As night falls on Holy Saturday, we move into the liturgy of the Great Vigil of Easter.  The Great Vigil was already well established by the 4th century AD. Traditionally, the service began late in the evening and lasted until after midnight so that the new day (Easter) could be met with the celebration of the Easter Eucharist.  On this most holy night, our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life.  As the Church throughout the world, we gather in vigil and prayer to remember the Passover of the Lord.   For in hearing his holy Word and celebrating his Sacraments, we share in his victory over death. Through the Vigil, the mystery of Easter becomes alive, and we are incorporated into the saving acts of Christ. The Easter Vigil begins with the Service of Light. A fire is lit outside the church, and we are reminded that Christ is the Light of the World as the Paschal candle is lit from the fire. The church, which has been stripped bare, is gradually filled with the light of Christ as each person’s candle is lit from the fire of the Paschal candle as it is processed into the church. As a congregation, we listen in wonder as the Exsultet, the traditional Great Easter Proclamation, is sung. We rejoice in “the victory of our mighty King” for “darkness has been vanquished,” and we pray for “the grace to sing the worthy praise of this great light!” (Book of Common Prayer [1979] p. 286). From the Service of Light, we move to the Service of Lessons, in which the whole history of salvation is proclaimed through the reading of Holy Scripture.  We begin with the creation story in Genesis and move through the Old Testament, concluding with the regathering of God’s people in the book of Zephaniah. Traditionally, it was customary for converts to the faith to prepare for Holy Baptism throughout Lent. With their preparation complete, they would experience the joy of Holy Baptism at the Great Vigil and receive for the very first time the sanctified Bread and Wine, the blessed Body and Blood of our Lord, in the first Holy Eucharist of Easter. It was a wondrous and joyous time. Today, we still baptize people at the Great Vigil, and everyone in the congregation joins with them in renewing their commitment to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. After the baptisms, the celebrant faces the people and proclaims the Great Alleluia three times in jubilation, “Alleluia! Christ is Risen!”  To which the people respond three times in jubilation, “The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!” The Alleluias are back for the first time since Lent began over 40 days before. With this triumphant exchange, the candles at the altar are lit with the light of the Paschal candle, the lights in the church are thrown on, all in the congregation who brought bells begin ringing them, and the altar is vested with all the glory of Easter. Christ is Risen from the dead! The Eastern Orthodox Church traditionally reads St. John Chrysostom’s incomparable Paschal Sermon. This homily has been read faithfully for centuries at the Great Vigil of Easter.  This breathtakingly beautiful sermon proclaims that “the Lord gives generously. The Lord accepts the offering of every work. The Lord honors every deed and commends every intention... You who have kept the fast, and you who have not, rejoice this day, for the Table is richly spread! Feast royally upon it, for He has prepared the fatted calf. Let no one go away hungry. Partake, all of you, of the banquet of faith. Come and enjoy the bounty of the Lord’s goodness!” The final and ultimate part of the Vigil is the celebration of the Easter Eucharist. Christ has become our Passover Lamb. He has won for us salvation. And as we partake of this most holy Sacrament, the Eucharist, we “celebrate the memorial of our redemption” and offer thanks to God that we have been “graciously accepted as living members of his Son our Savior Jesus Christ.” Because of his great love for us, we have passed from death to life.  Because of his death and triumphant resurrection, we have been redeemed and brought back to our true home! Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

One Easter symbol that often goes overlooked is the lamb. When I would see little stuffed lambs in the Easter section of our local store, I tended to think the symbol was about spring and new life. That’s partly true, but the lamb represents so much more. The lamb represents Jesus, the lamb of God and our passover lamb, whose sacrifice takes away the sins of the world and reconciles us to God. So when we eat lamb on Easter, we are pointing to Christ and rejoicing in his gift to us! The First Passover Lamb Lamb symbolism is rooted in the Old Testament. In the book of Exodus, as God was preparing to deliver the Israelites from slavery, he instructed his people to sacrifice a lamb, to spread the blood of the lamb over the doorposts, and to eat the lamb: Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. (Exodus 12:7-8). This event became known as Passover because the angel of death saw the blood of the lamb and passed over the house, sparing the people inside. And after delivering the Israelites from Egypt, God instructed his people to remember this Passover every year by eating the Passover meal. While they ate the meal they were to recount the story of how God faithfully delivered his people from the hands of the Egyptians and made the Israelites a people set apart for himself: And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord‘s Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses (Exodus 12:26-27). Faithful Jews celebrated Passover every year. They gathered together in Jerusalem and ate the Passover Seder Meal, a meal of remembrance where the story of their salvation was told and foods that symbolized their journey were eaten. Jesus Our Passover Lamb With the Hebrew Passover as our backdrop, the Christian understanding of the importance of the sacrificial Lamb begins to gain new significance. We are first given a hint of a deeper meaning in John 1 when John the Baptist says of Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). This declaration is significant because it ties Jesus’ sacrifice to the Old Testament tradition of sacrificing lambs as offerings to God. Our understanding of Jesus as the Lamb of God grows even more during the Last Supper. Jesus is in Jerusalem, celebrating the Passover Seder with his disciples. He gives the Passover meal a new meaning when he stands up before the disciples and identifies the bread as his body, soon