Menu for the First Week of Orthodox Christian Lent

This beautiful Picture of a Russian Orthodox
Church was given to us by friends for our
First Wedding Anniversary.

This Sunday is "Cheesefare" Sunday - the day that Orthodox Christians are supposed to finish up all the cheese, butter & eggs in the house & prepare to be nearly Vegan for Lent. It is somewhat similar to Shrove Tuesday for Western Christians. This is followed by the first week of Lent, during which "fasting" practices vary widely. Some people elect to consume no food for the first day, or even the first three days of Lent. Others consume no cooked food for the same time period. Some go straight to a standard mostly Vegan Lenten diet during these days. And others may decide to go ahead and consume dairy & eggs or not to fast at all. This menu is designed for those who wish to have a standard Lenten menu for the first week of Lent.

What we eat during Lent is important for several reasons: it helps us learn to obey God rather than our tummies (a very difficult skill whether you're Vegan or Omnivore), to deny our own addictive desires (which we refer to as "passions"), to lighten our bodies and minds so that heavy food doesn't make us sleepy & keep us from prayer, and to give us a greater awareness of the poor.

But, far more important than what we eat is our Love for God & for others - for this reason, we are strictly forbidden to look at the plate of the person next to us and decide if they are eating what they should be during Lent!

As St. John Chrysostom said, "For what doth it profit if we abstain from birds and fishes; and yet bite and devour our brethren? The evil speaker eateth the flesh of his brother, and biteth the body of his neighbor." Love for God (Prayer) and others (almsgiving) are more important than food during Lent.

But, this menu can only address the food part of Lent - so, here it is.

Cheesefare Sunday:
Brunch after Church: Apple Cinnamon Pancakes with Fruit, Omelets with Cheese for Omnivores

Dinner: Pizza (add Cheese for Omnivores), Salad

Monday: Family Favorite Lentil Soup, Salad, Crusty Bread, Fresh Fruit

Tuesday: Black Bean Enchiladas, Baked Corn Chips, Salsa

Wednesday: Moroccan Red Lentil Soup, Carrot Raisin Salad without Mayo, Pita with Tahini Sauce

Thursday: Greek Bean Soup ( Fasolia Yachni ), Salad, Crusty Bread

Friday: Teriyaki Stir-Fry over Rice

Saturday: Greek Okra & Tomato Stew ( Bamies Yachni ), Salad, Crusty Bread

This is being shared on Menu Plan Monday and Menu Monday with Erin Branscom and Penny Pinching Party and Frugal Food Thursday and Healthy Vegan Fridays 
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