The “Makarios of the Virgin Mary” – a custom lost in the depths of the centuries and was observed with religious devotion by the Greeks of Pontus and Asia Minor – will revive this year, on August 15, at the Holy Paraskevi Church in Sidirokastro.
The “Makarios of the Virgin Mary” is a kind of traditional food, offered to all faithful immediately after the Divine Liturgy on the day of the Great Theotheistic Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin. In its original form it contained a broken wheat and beef or chicken that was simmering overnight.
In its new version, this traditional meal is made from beef, pork and potatoes, which are all cooked together and offered in portions to the faithful.
As Father Paul points out in RES-EIA, “More than 400 portions are distributed every year, which our volunteers, young and old, are prepared with great care, as well as many ladies of Sidirokastro.
The preparation begins on the eve of the big celebration and the dawn of August 15, when the fires in the cauldrons on the church enclosure continues to complete the cooking.
Shortly before the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy we bless the food and immediately after distributing it to all the faithful. “
Like every year, this year the fires for the preparation of the meal will light up at five in the morning. Men and women of all ages, even children, offer voluntary help.
Large tables are set up outside the picturesque church of Agia Paraskevi, located at the entrance of Sidirokastro.
The faithful sit under the trees, in the small olive grove right next to the church to enjoy this traditional food. The moments are almost sacred, as they are a good opportunity and an excellent occasion for the older ones to talk to the younger ones about their ancestors’ customs, customs and traditions.
Source: Skai
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