: Hallelujah the earth replies. The carols of Epiphany The Carols of Epiphany is a nationwide custom in Greece and is mainly sung by children on the eve of the feast of Theophany. There are many variations in the verses depending on the region, but most carols begin with the verses "Today is the Lights and the enlightment/ The happiness is big and the sanctification...". Read here "Epiphany in Greece: the Meaning of the Feast - Why We Bless the Waters". The carols of Epiphany in Greece nationwide Today is the Lights and the enlightment The happiness is big and the sanctification Down the Jordan River Sits our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary She carries an organ, a candle she holds And pleads with St. John. St. John lord and Baptist Baptize this divine child of mine I shall ascend to the heavens To gather roses and incense Good day, good day Good day to you master and the missus. The carols of Epiphany in Kefalonia island A little boy in Bethlehem was placed in a cave, and now a great man runs in the Jordan, with a camel's skin he was wrapped in, and with the girdle of Christ he was girded. I looked up to heaven and saw a cross in the middle, And of all the names (here the name of the landlords of the house), again I looked and saw a wreath or two, And with a good night's sleep, happy Epiphany.

Monastery Products

Based on our store, which is located in Daphne, the seaport of Mount Athos, we search , try and gather handicrafts of great quality and products which are mainly produced by the monks who live both in the cells and the monasteries of  Mount Athos. The monksʼ greatest concern is their spiritual duties. As a result , the Athonite products are produced without a haste and only in the monksʼ spare time. Thatʼs why they are available in limited quantities according to the season. The well kept knowledge of the past which is grafted by the Godʼs love and the human desire is the one and only recipe of all these goods we can present to you in our website. Having love and trust to the monastery products, we were led to search in many other orthodox monasteries not only throughout Greece, but throughout the whole world as well! Whatever worth presented we find , it will definitely be a part of our effort. With love in Christ Monastiriaka - Mount Athos

Epiphany in Greece: the Meaning of the Feast - Why We Bless the Waters

When do we celebrate the Epiphany The "Holy Epiphany" or "Theophany" or "Eve of Lights" was established in the 2nd century AD and thus it is one of the oldest celebrations of Christianity. It is not certain on which date it was celebrated at first. It is reported that in the past, the Epiphany was sometimes celebrated on 6 January, sometimes on 10 January. Today, our Church celebrates Epiphany on 6 January and it is the third and last feast of the Twelve Days, which begins after Christmas. What the Epiphany symbolizes Theophany refers to the manifestation of the three persons of the Holy Trinity at the baptism of Jesus Christ and is therefore called Theophany (from Greek "Θεο-φάνεια", which means “appearance of God”). The message of this feast is the rebirth of Jesus Christ. In his baptism, Christ made the waters holy, so that they could be transformed into "a gift of sanctification, a removal of sins, a reducer of diseases, a destroyer of demons, inaccessible to the powers that be". The Baptism of Jesus Christ by Saint John the Baptist By Divine commandment, Saint John the Forerunner left his life in desert and settled on the Jordan River where he preached and baptized. One day Jesus Christ appeared to him and asked to be baptized. John, although he already knew who was the man who asked him to be baptized, at first refused to baptize Him, claiming that he himself needed to be baptized by Him. Then Jesus tried to explain to him that this was God's will. John accepted it, and then in front of the astonished eyes of the spectators something unique took place. In the form of a dove the Holy Spirit descended and sat on Jesus Christ, while at the same time the voice of Our Lord was heard from heaven saying: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". Here you can find icons with Saint John the Forerunner and Baptist. Since then, the baptism of the Christians is not just "in water", like John's baptism of "repentance", but "in the Holy Spirit". By being baptized, the Lord sanctified water, made it water of sanctification and reconciliation with God. Thus, the Lord's Baptism opened the door of the Sacrament of Baptism. By the cleansing grace of Holy Baptism, the sinful man is renewed and by keeping the divine commandments he becomes an heir to the kingdom of heaven. Find here the book 'The mystery of Holy Baptism'. Why is Epiphany called the feast of Lights During the fourth century, the Orthodox Church began to celebrate Epiphany with awe and splendor, as a feast that gives light to the world through the Holy Baptism of Jesus Christ. For this reason, Epiphany is called the Feast of Lights. The Feast of Lights marks the end of the festive season of Christmas and New Year. How we fast for the Epiphany On the eve of Epiphany, a fast is observed, which is without oil. The only way to include oil in the fast is if the eve falls on a Saturday or Sunday. The Fathers of the Church state that for the faithful to be able to receive the Holy Communion, they should not have eaten or drunk anything between midnight and the time of the Holy Communion. As St. Nicodemus the Athonite mentions in "The Rudder", the reason for fasting on the eve of Epiphany is to make up for the fast that is lost, when the feasts are on Wednesday or Friday. The sanctification of the houses on the Eve of Lights In Greece, on the eve of Lights, the sanctification of the houses by the priests is called the Small Sanctification or “Protayasi” or “Fotisi”. The priests with the cross and a sprig of basil illuminate (sprinkle) all areas of the house to sanctify and remove evil. Why we throw the cross into the waters on Epiphany In Greece, we have the tradition to throw the cross in the waters and the faithfuls try to catch it. The reason why the cross is thrown into the sea or river or lake is to bless the waters. After the cross is thrown, swimmers, mainly at a young age, the so-called Voutihtades, dive in to catch the cross. The swimmer who manages to catch the cross receives the blessing of the priest and receives numerous honours from the surrounding bystanders. At that moment, the bells ring out in a joyful tone as well as the sirens of any ships that may be nearby. All the faithful symbolically take three sips of the holy water with reverence. In fact, in many areas of Greece, after the sanctification of the waters, many Christians wash icons, machinery and various other items of their own in the holy water to be sanctified. Here you can find icon with the Baptism of Jesus Christ.

