The best version calls for very starchy potatoes; the traditional name for a potato is tattie. (Recipe credit: Michele Ritchey-Moore; permission The Gresham Publishing Company Limited, Glasgow, Scotland). Another option for Palm Sunday is to make a recipe that includes heart of palm. One of the main Holy Week events occurs on Good Friday. Patties and croquettes are made year-round by thrifty homemakers, but they really come into their own during the meatless days of Lent and Holy Week. The topping adds a unique texture and touch of toasted almond flavor, as the loaf is scattered with ground and whole almonds before baking. One of the reasons I like this special holiday is because its a clear indication of the arrival of spring and the dismissal of winter (haha). Or toss well-drainedcanned fish with chopped lettuce, onions, and tomatoes, then drizzle with your favorite dressing for a great salad. The cinnamontraditionally in stick formrecalls the cross, while the whole cloves (or, in their absence, raisins) represent the nails used to nail Christ Jesus to that cross. Some popular Filipino Holy Week food (and Good Friday food) include the following: (Again, you can click on the options below to navigate to the recipe). Toward the end of Holy Week, which is between Palm Sunday and Easter, the preparations for Easter come to a climax. The second day is Good Friday, which is the day Jesus was crucified). As I mentioned earlier, in Costa Rica, students get the week off from school and many businesses are closed to give people the opportunity to observe the Holy Week traditions including the Holy Week food traditions. Beat together the egg and buttermilk, and quickly stir this into the flour mixture in about 20 seconds. In addition to the recipe I already provided to you in the link, Panlasang Pinoy has a Filipino recipe website where you can find this Lumpiang gulay recipe. Pizza gain is the perfect dish to serve as a chilled appetizer or an Easter Monday lunch, but it also makes a beautiful Easter brunch centerpiece. COLLECT PRAYER. Friday: Preparation Day, the Passover The disciples arranged for the Passover meal, which took place after sundown on Thursday. Jesus rides a donkey into Jerusalem, the people wave palm branches at him shouting "Hosanna". Semana Santa Food and Drinks in Mexico. On a serious note, Easter is a very sacred time of year for many Christians around the world. Sautee some chopped mushrooms and diced onion with a sprig of epazote in real butter (or good quality pork lard if you dont need to avoid pork) to make a delicious filling for tacos or quesadillas. They are sometimes made with meat or chicken but often consist of leftover vegetables or leafy greens bound together with breadcrumbs and egg and fried or deep-fried. Similar to Costa Rica, the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country with about 81% of the population practicing Catholicism (asianjournal.com). If youre interested in learning more about this event in Iztapalapa, I recommend you watch this Good Friday (Viernes Santo) YouTube video. In Andalucia, they soak theirs in honey. My grandmother always called it Easter Pizza. The meal is a lengthy affair, often lasting long into the night, sometimes up to four hours. Or its time to come up with a great Mexican food item to take to your next Mexican Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. There is a lot of delicious food that is made, served, and consumed during Holy Week in Mexico. In this cold weather, theres nothing better than, Read More The Best Christmas Coffee Drinks From Around the WorldContinue, I remember the first time I saw a coffee farm. Actually, you may already have the ingredients since the recipe is so simple). Cover the potatoes with water, bring to a boil over medium heat, and reduce the heat to low. Holy God. Sinigang na Hipon or Shrimp in Sour Soup can be considered as a comfort food among Filipinos. There is an Alleluia on the mantle, and the crown of thorns becomes an Easter victory crown with lilies and butterflies. This bread is rich and eggy, scented with citrus and vanilla. But first, a little Irish history and why we celebrate this special holiday. Once well combined, stir in the chives and season to taste. This is also the day they renew their vows. Similar to French toast, torrijas are made from bread soaked in honey, eggs, and white wine and then lightly fried in olive oil. 6) Make traditional Holy Week food. Dishes that can be prepared in advance are made. It is sweet and sour at the same time, though this makes use of green (unripe) papaya. Its sacred because its a time to remember, Read More 42 Traditional Easter Recipes (From Around the World)Continue, To commemorate and celebrate Irelands St. Patricks Day, here is a list of 17 easy St. Paddys Day green food ideas. For this day, try making "money bag wontons" for dinner to symbolize the bag of silver that