to be sacrificed, and the wine as his blood soon to be shed. Jesus is our passover lamb, giving his body for us to eat, and shedding his blood for our salvation. Just as the Israelites were rescued from slavery, we will be rescued from the bondage of sin and death. The Passover meal becomes the Eucharist instituted by Christ himself. Paul draws on these ideas in his letter to the Corinthians: Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.Let us therefore celebrate the festival (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). Pascha & The Resurrected Lamb In much of the Christian world, “Pascha” or some other variation of “Passover” is the name used for Easter. This name points to the fact that Easter is a continued celebration of Passover, with Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. By thinking of Easter as “Pascha,” we are also reminded of Jesus as the resurrected lamb, as seen especially in the book of Revelation. There, Jesus is depicted as the living lamb that had been slain: And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain (Revelation 5:6). The image of the resurrected lamb is often used in Christian art, music, and liturgy to represent the sacrifice of Jesus and his victory over sin and death. Jesus as the Lamb of God is often depicted with a cross-emblazoned banner, known as the Resurrection Banner which symbolizes the victory of the resurrection. The Lamb in the Christian Home Traditionally, in the Christian home, the lamb is the prominent Easter symbol. Lamb is eaten as the main course for the Easter meal, the butter is pressed into the shape of a lamb and placed on the dining table, lambs made of chocolate or sugar are in Easter baskets, sweet stuffed lambs are given as gifts in Easter baskets, and the central dessert is a beautiful Easter cake made in the shape of a lamb and the recipe for my favorite Easter Lamb Cake is found below. Here are some of my favorite ways to bring the symbol of the lamb into your home: For the home - this beautiful 8X10 Lamb Scripture Print from one of my favorite artists, Emily Lex. I place mine on a pretty brass stand in the kitchen so everyone can see it. For the kitchen - this lamb mold is so easy to use and can be used for butter, chocolate or sugar lambs and this lamb cake mold is the one I always use and it works like a charm! I also love making lamb sugar cookies with this lamb cookie cutter . For the Easter basket - I love this sweet little lamb plushie , these milk chocolate lambs , and this precious Easter magnetic play set . As we celebrate Easter, let us remember the significance of the lamb and what it represents for Christians. The lamb is a powerful symbol of sacrifice, but it also represents hope and redemption. Just as the Israelites were saved from slavery in Egypt by the blood of the lamb, we are saved from sin and death through the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our Passover Lamb, slain before the foundation of the world. May the symbol of the lamb remind us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and the hope that we have through his resurrection. He won for us victory over sin and death and he will reign as King forever! the recipe -

Traditionally, in Christian homes around the world, the lamb is the prominent Easter symbol. Lamb is eaten as the main course for the Easter meal, butter is pressed into the shape of a lamb and placed on the dining table, lambs made of chocolate or sugar are in Easter baskets, and the central dessert is a beautiful Easter cake made in the shape of a lamb. As we move through the season of Easter, let's take some time to remember the significance of the lamb and what it represents for us ( read about that here ). Embracing the lamb as a central symbol in our Easter celebrations not only enriches our understanding of this joyous season but also serves as a poignant reminder of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. I encourage you to incorporate this meaningful symbol in your home to deepen your family's appreciation of Easter's profound message. Whether through decorative crafts, special meals, or festive decor, let the image of the lamb invite reflection and gratitude for the sacrifice and resurrection that are at the heart of our faith. I'm sharing an Easter Lamb roundup today of ways that you can incorporate the symbol of the lamb and all it means in your home! For Your Home: Lamb Scripture Print How sweet is this lamb print? I love Emily Lex's watercolor illustrations. They are so lovely! What a great way to fill your home with beauty and truth by displaying this lovely print in your house all Easter season for daily reminders of God's goodness.  Lamb watercolor illustration with John 1:29: "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" Details:- 8"x10" print of original watercolor artwork by Emily Lex. To Eat: Lamb Mold A traditional lamb mold used for making all kinds of lamb edibles. Use it to make lamb butter for the dinner table or special treats like sugar lambs or chocolate lambs. Lamb Cake Mold Make a traditional lamb cake with this vintage-inspired lamb cake pan! In Poland, the Lamb Cake is the main dessert for Easter. It is a pound cake with buttercream frosting resting on a bed of green-dyed coconut. It looks so fun! Stay tuned for the recipe and instructions! Mini Milk Chocolate Lambs How cute are these little Lindt chocolate lambs? They would be so fun to pack in your child's lunch box or hand them right after a meal as a sweet reminder that Jesus is Our Passover Lamb! Lamb Cookie Cutter Make lamb cookies to celebrate Jesus as the Lamb of God with this adorable cookie cutter! To Play With: Easter Lamb Plushie These little Easter Lamb Plushes are so adorable! They would make such a great surprise gift during Easter and are perfect companions for cuddles and storytime about Jesus being our Passover Lamb! Lamb Doll Pattern Ann Wood is one of my favorite makers. I love this pattern she has for making these precious lamb dolls. These little lambs are super fast and very easy to make, perfect to make with children. And the pattern includes two sizes so you can make little lamb families! Easter Morning Wooden Magnet Set I love these beautiful wooden magnets! They would be so fun to surprise your kids with this Easter! There are 11 magnets in the Easter morning set: 2 Angels, a Roman soldier, St. Peter, St. Mary Mother of James, St. John, Salome, St. Mary Magdalene, a rooster, and the Risen Christ! And check out the Paschal Lamb with the Resurrection Banner!