Mother of God of Three Hands Trojeručica - Hilandar Monastery

Where the icon of the Theotokos Tricherousa originates from The icon of the Theotokos with Three Hands (Three-Handed or Tricherousa in Greek), one of the miraculous icons of Mount Athos, was an heirloom of Saint John of Damascus. He kept it with great reverence in the chapel of his house. Who Saint John of Damascus was Saint John of Damascus served as the main advisor to Caliph Al-Walid during the period 705-715 A.D., for all significant matters concerning the Christians of Syria. During the Iconoclasm, the Emperor of Constantinople was Leo III the Isaurian. During this period, the veneration of holy icons was forbidden. However, Saint John of Damascus was a fervent defender of the icons. Through his writings, he sought to fight off the pillars of Iconoclasm. The miracle of St. John of Damascus Leo III, seeking to undermine Saint John of Damascus, falsely accused him before Caliph Al-Walid, claiming that John secretly sought to conquer Damascus. The Caliph, convinced by this slander, ordered St. John of Damascus to be arrested and had his right hand amputated in the square of Damascus. Saint John took his severed hand and spent the entire night pleading with the Mother of God to heal him so that he could continue his struggle in defense of Orthodoxy. Exhausted as he was, he fell asleep and dreamt of the Most Holy Theotokos. The Virgin Mary assured him that his hand would be healed, and indeed, it was so! Why the icon of the Theotokos is called 'Three-Handed' When Saint John awoke, he found his hand healed. Overwhelmed by this miracle, he placed a silver effigy of his hand beneath the left side of the icon of the Theotokos. The replica, as it was placed on the holy icon, appeared to be the third hand of the Theotokos. For this reason, the holy icon came to be known as 'Three-Handed'. Find here: Icons with the Theotokos Tricherousa. After this miraculous event, St. John of Damascus decided to relinquish his positions. He became a monk at the Monastery of Saint Savas the Sanctified in Palestine, taking with him the holy icon of the Theotokos Tricherousa. The icon of the Theotokos Tricherousa remained at the Monastery of Saint Savas until 1217 A.D. During that time, Saint Savas of Hilandar, who was the son of King Stefan Nemanja (later renamed Simeon), visited the monastery. The Theotokos Trojeručica at the Monastery of Hilandar It is said that Saint Savas was given the icon of the Theotokos Galaktotrofousa, the icon of the Theotokos Tricherousa, as well as the crutch of the founder of the Monastery. Saint Savas transferred the icon to the Monastery of Hilandar on Mount Athos, where it remained until 1347 A.D. The transfer of the holy icon to Serbia During the same period, the Monastery was visited by King Dushan of Serbia. Upon his departure, he took with him the holy icon of the Theotokos Tricherousa as a blessing. Thus, the holy icon was transported and hosted at the Monastery of Studenica in Serbia. The miraculous return of the icon to Mount Athos In the early 15th century, the Serbians learned that they were threatened with subjugation by the Turks. They immediately took the icon of the Theotokos Tricherousa from the Serbian monastery and strapped it to the back of a donkey. Then, they set the donkey free, allowing it to go wherever the Theotokos desired. The animal crossed all of Serbia and then the region of Macedonia, eventually arriving at Mount Athos, at the Monastery of Hilandar. When the monks saw the donkey with the icon of the Theotokos Tricherousa upon it, they welcomed it with great honor and litanies. Read here: Holy Monastery of Hilandar: the Serbian Monastery of Mount Athos with Panagia Tricherousa and Galaktotrofousa Where the icon of the Theotokos Trojeručica is located today According to orthodox tradition, the animal passed away as soon as the icon of the Theotokos Tricherousa was placed at the Monastery of Hilandar, the Serbian monastery on Mount Athos. Since then, the icon has remained at the monastery and is revered as the Patroness and Abbess of the Monastery, as well as the Protector of Serbia. What the icon of the Theotokos Tricherousa depicts Today, the icon of the Theotokos Tricherousa is preserved in excellent condition and stands as one of the oldest Byzantine representations of the Most Holy Theotokos. The Mother of God is depicted in the iconographic type of the Hodegetria, with an emblematic expression and a most gentle gaze, holding the Lord Jesus Christ. The holy icon evokes deep emotion and admiration in those who behold and venerate it. Indeed, for the sake of grandeur and protection, it is covered with a gold cover, upon which are set five thousand precious stones.