betrayed Jesus. On Palm Sunday, also known in Spanish as Domingo de Ramos, many parishes reenact the day Jesus entered Jerusalem for the Jewish Passover. April 05, 2023. You have to check it out for yourself! This lamb may be served any number of different ways: prepared as a stew, simply roasted, or even with an egg and cheese sauce! Fourth Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday): Almighty ever-living God, lead us to a share in the joys of heaven, so that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd has . Inspired by a book called Benjamins Box, creating Resurrection Eggs is another way to follow the events of Holy Week through tangible ways. The text is divided into each day of Holy Week to make it easier to navigate. Combine the cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl, and with an electric beater blend them until smooth and well combined. A year ago most of the world was in quarantine and lockdown. Copyright 2023 Catholic Exchange. Print out the Passion Gospel to read together, in parts. There are certain traditional recipes that we make only this time of year. His body was removed from the Cross and placed in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea. Jonah Project: Theyre composed of a group of the cofrada called the nazarenos. Colomba di Pasqua (literally "Easter dove") is a panettone -like bread that is shaped in the form of a dove. Most of us will not be receiving blessed palms this year, so this is a time of thinking of different ideas for your palms to use during Mass on Sunday. There are certain traditional recipes that I make only during this time of year . Although my family made their own chiverre spread, many Costa Ricans just purchase miel de chiverre and use it to make empanadas. Three times during Holy Week the Passion is read - on Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday. Stuff the jalapeos with the tuna. What occurs next is the search for Jesus by the three Marias. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. You can either bake the tiny cut outs, or add them back to your dough. During the service, it is carried on the shoulders of the faithful in a procession that runs through the community to the cemetery and back. Bake for about 8 minutes. A wonderful tradition for younger children to do is the. . Among the desserts one finds mazamorra (purple pudding ), rice pudding, stewed peaches, empanadas, small breads, suspiros (sighs), and jurka bread. It always seems the end of Lent and Holy Week God sends extra opportunities for penance. Spy Wednesday Food Idea. My parents and five of their seven children live in the local area and most of us try to get together for Easter Sunday. Read mydisclosure policyto learn more] What is St. Patricks Day? Try your favorite meatloaf or meatball recipe with canned fish instead of meat, and youll see what we mean. Whether out of conviction or just by custom, many people around the world observe Lent (the liturgical season leading up to Easter) in some manner. Anyway, the processions include these cofradas carrying candles and crosses and holding up sculptures of people representing certain scenes from the Bible. Holy Week traditions for the home, 2021 Preparation for our home and the liturgical celebration of Holy Week. Monday is the anointing of the Jesus feet at Bethany by Mary, where Judas objects that the ointment should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Do you have one youre just itching to try? This cookbook includes 23 recipes that point to the true meaning of Easter. 3.-. Do you have them. We might call it Friday . The super convenient thing about this page is that it includes a video as well as written instructions. Aguas Frescas is super simple, for example. Meanwhile, pat lamb dry and rub meat all over with salt and pepper. This is also known as Fig Sunday because of the tradition that Jesus ate figs after His entry into Jerusalem. salt 1/3 cup warm water 1 egg, slightly beaten 1/2 cup butter. This year we find ourselves able to worship in churches. Paska - Polish and Ukrainian sweet bread baked and often blessed with other foods for consumption on Easter Sunday to mark the end of fasting. Just for a start, try some of the following. We will definitely be walking with Christ on Calvary regarding this memory. Toward the end of Holy Week, which is between Palm Sunday and Easter, the preparations for Easter come to a climax. Youll start seeing the hooded figures at around the 1-minute, 30-second mark. This includes the mayiritsa soup, tsoureki (sweet bread), and red eggs, which were prepared earlier. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets. We recall Jesus body in the tomb, with the stone rolled in the entrance and Roman soldiers guarding. Maunday Thursday consists of masses and reenactments of the Last Supper. While in the States we may think of soup only in winter, in Europe soup is enjoyed year-round. This is a very typical Scottish vegetable dish, made with potatoes and turnips. On Holy Saturday, people remember Jesus death. Add the butter and using a pastry blender or fingertips, rub it into the flour until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. In Italy, Easter Monday is known as Little Easter (Pasquetta). Our son cuts a big piece and eats it with sauce (gravy). Add the confectioners sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla, and blend again. Most centered around the betrayal by Judas. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is forever ingrained in my head because of the Holy Week traditions and the good Holy Week food! Tuna croquettes (mentioned above) are always a favorite, and its easy to make tuna tacos. Lent is over but that does not mean our praying ends. My sons have recreated buildings of Jerusalem and scenes of Holy Week with blocks, Playmobil and Legos, and every year there are new creations and additions. Advertise on Catholic Exchange One blessing of the COVID is most churches are offering livestream Masses. Christians worldwide celebrate Holy Week every spring, commemorating the last eight days of Jesus' life on earth. Capirotada is served warm or at room temperature and can be a dessert, snack, or breakfast item. While each region may have its own local customs associated with Easter, there are several traditions that are observed by everyone. Fold in the almonds and candied fruit and lemon peel. Lent is the perfect time to enjoy cheese-stuffed Chiles Rellenos, but peppers are not the only vegetable being stuffed in Mexico at this time of year. In fact, throwing a Lenten Tea on Good Friday with all sybolic foods is one of my favorite traditions with the kids! I hope you learned a lot about the different Holy Week (Semana Santa) traditions around the world and I hope you get the chance to try some of the delicious recipes included! The Seder meal begins the Passover week, which ends with Easter, moving from the Jewish calendar . On Good Friday, many people reenact the crucifixion of Jesus in plays. But dont they have a warm climate in India? Whats interesting is that while watching a procession, youll see people covered from head to toe in a garment and pointed hood that you might say resembles the Ku Klux Klan. Make a small incision lengthwise on the jalapeo and take out some of the seeds. The special candles that are made for Easter are called labatha(lah-BAH-thah). Using a 2 -inch round cookie cutter cut out as many cookies as you can. Tagged as: There is a lot of delicious food that is made, served, and consumed during Holy Week in Mexico. The simple ingredients dont mean this soup is lacking in flavor. Line a moistened flower pot with double layers of moistened cheesecloth. The practice of fasting during Lent finds its genesis in our Lord's journey into the desert where he fasted and prayed for forty days and nights in preparation to begin his public ministry (Matt 4:1-2; Luke 4:1-3). Then there's the perennial favorite a la mexicanatreatment available for veggiesso called because it contains the three colors of the Mexican flag: green, white, and red. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees with a rack in the middle. I realize thats not a universal situation, and so I will keep praying that all our churches can reopen fully. Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it very gently about 10 times, or just enough to bring it together. You know what that means? The most popular Easter treat in Spain is the traditional Spanish sweet treat of torrijas. Fasting becomes more rigorous after the special Maundy Thursday dinnerthe Last Supperwhich for some replicates Christs last meal. It was featured in a is part of the Cooking with our Saints series at St. Veronica Roman Catholic Church in Chantilly, VA. Makes 18-20. In fact, in Mexico, you may see statues of the virgin Mary dressed in black on this special day (mexpro.com). News, analysis & spirituality by email twice-weekly from CatholicCulture.org. We recall today the Passion and Death of Jesus, including the Scourging, the Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion and Death. Easter is a huge celebration for Italian Christians. These portable hand pies are popular year-round all over Latin America, but during Lent and Holy Week meatless ones are produced and known as empanadas de vigilia (vigil empanadas, referring to the watch kept by Catholics on Holy Saturday, when the crucified Jesus was alone in his tomb). We ask our children if they heard these words elsewhere. The holiest day of the week is Holy (or Great) Friday. The first time I ever heard of someone participating in Ramadan was when I was in 5th grade. Serve them with sliced avocado and a slice or two of some sort of Mexican cheese, and you have yourself one tasty meal with an authentic Mexican