One Easter symbol that often goes overlooked is the lamb. When I would see little stuffed lambs in the Easter section of our local store, I tended to think the symbol was about spring and new life. That’s partly true, but the lamb represents so much more. The lamb represents Jesus, the lamb of God and our passover lamb, whose sacrifice takes away the sins of the world and reconciles us to God. So when we eat lamb on Easter, we are pointing to Christ and rejoicing in his gift to us! The First Passover Lamb Lamb symbolism is rooted in the Old Testament. In the book of Exodus, as God was preparing to deliver the Israelites from slavery, he instructed his people to sacrifice a lamb, to spread the blood of the lamb over the doorposts, and to eat the lamb: Then they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it. (Exodus 12:7-8). This event became known as Passover because the angel of death saw the blood of the lamb and passed over the house, sparing the people inside. And after delivering the Israelites from Egypt, God instructed his people to remember this Passover every year by eating the Passover meal. While they ate the meal they were to recount the story of how God faithfully delivered his people from the hands of the Egyptians and made the Israelites a people set apart for himself: And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord‘s Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses (Exodus 12:26-27). Faithful Jews celebrated Passover every year. They gathered together in Jerusalem and ate the Passover Seder Meal, a meal of remembrance where the story of their salvation was told and foods that symbolized their journey were eaten. Jesus Our Passover Lamb With the Hebrew Passover as our backdrop, the Christian understanding of the importance of the sacrificial Lamb begins to gain new significance. We are first given a hint of a deeper meaning in John 1 when John the Baptist says of Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). This declaration is significant because it ties Jesus’ sacrifice to the Old Testament tradition of sacrificing lambs as offerings to God.  Our understanding of Jesus as the Lamb of God grows even more during the Last Supper. Jesus is in Jerusalem, celebrating the Passover Seder with his disciples. He gives the Passover meal a new meaning when he stands up before the disciples and identifies the bread as his body, soon to be sacrificed, and the wine as his blood soon to be shed. Jesus is our passover lamb, giving his body for us to eat, and shedding his blood for our salvation. Just as the Israelites were rescued from slavery, we will be rescued from the bondage of sin and death. The Passover meal becomes the Eucharist instituted by Christ himself. Paul draws on these ideas in his letter to the Corinthians: Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.Let us therefore celebrate the festival (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). Pascha & The Resurrected Lamb In much of the Christian world, “Pascha” or some other variation of “Passover” is the name used for Easter. This name points to the fact that Easter is a continued celebration of Passover, with Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. By thinking of Easter as “Pascha,” we are also reminded of Jesus as the resurrected lamb, as seen especially in the book of Revelation. There, Jesus is depicted as the living lamb that had been slain: And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain (Revelation 5:6). The image of the resurrected lamb is often used in Christian art, music, and liturgy to represent the sacrifice of Jesus and his victory over sin and death. Jesus as the Lamb of God is often depicted with a cross-emblazoned banner, known as the Resurrection Banner which symbolizes the victory of the resurrection. The Lamb in the Christian Home Traditionally, in the Christian home, the lamb is the prominent Easter symbol. Lamb is eaten as the main course for the Easter meal, the butter is pressed into the shape of a lamb and placed on the dining table, lambs made of chocolate or sugar are in Easter baskets, and the central dessert in a beautiful Easter cake made in the shape of a lamb. As we celebrate Easter, let us remember the significance of the lamb and what it represents for Christians. The lamb is a powerful symbol of sacrifice, but it also represents hope and redemption. Just as the Israelites were saved from slavery in Egypt by the blood of the lamb, we are saved from sin and death through the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our Passover Lamb, slain before the foundation of the world. May the symbol of the lamb remind us of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and the hope that we have through his resurrection. He won for us victory over sin and death and he will reign as King forever!

Traditionally, in Christian homes around the world, the lamb is the prominent Easter symbol. Lamb is eaten as the main course for the Easter meal, butter is pressed into the shape of a lamb and placed on the dining table, lambs made of chocolate or sugar are in Easter baskets, and the central dessert is a beautiful Easter cake made in the shape of a lamb. I've always wanted to make a traditional Easter Lamb Cake. I've seen Pinterest images of cute little cakes sitting on beds of green coconut grass. I've also seen all of the hilarious Pinterest fails of Lamb Cakes. I knew I had to give it a try! I ordered this vintage-inspired Lamb Cake Mold . I was intimidated by it. How do you keep the cake from sticking? How do you keep the ears from falling off? How do you frost a thin, standing lamb? So I did lots of research and then went for it! Turns out, there are some tricks to make your lamb cake a success and I will be sharing all of them in the recipe. But even with all of the tricks, I still hit some snags and it certainly wasn't the easiest thing to make! Would I do it again? Knowing what I know now, probably. There was a steep learning curve, but it was a fun challenge. I am happy with the simplicity of the look and the cake is absolutely incredible! Easter Lamb Cake Cake: 1 Lamb Cake Mold 3 cups sugar ½ cup shortening 2 sticks butter, room temperature 6 eggs, room temperature 3 cups flour ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon rum extract 1 teaspoon coconut extract Frosting: 3/4 cup butter 2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar 2 to 3 Tablespoons milk Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Heavily grease the bottom part of the mold (the one with the face) with softened butter and then sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Cream shortening, butter, and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift dry ingredients together. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Add extracts and blend well. Pour batter into the buttered and breadcrumbed part of the mold. Gently move a knife through the batter to remove any air pockets, without disturbing the greased surface of the mold. Put the lid on the mold, securely locking or tying it together so the steam and rising batter do not force the two sections apart. Place onto a cookie sheet. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the steam vent and into the cake comes out clean. For the frosting: Cream butter and confectioner's sugar in a mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon coconut extract and 2 to 3 Tablespoons of milk until desired consistency. Frost the lamb cake when the lamb cake is completely cool. I put a dollop of frosting on strawberries and placed them at the bottom of the lamb. As we move through the season of Easter, let's take some time to remember the significance of the lamb and what it represents for us ( read about that here ).

