/ world today news/ February 15th is Meat Harvest or Meatless Sunday. It is an Orthodox church holiday that is always celebrated on Sunday, 8 weeks before Easter, which this year is celebrated on April 12.
The name of the holiday comes from the fact that fasting is done with meat dishes. From this day until the end of Lent – Easter, meat and meat products are prohibited. It is made from meat, so the festive table consists only of meat dishes. In the week after, a lot of cheese, butter and eggs are eaten. This is also the last week in which young people can gather at the choir, sing and play chorus. Food and spiritual fasts follow until Easter. At Mesni Zagovezni, a pie with butter and cottage cheese is prepared, chicken is eaten, and pork is eaten. During the whole week (Syrnitsa), parties and games are arranged near Sirni Zagovezni, because after that they are strictly prohibited.
Excerpts from the Holy Scriptures are read in the temples, which speak of the Last Judgment. Thus, the Church recalls the tragic consequences of sin and calls everyone to the service of the neighbor and to virtue. The day is also called Meatless Sunday because it is the last day before Lent when meat is eaten. As the date of Easter changes, so do the dates of the holidays associated with the Easter cycle, and Mesni Zagovezni is the first holiday associated with this cycle.
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What are the traditional dishes typically served on Meat Harvest or Meatless Sunday in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church?
Sure, I’d be happy to help you with that! Here’s an interview about February 15th - Meat Harvest or Meatless Sunday:
Guest 1: Father Dimitar Simeonov, a priest at an Orthodox church in Bulgaria
Guest 2: Maria Petrova, a member of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church community and a traditional cuisine enthusiast.
Interviewer: Today we’re discussing February 15th, or Meat Harvest or Meatless Sunday as it’s also known. Father Dimitar, can you tell us more about the religious significance of this day for the Orthodox church?
Father Dimitar: Hello, thank you for having me. Meat Harvest or Meatless Sunday is an important day in our church calendar because it marks the beginning of Lent, the period of fasting and spiritual preparation leading up to Easter. It’s celebrated 8 weeks before Easter Sunday and serves as a reminder of the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for our sins. We read excerpts from the Holy Scriptures that speak of the Last Judgment, encouraging us to reflect on our actions and strive for virtue. Additionally, this day is also known as the last day when meat can be consumed before the fasting period begins.
Interviewer: Maria, as a member of the Orthodox community, can you share with us some of the traditional foods associated with this holiday?
Maria: Of course! Traditionally, this day is celebrated with a feast where different meat dishes are served, including pork and chicken. The name ”Meat Harvest” comes from this custom. However, during Lent, which begins immediately after, meat is forbidden. Instead, we focus on simple dishes made with vegetables, beans, and grains. One popular dish during this time is Syrni Zagovezni, which is a pastry filled with cottage cheese and butter. It’s eaten at the end of each week during Lent as a treat.
Interviewer: That sounds interesting. Can you explain the significance of Syrni Zagovezni?
Maria: Syrni Zagovezni is significant because it’s the last week when meat and dairy products are allowed before the strict fast