Virgin Mary Epakouousa Miraculous Icon on Mount Athos

Where the icon of the Virgin Mary Epakouousa is located The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary the Hearer or Epakouousa (in Greek it means "She who Hears") is found in the Holy Monastery Zografou, in the Sanctuary of the monastery’s Katholikon. On the icon, Theotokos is depicted holding the child Jesus Christ before her chest. Jesus Christ is portrayed at a young age blessing with His right hand. The history behind our Lady Epakouousa The icon of our Lady Epakouousa is closely connected with the life of Saint Kosmas the Zographite. Saint Cosmas the Zografite was a hermit, who lived in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. One day, while he was still residing in the monastery, he found himself alone in the church. There, he approached the icon of the Virgin Mary Epakouousa and prayed heartlly, saying the following words: «Most Holy Theotokos, intercede to your Son and God that He may guide me on the path of salvation». At that very moment, the Most Holy Theotokos answered him with the following words: «My Son and God, teach Your servant how to be saved». This time, the response came from Jesus Christ, who urged him, saying:«Let him depart from the monastery and find peace alone». Thus it came to pass. Saint Cosmas the Zographite withdrew to a cave outside the monastery to devote himself to a life of solitude, a path he followed with great spiritual success. Indeed, he was deemed worthy to receive the gift of performing miracles. Why the icon of the Virgin Mary was named Epakouousa The name Theotokos "Epakouousa" has the meaning that she heard and answered the request of Saint Cosmas when he sought her in prayer. For this reason, the icon of the Theotokos was named Epakouousa.

Rice with Limpets

Ingredients:½ kilo of limpets1 chopped onion2 cloves of garlic1 spoonful of a wild carrot1 cup of oil1 cup of parboiled rice (yellow)½ wine glass of lemon1 bunch of chopped samphireSalt, pepper Instructions:At first, take off the limpets’ shell. Saute in oil the vegetables until they are withered. Pour three cups of water, the limpets, salt and pepper. As soon as they get to a boil, pour the pepper and the lemon. Mix continuously until the rice is half boiled. Cover the pot and take it off the stove top. Serve the food, when all the water is evaporated. Find here: Cookbooks and Pastry books for Monastic Gastronomy

Cuttlefish Baked in Oven (Plaki)

Ingredients:1.5 kilo of cuttlefish1 cup of oil1 bunch of well chopped parsleySlices of a lemon and its juice1 orange peelSalt, pepper Instructions:Clean, wash and cut the cuttlefish in pieces. Put the oil, the parsley, the cuttlefish, the lemon, the orange peel and some water in a pot (do not cover the pot with the lid). Let the food boil for a while. You can curd the sauce by diluting two spoonfuls of corn flour in a little water. Then, add this mixture to the food, if it is necessary. You need to mix it, so that it won’t be lumpy. Find here: Cookbooks and Pastry books for Monastic Gastronomy