Another Friday in Lent is coming up, meaning no meat all day! Here's a simple and delicious meal to make - Homemade Potato Soup. This hearty, comforting potato soup is a simple yet satisfying dish to serve on meatless Fridays during Lent. Made with humble ingredients, potatoes, onions, celery, and milk, it’s warming, nourishing, and easy to prepare. Pair it with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple salad for a meal that’s both humble and filling. It's such a wonderful comfort food with a rich, creamy base and simple ingredients with a delicious flavor! Homemade Potato Soup 2 medium onions, chopped 2 cups of chopped celery 3 tablespoons olive oil 5-6 cups of cubed potatoes 4 cups of water 4 cups of whole milk 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons pepper Additional salt and pepper to taste Sauté onions and celery in olive oil. When translucent and tender. Add potatoes, water, milk, salt, pepper. Stir until combined. Bring to a low boil. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Top with cheddar cheese and green onions. Serve with hot cornbread and enjoy!

Each year on November 30, Christians around the world honor the life and legacy of a devoted disciple and father of the early church, St. Andrew. Known as the “ Protocletus” or  “First-Called,” his feast day offers a unique moment of reflection, often falling at a transition in the liturgical calendar—sometimes at the close of Ordinary Time and other times at the beginning of Advent. This timing highlights St. Andrew’s unique role in salvation history, standing at the threshold of Jesus’ public ministry and His calling of others to follow Him. His Biblical Roots Our first encounter with Andrew is in the Gospel of John, where he is introduced as a disciple of John the Baptist. One day, as John the Baptist was walking with two of his followers, including Andrew, he saw Jesus passing by and declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Upon hearing this, Andrew and the other disciple left John the Baptist and began following Jesus. Noticing them, Jesus turned and asked, “What are you seeking?” They responded by calling Him “Rabbi” (which means Teacher) and asking where He was staying. Jesus invited them, saying, “Come, and you will see.” They went with Him, saw where He was staying, and spent the day in His presence. Andrew’s response to this life-changing encounter is one of the most beautiful moments in the Gospels. He immediately sought out his brother Simon Peter and proclaimed, “We have found the Messiah.” Then, true to his character, Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. This simple yet profound act of introducing others to Christ became a hallmark of Andrew’s ministry and earned him the title Protocletus,  a Greek term meaning “First-Called.” In Matthew 4, we read that after John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus moved to Galilee and began preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” While walking along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Andrew and Simon Peter casting their nets into the lake. He called to them, saying, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Without hesitation, they left their nets and followed Him, demonstrating the same readiness and faith that had defined Andrew’s earlier decision to follow Jesus. Andrew’s Role in Jesus’ Ministry Throughout Jesus’ ministry, Andrew’s thoughtful and practical nature is revealed in the Gospels. In John 6, during the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus saw a great crowd approaching and asked Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” Philip replied, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” At this moment, Andrew stepped forward and said, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Despite the apparent impossibility, Andrew brought what little was available to Jesus, who gave thanks, multiplied the loaves and fish, and provided more than enough for everyone. Andrew’s actions in this moment reveal his faith and his willingness to offer whatever was at hand, trusting that Jesus would provide. Later, in John 12, Andrew is once again seen as a bridge between others and Christ. During a festival, some Greeks approached Philip, expressing their desire to see Jesus. Philip turned to Andrew for help, and together they brought the request to Jesus. This moment highlights Andrew’s role as someone who consistently brought others to Christ, whether it was his own brother, a young boy with loaves and fish, or seekers from distant lands. In Mark 13, Andrew’s closeness to Jesus is underscored. As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of His disciples marveled at its grandeur, saying, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” Jesus responded, “Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Later, as Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew approached Him privately to ask, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to be fulfilled?” This moment shows Andrew as part of the close inner circle of disciples who sought a deeper understanding of Jesus’ teachings and His plans for the future. Andrew’s Life After Jesus’ Resurrection Following Jesus’ death and resurrection, Andrew, along with the other disciples, was taught by the risen Christ, witnessed His ascension to the Father, and awaited the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Andrew embraced his mission to preach the Gospel and became one of the great missionary apostles of the early Church. According to tradition, Andrew’s ministry took him to far-reaching regions, including Scythia (modern-day Ukraine and western Russia), Greece—particularly the cities of Patras and Achaia—Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), and Thrace (modern-day Bulgaria and parts of Greece). His tireless efforts to spread the faith earned him the titles “Apostle to the Greeks” and “Apostle to the Scythians,” and he is venerated as a patron saint in many of these regions. Legends tell of the many miracles Andrew performed during his missionary journeys, including healings, exorcisms, and even raising the dead. In Patras, Greece, it is said that Andrew converted the wife of the Roman governor, a bold act that ultimately led to his martyrdom. Andrew was martyred in Patras around AD 60 during the reign of Emperor Nero. Tradition holds that Andrew, out of humility, requested not to be crucified on a standard cross like Jesus, as he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. Instead, he was tied to an X-shaped cross, prolonging his suffering but allowing him to continue preaching to onlookers. This distinctive diagonal cross, later