flair. Before studying abroad, I did not know that Holy Week is a sacred time of the year for many Catholic-dominated countriesCosta Rica being one of them. :-), How to Access the Catholic Icing Subscriber Bonus Page, 10 Genius Systems For Home Based Education, Tell Me About The Catholic Faith Notebooking Pages, Join now for instant access to May's 125+ pages of printables and resources, menu with symbolic holy week food for kids here, meatless sandwich of your choice with pretzel crosses in the top, http://alicegunther.com/pages/teatime.htm. For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, the temperatures are quite cold for this time of year depending on where you live (I never experienced truly cold weather in California I was so spoiled back then). As for mushrooms, because of their meaty texture and rustic flavor, fungi make a great occasional substitute for meat. I like to set each place setting with a small bunch of flowers (grape hyacinth if they are in bloom), roll or matzo and small bunch of grapes. On the evening of Holy Thursday, church services include a symbolic representation of the crucifixion and the period of mourning begins. All comments are moderated. The Haggadah, the Seder Meal Program Guide. rel=nofollow sponsored>rel=nofollow sponsored>. Cook the potatoes and the turnips separately in boiling water until fork tender. After a short time keeping our Lord company, the day is ended. The bread is incredibly fluffy and bursting with bright spring flavors of orange and anise. From Good Friday to Easter Sundaythe Triduumfasting helps encourage hunger of the body and hunger of the spirit for redemption. . In times gone by, superstitions grew into customs. Also associated with Lent in some places. We recall Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem, with people laying down cloaks and waving palm branches shouting, Hosanna!. This part of the week can be dedicated to preparing. If youre thinking chocolate, then you and I are on the same page! During Easter Sunday, churches hold processions of the Resurrection. Changing of seasonal decorations: Lenten colors are replaced with white or festive tablecloths. In this biblical story, people welcomed Him with palm branches as he entered the city. Reflecting the festive nature of Semana Santa throughout Latin America, algodones or cotton candy, is a typical Holy Week treat in Guatemala. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed, 4 to 5 whole ripe tomatoes, stem end removed and quartered, 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, or more as needed, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, 2 (8-rib) frenched racks of lamb (each rack 1 1/2 lb), trimmed of all but a thin layer of fat, 1/2 head new garlic or 3 large regular garlic cloves, minced, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary, 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered length-wise, 2 tablespoons milk, or more as needed to smooth the potatoes, About cup chicken broth or white wine to steam squash, 1 bunch radishes, greens removed, trimmed and quartered, 2 1/2 cups red kidney beans, drained and rinsed, 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced, 3 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting, pound (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced, 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk, for egg wash, Four 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature, 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, or more to taste, One 2-quart clay flower pot or other paska container. There are candles that are snuffed one at a time during the prayers. Our Easter dinner will be ham, mashed potatoes, asparagus, rolls, salad, and deviled eggs. Thursday night is when the procession of the Last Supper occurs. ) | Mar 25, 2021 All rights reserved. Psalm 22 is the Responsorial Psalm, My God, why have you abandoned me? which Jesus says from the Cross. As soon as "Christos Anesti" is called out, it is also the custom for church bells to ring joyously non-stop. I learned a lot about my Costa Rican heritage and culture while I was there. Refrigerate for 48 hours. We discuss how the Gospels focus on Judas. These cute marzipan lambs are a traditional Sicilian Easter treat that highlight the symbolism of Christ as the Lamb of God. This Italian Easter pie is quite impressive to behold and great for serving a crowd. For economical protein, eggs reign, and Mexico knows how to make them. Learn more aboutthe season of Lentand about Lenten observances in Mexico. Stir together garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and oil, and set aside. The traditional mayiritsa soup, which uses the organs and intestines of the lamb that will be roasted, is prepared. Empanadas de vigilia are made in the same way as regular empanadas except that their fillings are made completely of and/or fish or seafood. Before