Blessing of Lenten pastries in memory of the 40 Martyrs performed in Bologna

After the Sunday Divine Liturgy in the temple of Saint Basil in Bologna, the rector blessed bread and pastries that had been prepared by the faithful on the occasion of commemorating the forty martyrs of Sebaste. The celebration combined liturgical life with an ancient church tradition. This was reported by the ROC. According to Orthodox custom, on this day fasting foods are prepared in symbolic number, namely forty. These are known in various traditions, such as "mucenici" in Romania or as "larks" in the Russian tradition. Often they have the shape of an eight as a sign of eternity or the form of birds that symbolize the soul rising to God, as well as the beginning of spring.

This simple but meaningful tradition reminds us that even during the time of fasting, the remembrance of the martyrs is connected with joy and hope. It points to the new life perspective in Christ and connects repentance with the expectation of the Resurrection.

Previously, UOJ reported that the Sacrament of Holy Unction was celebrated in Catania.

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