known as the "St. Andrew’s Cross," became a powerful symbol of his faith, humility, and unwavering commitment to Christ. After his martyrdom, Andrew’s body was venerated by local Christians. His remains were initially kept in Patras, where a church was built to honor him. The Church of Saint Andrew in Patras continues to be a significant pilgrimage site and houses relics, including his skull and a portion of the cross on which he was martyred. In AD 357, Emperor Constantius II ordered the transfer of many relics of the apostles and early saints to Constantinople to establish the city as a spiritual center of the Roman Empire. St. Andrew’s relics, including his bones, were moved to the Church of the Holy Apostles, where they were enshrined alongside relics of other apostles, such as St. Luke and St. Timothy. In 1208, during the time of the Crusades, Cardinal Peter of Capua brought a significant portion of Andrew's relics from Constantinople to Amalfi, Italy. The relics were placed in the Cathedral of St. Andrew, where they remain to this day.  Some relics of St. Andrew also made their way to Rome. The Vatican possesses a portion of his remains, which are housed in St. Peter's Basilica. In a symbolic gesture of unity, Pope Paul VI returned a portion of these relics to the Greek Orthodox Church in 1964. They were sent back to Patras, Greece, where they are venerated in the Church of Saint Andrew. Scotland Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, where his relics were reportedly brought in the 4th century by Saint Regulus (or Rule), a monk who carried them to the area now known as St. Andrews. The town became a significant center of devotion, and Andrew’s saltire cross (an X-shaped cross) was later adopted as Scotland’s national emblem. According to legend, Andrew appeared in a vision to King Óengus II during a battle in AD 832. A white saltire cross is said to have appeared in the sky, inspiring the Scottish army to victory. This event solidified Andrew’s role as the nation’s patron saint and led to the adoption of the saltire as Scotland’s flag. Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Andrew  Read the Gospel passages that mention St. Andrew: John 1:35–42 (Andrew meets Jesus), Matthew 4:18–22 (The calling of Andrew and Peter), John 6:8–9 (The feeding of the 5,000) As a family, reflect on Andrew’s role in introducing others to Jesus. Who in your life needs that same invitation? Bring Others to Jesus. Take inspiration from St. Andrew and consider how your family can introduce others to Christ. This could mean inviting a friend to church, sharing a meal, or even offering a small act of kindness to someone in need. Make a St. Andrew’s Cross. Create a simple X-shaped cross with your children using sticks or craft supplies. Use it as a centerpiece for your table or a reminder of St. Andrew’s humility and faithfulness. Make Cranachan .   As the patron saint of Scotland, St. Andrew is honored with traditional Scottish dishes on his feast day. One of these is Cranachan, a traditional Scottish dessert made with toasted oats, raspberries, cream and whisky. Cranachan ⅓ cup steel cut oats  ⅓ cup Scotch whisky ¼ cup steel cut oats  2 cups fresh raspberries 3 Tbsp Scotch whisky  3 Tbsp honey  2 tsp sugar 2 cups heavy whipping cream  The night before you want to make the dessert, toast 1/3 cup of the oats in a cast iron or very heavy pan until very lightly browned- this won't take long, so keep a close eye, as you don't want burnt oats. Put the oats in a bowl and cover with 1/3 cup (3 oz) of whisky. Cover and let stand overnight to soak. When you are ready to make the Cranachan, toast the second batch of oats, exactly the same as you did the first ones. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Choose a few choice raspberries to decorate the tops and set them aside. Crush the rest of the raspberries in a bowl, with a spatula or fork, (just a bit, we're not making jam). Sprinkle the raspberries with 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of whisky. Mix well and set aside. Whip the cream until it starts to thicken, then add the other 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of whisky. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form, then fold in the whisky-soaked oats. At this point, we are ready to assemble the dessert. I would recommend doing this relatively close to serving time as the dessert will taste better fresh (if possible, don't make it in the morning to serve for dinner). Place a spoonful or two, to cover the bottom of the glass, of the raspberries, then add some of the cream mixture. Sprinkle the cream with some of the toasted oats, then repeat the layers. Finish with the sprinkled oats and top with a raspberry or three. Refrigerate until ready to eat, but take them out about 20 minutes before serving, for better flavor. Recipe from www.christinascucina.com

Tomorrow is the feast of the Visitation! It is the day that the church celebrates the visit of Mary with her cousin Elizabeth. In the gospel of Luke, we are told that Mary, early in her pregnancy, hurried to the home of her cousin, Elizabeth. When Elizabeth, who was also pregnant, heard the voice of Mary, her baby leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth exclaimed to Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” And then Mary, also filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaimed, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” It is such a beautiful passage! Ways to Celebrate Read Luke 1:39-56. Why do you think Mary went to Elizabeth? What happened to the baby in Elizabeth's womb when it heard Mary's voice? Why do you think the baby did that? What happened to Elizabeth and Mary after they were filled with the Holy Spirit? Would you like to be filled with the Holy Spirit, too? Pray: God, you are a good father and you love to give your children gifts. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. We pray that your Holy Spirit would fill us now. Amen. Make something fun to drink. We made delicious and refreshing strawberry tea! Visit with a friend. Strawberry Tea Ingredients 2 cups strawberries, sliced 1/3 + 1/2 cup sugar, divided 10 cups of water, divided 5 black tea bags Slice the strawberries. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of sugar. Stir. Allow to sit while making the tea. Boil 4 cups of water. Add the black tea bags and allow to steep for ten minutes. Press and remove the tea bags. Combine tea and the remaining 6 cups of water in a pitcher. Add 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir. Fill glasses with ice, pour in tea, and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of strawberries to each glass. Stir.