the liturgy we discuss how this is not a Mass, and this is the only day of the Church year that does not celebrate Mass. There you have it! Tortitas, little fried patties, and croquetas (same concept, different shape) are everyday food all over Mexico. So, as you can see, for many Catholics around the world, Holy Week is a time to remember Jesus and all that He did to save them so that they can be with Him. The seventh church will end the pilgrimage with a holy hour, to ask for preparation during this Sacred Triduum. Roast the lamb for 15 minutes, then cover the lamb loosely with foil and roast until thermometer inserted diagonally into center of meat registers 120F, 5 to 10 minutes more. Meanwhile, warm the cream and butter together. Hence the name Flower Sunday, which the day bore in many countriesFlowering Sunday or Blossom Sunday in England, Blumensonntag in Germany, Psques Fleuris in France, Pascua Florida in Spain, Virgvasrnap in Hungary, Cvetna among the Slavic nations, Zaghkasart in Armenia. Also, many provinces in the Philippines hold a Moriones Festival. Although these ingredients are traditional, the cook can adjust which to eliminate and the quantities to suit ones taste. They wont be eaten until Easter, but the coins will be on display during Holy Week. Remove from the oven, and cut each rack into 4 double chops. Also, similar to what I described regarding Filipino Good Friday traditions, Mexican Catholics on Good Friday commemorate the Passion of Christ by displaying 14 images along the Stations of the Cross which portray Jesus sufferings for the salvation of people. Easter preparations begin on Holy (or Great) Thursday. cooking, Log in. 2.-. Just like the other countries, Holy Week in Mexico begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and saut the onion until translucent. This all-night or all-day reading can be a public event organized by the community or it can be held in private in friends and familys homes. Put the potatoes into a large saucepan and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. After mass, the Blessed Sacrament is placed on the altar. Also, you can see and hear people playing musical instruments, like tambourines and cornets (uscannonbergmedia.com). Add oil to hot skillet, then brown lamb racks in 2 batches, if necessary, on all sides, about 10 minutes per batch. The main dish for the Easter meal is traditionally lamb, served any number of ways. This is when the traditional Easter bread, tsoureki, is baked and eggs are dyed redto represent the blood of Christ. In this post, I will explain the Holy Week traditions and foods in the following countries: Costa Rica, the Philippines, Mexico, and Spain. Grease 2 baking sheets. It is also the only day of the year when the Divine Liturgy is not read. Good Friday is the day Jesus was crucified on a cross and the day He died. Flour a work surface. You can read more about it on CNNs article titledEvery Year a Filipino Man Marks Good Friday with an Actual Crucifixion. The cheese (which is often one that melts into somewhat of a sheet over the top) symbolizes the holy shroud, the cloth Christ was wrapped in after his death. Its time to come up with a great Cinco de Mayo menu for your friends and family! Try your hand at some basic potato croquettes or some tuna (or salmon) ones. One 15.5-oz. It may be more casual, but it isdefinitely a day filled with delicious leftovers and a time to relax from the all the previous celebrations. One thing you find in common with all these different versions is that they are all super sweet and super, duper delicious! The purpose of this weeklong event is to observe and remember when blood from Jesus pierced body landed on Longinus (the name of the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus) blind eye and healed him. During the vigil (which occurs at church), there is an image of Mary that is brought together to an image of Jesus. Despite this, Jesus entered anyway because of His great love for people and His yearning to save people from their sins (christianity.com). Holy God. Maybe some of you are like me super nostalgic about aspects of your childhood that bring you fond memories like going to the market or grocery store and eating some sinful (yet delicious) Mexican candy. It is full of a light brightness that definitely rings in the bright and cheerful days of spring. I already gave you a link for the written recipe, but Ive found a very good torrijas YouTube videofor those of you who are visual learners. Best of Week, The first day of the Easter Triduum includes the evening of Holy Thursday, which is the evening before Jesus was put to death. . On Good Friday, Catholics all over the world attend mass at 3 oclock in the afternoon, which is the time that many people believe Jesus died. Meanwhile, warm the cream and butter together. In fact, my grandma used to put a tiny bit of coffee in my moms