Kreatopita

On the island of Kefallinia, Greece in the Ionion Sea, the Feast Day of Analipseos (Ascension Day) is celebrated with the traditional "kreatopita" (meat-pie).

This spicy pie also ushers in the beginning of Lent on the day of Apokreas.

Kefallinian Ascension Meat Pie

Ingredients

1 small leg of lamb, boned & cut into 1" pieces (bones reserved)

juice of one lemon

¼ cup olive oil

1 onion, chopped

3 med potatoes, parboiled in their jackets, peeled & diced

1 lg carrot, parboiled & diced

3 cup white rice, parboiled & drained

2 tablespoons tomato puree

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

½ cup chopped fresh parsley

2 sprigs fresh mint, chopped

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 garlic clove, sliced

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 orange or lemon peel, cut into pieces

salt & freshly ground pepper

16 filo sheets

6 tablespoons butter, melted

3 hard-boiled eggs, quartered

Instructions

1.      In a stock pot, cover the lamb bones with cold water. Simmer covered for 1 hour.

2.      Strain, boil down to 1 cup, and set aside.

3.      Sprinkle the lemon juice on the lamb cubes.

4.      Heat the oil or butter in a heavy pan, add the onions and lamb, and saute the meat on all sides until the onions are soft without browning.

5.      Pour the onions, lamb, and juices into a large bowl.

6.      Add the diced potatoes and carrot, rice, tomato puree, cheese, parsley, mint, oregano, garlic, cinnamon, and fruit peel and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

7.      Add enough reserved lamb broth for liquid while pie bakes, then mix with a wooden spoon.

8.      Butter the bottom and sides of a 9 x 12 x 3 inch pan.

9.      Spread 8 filo sheets, brushing the melted butter in between the sheets, making sure the pastry fits the sides and bottom of the pan.

10. Pour in the filling, spreading evenly with a spatula.

11. Place the egg quarters here and there across the top and cover with the remaining filo sheets, brushing with butter as before. Flute the edges with two fingers or a fork and brush the top with butter.

12. Using a sharp knife, score the top 3 filo sheets into square or diamond shapes, or prick the homemade pastry with a fork.

13. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes in moderately slow oven (325 F), raising the temperature to 350 F during the last 10 minutes.

14. Remove from the oven and let stand on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand on a rack for 15 minutes. Cut into diamonds or squares and serve warm.

Source: Vilma Liacouras Chantiles

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Ascension

The Ascension occurs 40 days after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on Pascha.

The Ascension is when Christ ascended into Heaven to be glorified on the right hand of the Father. The Ascension of Christ is His final physical departure from this world after the Resurrection. It is the formal completion of His mission in the world as the Messianic Saviour. The Ascension also indicates the glorification (theosis) of human nature in the risen Christ and anticipates the gift of the Spirit on Pentecost, ten days later.

Christ’s blood

From the region of Northern Eipros is the tradition of emptying the red egg-dyed water from Holy Thursday on dead or dying plants (ensure it is a place where animals or people do not tread). As the dye represents Christ’s blood, this tradition signifies Christ’s departure from this world to Heaven.

Although the pouring of the dye on plants is a practical & respectful means of disposal, yet additional symbolism can be attached: it is hoped the plant will be given a second chance at life, just as Christ heals and gives us life abundantly.

Another custom is taking the used Paschal candles to Church to be lit as an offering.

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