On the last Sunday of the liturgical year, Christians worldwide celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. This relatively recent addition to the Church calendar, established in the 20th century, holds a profound purpose, to acknowledge the dominion of our king, Jesus Christ, over all of creation and every aspect of our lives. Top your crosses and crucifixes with small crowns! We understand the kingship of Christ to mean that Jesus has authority over all creation. This authority is based on his identity as the Son of God and in his work of redemption. He is a king who serves, sacrifices, and redeems—a ruler who establishes a kingdom not by military might but by love, justice, and the ultimate sacrifice of himself on the cross. His resurrection is the vindication of his kingship and his ascension as his enthronement. A Present Reality and Future Home The belief in Christ as King finds its roots in the Christian understanding of Jesus as the Messiah, whose reign exists as both a present reality and a future hope. In the here and now, his reign manifests in the lives of believers who seek to live under his lordship. But the Feast of Christ the King also carries a sense of eschatological anticipation, signaling the ultimate culmination of time when the reign of Christ is fully realized. As St. Paul says in his letter to the Philippians, God has highly exalted him and given him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. – Philippians 2:9-11 The church calendar perfectly positions the Feast of Christ the King on the last Sunday of the liturgical year before Advent begins. We end the year triumphantly proclaiming Christ as King and start the new liturgical year earnestly waiting and praying for the ultimate triumph of Christ at the end of time. The Origins of Christ the King The Feast of Christ the King is a relatively recent addition to the Western liturgical calendar. Its roots trace back to the 20th century when Europe was grappling with the aftermath of World War I. The war had ravaged Europe, leaving destruction in its wake. The loss of life was more significant than in any previous war in history. It is estimated that 20 million people died, and 20 million more were wounded. Governments teetered on the edge of economic collapse, and unemployment soared. In some places, people were on the brink of starvation. The war ushered in significant political and social changes. Secularism was on the rise, and traditional institutions, including both monarchies and the Church, were facing challenges from emerging political ideologies like communism and fascism. The old world, with its established social and political orders, was disintegrating. Pessimism and a sense of helplessness infected the people, exacerbated by the bitterness between nations. In this fertile ground for tyranny, figures like Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, and Joseph Stalin began to rise. In their distress, the people gravitated to anyone who could offer them hope. In this climate of despair, Pope Pius XI saw people turning away from Christ, seeking hope, guidance, and sustenance from emerging dictators. Amid this shift, there was a growing inclination to relegate morality and the Church’s teachings to the annals of history, deeming them irrelevant in the modern age. In this modern worldview, Christ might be accepted as a historical figure but had no place in modern life. Establishing the Feast Recognizing that people were turning their backs on Christ in favor of secularism, materialism, and the false promises of tyrants, Pope Pius XI knew he had to act. In 1925, he issued his encyclical letter “Quas Primas” and established the Feast of Christ the King. His motivation was clear: to reaffirm the kingship of Christ, emphasizing that Jesus holds ultimate authority over all aspects of human life, including the political and economic realm. Pius intended the feast to counteract the secularization and atheism of the time, boldly proclaiming that Christ’s kingdom transcends worldly powers. Through it, he called on the faithful to consecrate themselves to the lordship of Jesus, reminding them that Christ must reign in our minds, wills, and hearts and that they must love God above all things and cleave to him alone. Christ the King of Today Our world today is not so very different from the world of Pope Pius XI. Peace remains elusive, political, social, and economic orders continue to falter, and most nations reject the kingship of Christ in their lives. The Feast of Christ the King remains as relevant today as it was in 1925. As we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, let us embrace the reign of Jesus in every part of our lives, and let us hold fast to the promise that he will come again in power and great glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. And so we make our prayer, Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Stir-Up Sunday Well before the establishment of Christ the King Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent was known as “Stir Up Sunday.” “Stir Up Sunday” is an informal term that gets its name from the opening words of the collect for the day in the Book of Common Prayer of 1549 (and subsequent editions). “STIR up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may by thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” Stirring Up Plum Pudding? Because of the beginning words of the collect, it was traditional in England to stir up Christmas plum puddings on Stir Up Sunday. Christmas plum puddings were made in advance so that they could mature before being served on Christmas (supposedly, they do not spoil because of their high alcohol content). Plum pudding is a misnomer since no plums are used. The “plum” in plum pudding was a generic term for any dried fruit, most commonly raisins and currants. Traditionally, the pudding consisted of thirteen ingredients to represent Christ and his disciples and was always stirred from East to West in honor of the three Wise Men who visited the baby Jesus from the East. The pudding represents all of the good things of heaven that Christ brought to mankind. Every family member stirred the pudding and made a Christmas wish. They added a coin to the ingredients and cooked in the pudding. According to tradition, the coin would bring wealth to whoever found it on their plate on Christmas Day. After making the pudding, they would put it away until the feast of Christmas. Then, they would pour warmed brandy or rum over the pudding at the Christmas feast and set it ablaze. Finally, they brought the flaming pudding to the dinner table and served it as soon as the flame burned out. Make this rich, golden pound cake for the day! Ways to Celebrate Christ the King Sunday Read Revelation 17:14 and I Timothy 6:11-16. Discuss the difference between worldly kings and Jesus as King. What would it mean to make Jesus King in our lives? Place gold crowns on all of your crosses or crucifixes. (We wore the crowns and topped our Christ the King Pound Cake with them!) Make paper crowns or go to Burger King and get some of their crowns to wear. Make a pork crown roast or chicken a la king. Have a feast fit for a king. Dress in your fanciest clothes, set the table with your best dishes and linens, and serve “kingly” dishes like Chicken A La King or Crown Roast. Listen to the hymn “Praise My Soul the King of Heaven” or “Crown Him With Many Crowns.” Make little paper crowns and put them on your statues or icons of Jesus. Make a plum pudding. Make a Christ the King Pound Cake . What could be better for Christ the King Sunday than a golden pound cake shaped like a crown?