milk when she was a kid growing, Read More 10 Best Italian Coffee Types You Need To TryContinue, How many of you are like me and REALLY love Indian food? Filipinos then celebrate Jesus being alive by throwing flower petals and singing songs. If you ever get the chance to go, keep in mind that each region makes its own version. In Peru, Holy Thursday and Good Friday are national holidays and celebrated on April 9th and 10th. There may be some recorded or live Seven Last Words that we will attend.. Honestly, though, its hard to be penitential, with access to such delicious Mexican fish and seafood dishes. Seafood dishes such as fish stews, shrimp cocktails, and clam chowder are also popular choices. During the Good Friday liturgy there is a time when all those present are invited to approach the altar and reverence the crucifix with a kiss, touch or genuflection . It is a day of mourning and not one of work. When the potatoes and turnips are tender, drain, and combine in a large bowl. . Fortunately, I had the opportunity to study abroad for a whole year while I was in college. Try celebrating all the days of Holy Week with my new cookbook for families- The Symbolic Holy Week & Easter Cookbook! Mexican cuisine is replete with delicious ways to observe Cuaresma (Lent) and Semana Santa (Holy Week). The smoke cross is left there throughout the year, symbolizing that the light of the Resurrection has blessed the home. In the Greek Orthodox faith, Easter is the most sacred observance. My ebook includes over 50 printable templates. Marzipan is an almond-flavored sweet that comes together quite easily. Also, during mass on Holy Thursday, priests wash the feet of 12 men, representing the 12 disciples. This will be eaten after the midnight service. It is the day for the Service of Lamentation, which mourns the death of Christ. Its a week to commemorate Jesus death and resurrection. Its a few hours long, so of course, you dont have to watch the whole thing . Torta Pasqualina is a savory Italian pie filled with greens and ricotta cheese that is traditionally enjoyed for Easter. Following a Rhythm of Prayer in the Domestic Monastery, Setting up a Prayer Table or Prayer Corner. 1 1/2 cups of tuna in olive oil. Washing of the Feet is an option during Mass, but it is suspended during this quarantine time. Chopped calabacita squash is exquisite when sauted with corn kernels and diced onions and tomatoes. Elena Maria Vidal. Or its time to, Read More Great Cinco de Mayo Menu Ideas for Your Next PartyContinue, Its the most wonderful time of the yearChristmas! You can buy this at any grocery store in the canned and/or jarred section with the veggies. The bier is decorated lavishly with flowers and bears the image of Christ. My non-Italian husband also makes pizzells. The candles are used to light iconcandelabraand are put on the table for the midnight meal. The bread used represents Christs body, and the syrup His blood. Put all vegetables and beans in a large salad bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat, and cook the onion, stirring until soft but not browned. Each recipe in this book has the story that goes along with that dish included on the page, so you don't have to look anything up to enjoy the symbolism and meaning behind it. You can dress this with an oil and balsamic vinegar mixture, or any other preferred dressing. To begin the Holy Week traditions, Filipino Catholics purchase palm leaves (palaspas) on Palm Sunday and take them to the local priests to get blessed. When the clock passes midnight, the Priest calls out "Christos Anesti" (khree-STOHSSah-NES-tee,"Christis risen") and passes the flame (the light of the Resurrection) to those nearest him. My husband and I (he does most of the work) make it for Easter and Christmas. On Good Friday, there is another procession where families from all over walk together to church to the beat of a drum. Serve hot. Categories Easter, Holiday Recipes, Italian Recipes, Travel. After that, there is no more bells or Gloria until the Easter Vigil. The Gospel of Matthew records Christ cursing the Fig Tree shortly after His entry. The Liturgical Year. Holy Tuesday: Liturgical color, purple. And who wouldnt love to spend Easter Sunday tending a grill? Stir in the parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, and salt and pepper. And how many of us LOVE chocolate? Ships in ports all over Greece join in by sounding their horns, floodlights are lit on large buildings, and large and small displays of fireworks and noisemakers are set off. Cut each dough circle into 6 wedges each. If I havent already mentioned it before, Semana Santa translated to English is Holy Week. The preparations and customs, including traditional foods and large feasts, remain an important part of modern Greek life. After Mass there is no final closing prayer, but the Blessed Sacrament is transferred to the Altar of Repose.