New Year's carols - St. Basil's Carol in Greek lyrics

St. Basil's Carol It is the first day of the year Rosemary trees stand tall and near We start, we start our year congenial in our ho..., in our holy, white cathedral. In the beginning, Christ came down. The Holy Spiritual One. On earth, on earth He walked amid us. To our hearts, to our hearts great joy He bid us. From Caesarea, Basil came and never once annouced his name. "Are you, are you this house's matron? May I be, may I be your humble patron?" He's holding an icon and paper, Sweet bread, Paper and inkwell. See the lad here. The ink was writing, Telling about his fortune. And the paper spoke, My dear, holy St. Basil. St. Basil's Carol in Greek Lyrics Αρχιμηνιά κι αρχιχρονιά, Archiminia ki'Archichronia ψηλή μου δενδρολιβανιά, psili mou dendro livania, κι αρχή κι αρχή καλός μας χρόνος, ki'archi, ki'archi kalos mas chronos εκκλησιά με τ’ άγιο θρόνο. ekklisia, ekklisia me t'ayio thronos. Αρχή που βγήκε ο Χριστός, Archi pou vghike o Christos, άγιος και πνευματικός, ayios ke Pnevmatikos, στη γη στη γη να περπατήσει, sti yi, sti yi na perpatisi και να μας και να μας καλοκαρδίσει. ke na mas, ke na mas kalokardhisi. Άγιος Βασίλης έρχεται, Ayios Vasilis erchete και δεν μας καταδέχετε, kai den mas katadechete από από την Καισαρεία, apo, apo tin Ke sareia, σ’ εισ’ αρχο σ’ εισ’ αρχόντισσα κυρία. si' se'archon, si' se'archondissa kyria. Βαστάει εικόνα και χαρτί, Vasta' ikona ke charti, ζαχαροκάντιο ζυμωτή, zacharokandio zimoti χαρτί χαρτί και καλαμάρι, xarti xarti ke kalamari δες και με δες και με το παλικάρι. des ke me des ke me to palikari. Το καλαμάρι έγραφε, To kalamari egraphe, τη μοίρα μου την έγραφε, th moira tou thn egraphe, και το και το χαρτί ομίλει, ke to, ke to charti omili, Aye mou, aye mou kale Vasili. Άγιέ μου καλέ Βασίλη. Aye mou, aye mou kale Vasili.

Cheesecake

Ingredients:2 packets of petit beurre biscuits2 packets of cream cheese Philadelphia200 g. of sweetened milk1 cup of butter½ kilo of strawberry marmalade (or whichever marmalade you prefer)1 teaspoon of corn flourA little bit of cognacJuice of half lemonDifferent kinds of fruit icing Instructions:Beat the biscuits in the blender so they will be like a powder and sauté them with the butter. Cover the base of a round platter with this mixture. Mix the cream cheese in a blender and then add the sweetened milk little by little and the lemon juice. Cover the biscuits with this mixture. Heat the marmalade in a pot, until it gets melted. Dilute the corn flour in the cognac and then add it in the marmalade. As soon as this mixture is cold enough, cover the cream with it and finally garnish the cake with the fruit icing. Find here: Cookbooks and Pastry books for Monastic Gastronomy

Currant Bread

Ingredients:3 glasses of orange juice3 glasses of sugar2 glasses of oil3 tea spoons of bicarbonate soda1 tea spoon of cloves in powder2 tea spoons of cinnamonFlourPeel of a lemon½ kilo of blonde raisins1 sachet of vanilla1.5 tea spoon of baking powder Instructions:Dilute the sugar in the oil and pour the orange juice, in which you have already diluted the bicarbonate soda. Then, add the rest of the ingredients. Finally, add the floured raisins. Bake the currant bread in a medium temperature for 45 minutes. Find here: Cookbooks and Pastry books for Monastic Gastronomy

Octopus in Wine (by Elder Epiphanius)

Ingredients (4-5 servings):1 octopus (1.5 to 2 kilos)4-5 onions5-6 cloves of garlicHalf a kilo red wine4-5 bay leavesSome allspice200 g. olive oil1.5 tablespoon of tomato paste Instructions:Wash and clean the octopus well, put it in a pan with a little water and let it boil over low heat. Mix it occasionally. When the octopus is tender, cut its tentacles in 2 or 3 pieces. Peel the garlic and the onions and wash them. Chop the onions and sauté them in oil over low heat until they brown. Then, add the cloves of garlic, the pieces of the octopus, the wine, the bay leaves and the black pepper. Add the tomato paste, which has previously been dissolved in a little water. Also, pour into the pan half of the broth, in which you boiled the octopus. Boil with a lid over low heat for about an hour. Click here for the book of Father Epiphanios 'The cuisine of holy Mount Athos'.