Halloween is almost here! I know that is not news to any of you! The stores have been filled with hanging witches and zombies for weeks and nowhere is Halloween on fuller display than in neighborhood yards. Driving through my mom’s neighborhood yesterday, every yard was decorated to the max. I passed by ghosts hanging from trees, and gravestones placed in the grass. There was even a yard with two life-size skeletons lowering a corpse into a coffin. It was nuts! It’s hard not to believe that Halloween is an embrace of the pagan, the occult, or the demonic. Sadly, many of us don’t know the real meaning of Halloween, especially Christians. They don’t know that the celebration of Halloween is really a beautiful Christian celebration that’s been hijacked by our culture. Halloween or All Hallow’s Eve is actually the eve of the Feast of All Hallows’ Day which is another name for All Saints Day, a beautiful day where we lovingly remember the martyrs and saints who faithfully served the Lord and who have died. All Hallows’ Eve on October 31st and All Saints’ Day on November 1st, is a principal feast day in the Christian calendar. It provides a dedicated day to call to memory those saints who have led the way before us. We recognize those saints who are known, meaning those who have been officially recognized by the Church for their exemplary lives, faith, and contributions to Christianity. They might be early Christian martyrs, theologians, missionaries, or others who've led lives of significant spiritual meaning and impact. We also recognize those saints who are unknown. This refers to the countless believers throughout history who've lived faithfully but haven't been officially recognized or canonized as saints. The belief here is that many people live saintly lives without gaining widespread recognition or having a significant public impact, but their faith and good works are known to God. We honor the example of all of their lives and deaths and rejoice in the continued communion with them through membership and participation in the body of Christ. The History All Saints’ Day's origins and establishment as a significant Christian feast day are rooted in early Christian traditions and practices of honoring martyrs and saints. In the earliest days of Christianity, it was common to commemorate the anniversary of a martyr's death for Christ at the place of their martyrdom. As the number of recognized martyrs increased, especially during the intense periods of Roman persecution, it became challenging to assign a separate day for each martyr. Different Christian communities began to establish a common day on which to honor all martyrs. The foundation for a collective celebration can be seen as early as the 4th century when the Feast of All Martyrs was celebrated in the Eastern Church. In the West in 609 or 610 AD, Pope Boniface IV consecrated the Pantheon in Rome to the Blessed Virgin and all the martyrs. This established an annual feast in Rome on May 1st. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved the date to November 1 and broadened the festival to include all saints as well as all martyrs. Finally, in 837 AD Pope Gregory IV extended the celebration of the feast day from Rome to the entire western church. Traditionally on the eve of All Saints’ Day or All Hallows’ Eve, Christians attended a vigil where worshippers prepared their hearts with prayers and fasting. They spent the night thinking about and offering thanks to those who had died in faithful service to the Lord and praying that they might be more like them. The church service was known as the Vigil of All Hallows or the Vigil of All Saints. After the service, festivities would begin with food and drink and visits to the graveyard where flowers and candles were placed at the graves. They also went "souling", which evolved into our modern-day trick-or-treating. Children and the poor went about, visiting homes, offering prayers, and in return receiving soul cakes – small, sweet treats infused with spices. In Portugal, a variation of this tradition continues today. Children go door to door, singing songs and asking for a special bread called Pão-por-Deus or "Bread for God." The Communion of Saints A core component of All Saints’ Day is the "communion of saints." This doctrine underscores the unity of all believers, living and deceased, in the body of Christ. It reminds us that our connection with fellow Christians doesn't end with death; it continues in God’s holy presence. In Hebrews 11 and 12, St. Paul introduces us to this communion of saints when he reminds us of those who went before us and who faithfully followed God. He encourages us that since we are surrounded by such a “great cloud of witnesses” we should throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us and that we should run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We believe that the communion of saints is the spiritual union of all of the members of the Church, both the living, the Church Militant, and those who have died in the faith of Christ, the Church Triumphant. We believe that we are knit together with the saints in the mystical body of Christ. We all worship God together and as we say every Sunday during Holy Eucharist, we join our voices “with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven.” We do not pray to the saints or praise the saints, we join with them in the worship of God. This idea of the “communion of saints” is so pivotal to our faith that it is a part of the Apostles Creed. Samhain A common myth in modern times is that Halloween is based on a pagan festival known as Samhain. The story goes that the Church christianized a popular Celtic festival that celebrated the dead. The earliest documentary sources available indicate that Samhain, just