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The Ecumenical Council established this period of fasting, mirroring Jesus Christ\u2019s 40 days in the wilderness.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccording to the Church of Greece, fasting is not merely about physical discipline, but spiritual elevation,\u201d explains Father Papanis. \u201cThe essence of \u2018nisteia\u2018 is abstaining. During this time, individuals commit to renouncing passions and weaknesses, while mindfully managing the quality and quantity of their food. Indulgence, even with Lenten foods, defeats the purpose of fasting.\u201d<\/p>\n
A cherished Greek Lenten tradition is the creation of \u201cKyria Sarakosti,\u201d a doll with seven legs, each symbolizing a week of Lent.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a yearly tradition in our family,\u201d shares Marina Grigorak. \u201cWe cut off a leg each week, visually counting to Easter. The doll, with crossed arms and no mouth, embodies prayer and fasting.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Greece, Lent is deeply woven into the cultural fabric. Clean Monday, the first day, is a public holiday. Many attend church services, while others enjoy kite flying outdoors, often combining both with a Lenten meal.<\/p>\n
The start of Lent in Greece is a time of communal spirit. People greet each other with \u201cKali Sarakosti!\u201d (\u201cGood Lent!\u201d). In Cyprus, they say, \u201cKalo Stadio!\u201d (\u201cGood Race!\u201d), drawing a parallel between Lent and a runner\u2019s endurance.<\/p>\n
Greek Lenten cuisine is abundant and diverse. Popular dishes include eggplant salad (melitzanosalata), cod roe salad (taramosalata), tahini, and halva. However, numerous lesser-known, yet delectable, Lenten dishes exist.<\/p>\n
Legumes, rich in protein, are staples. Lentil soup (fakes), bean soup (fasolada), baked giant beans (gigantes fournou), and fava are widely enjoyed.<\/p>\n
Grains, particularly rice, are prevalent. Dishes like spinach rice (spanakorizo), vegetable and seafood risotto, stuffed cabbage or grape leaves, and stuffed vegetables are common.<\/p>\n
Pasta with various sauces is another Lenten favorite. Kritharaki, small pasta resembling rice or barley, is often cooked with vegetables and seafood. Spinach pie (spanakopita) can be made Lenten by using olive oil instead of butter.<\/p>\n
Greece\u2019s abundant vegetables, including cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, artichokes, greens (horta), olives, and pickles (toursi), are prepared or in complex dishes.<\/p>\n
Lenten sweets abound, from fruit and jam to apple pie (milopita), greens pie (portopita), and Lenten cakes and cupcakes.<\/p>\n
Lentil Soup (Fakes) Recipe:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ingredients (4 servings):<\/strong><\/p>\n Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n Enjoy a blessed Lenten season!<\/p>\n\n
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