like countless harvest festivals around the world, was a harvest festival with no particular ritual connections to the dead. A direct link between the two is largely speculative and not substantiated by historical records. Halloween, or All Hallows' Eve, originates primarily from Christian traditions marking the eve of All Saints' Day. Its practices and customs, including attending church services, lighting candles on the graves of the holy, and the later traditions of trick-or-treating, have clear roots in Christian liturgical observances. Scholarly research into the origins of Halloween often points to its emergence independently within the Christian tradition, rather than as an adaptation or continuation of pagan Samhain rituals. Ways to Celebrate All Hallow’s Eve and All Saints’ Day Read Hebrews 11:1–12:2 and Revelation 7:9-12 Go trick or treating or attend a church’s Halloween celebration. Go and visit the grave of a loved one . All around the world, Christians visit the graves of loved ones on All Saints’ Day, They bring flowers, clean up the spaces, and spend time reminiscing about and offering thanks to God for the loved ones. If you are unable to visit the grave of a loved one, light a candle in honor in their honor. Have everyone share what they loved about them and offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for them. Bring flowers to the grave or put some on your porch or in your home in honor of the deceased. Chrysanthemums are the traditional flower in Belgium and France, marigolds are the traditional flowers in Mexico. Christians all around the world have a special bread or sweet that they make for All Saints’ Day. In Portugal they make Pão-por-Deus (Bread for God), in Mexico they make Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead), in France they call it Pain des Morts (Bread of the Dead). This bread is often shaped like a coffin or a cross. In Spain, they make a sweet called Huesos de Santo (Saint's Bones). In Austria they make Allerheiligenstriezel , a sweet braided bread called often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Make Ossa dei Morti or Bones of the Dead . These almond-flavored, bone-shaped cookies are made to honor the deceased and are often enjoyed with a glass of wine. the recipe — Helpful Links: Ossa dei Morti or Bones of the Dead Cookies Soul Cakes and Souling for All Hallows' Eve and All Saints' Day

The Feast of Holy Michael and All Angels, also known as Michaelmas, is almost here! It's a special occasion in the Christian calendar dedicated to honoring Holy Michael, the captain of the heavenly host, and all other angels. One delightful way to celebrate is by baking an Angel Food Cake . The name says it all, plus the light and airy texture of an Angel Food Cake perfectly symbolizes their heavenly nature. It's a sweet and meaningful way to pay tribute to Holy Michael, who led the heavenly host against the forces of darkness and all angels. Angel Food Cake is more than just a delicious dessert—it’s a beautiful way to remind ourselves of the spiritual significance of angels. Angels are messengers, protectors, and warriors of God, and their presence is a source of comfort and strength in the Christian tradition. As we bake and enjoy this airy, light cake, we can reflect on the spiritual nature of angels, who continuously praise and serve God. By incorporating Angel Food Cake into your Michaelmas celebration, you are not only creating a sweet tradition for your family but also opening up an opportunity to teach your children about the angels and their important roles in the Bible. You can share stories of St. Michael’s triumph over Satan, Gabriel’s message to Mary, or the angels’ protection throughout Scripture while enjoying this heavenly treat. How to Serve Your Angel Food Cake While this cake is perfectly delicious on its own, you can also pair it with some additional toppings to make it extra special for Michaelmas: Fresh Berries : Blackberries are traditional for Michaelmas, so consider serving the cake with a side of blackberries or a blackberry sauce to incorporate this lovely custom. Whipped Cream : A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds richness and complements the light, fluffy texture of the cake. Lemon Glaze : A light drizzle of lemon glaze (made with powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice) can add a hint of citrus brightness to your dessert. Happy Michaelmas! Let me know how your cake turns out or if you have any special Michaelmas traditions you’d like to share!

Holy Cross Day is almost here! It is the special day when Christians around the world celebrate the cross of Christ. The cross is pivotal to the Christian faith. It is the instrument of Christ’s redemption for the whole world, “having made peace through the blood of His cross” Colossians 1:20. It is such a holy object to us and the saving acts of God through the cross of Christ are reason to celebrate! Holy Cross Day is an ancient feast that celebrates the cross and all that it means for our lives. It is the day that we discover not only the cross itself but its rediscovery after it was lost in the fall of Jerusalem. To celebrate this particular day, do something with basil. Tradition says that basil was growing all over the hill where St. Helena found the cross of Christ buried. Because of this, in Greece, priests hand out sprigs of basil to the parishioners. We cut basil from our garden but you could buy it at the grocery store. We put the basil in mason jars to decorate our dinner table and for dinner, I made homemade pesto and I am going to toss it with hot angel hair spaghetti. I had never made basil before but one of my sweet friends from church gave me her special recipe AND agreed to let me share it with you! Thank you, Jane! It is absolutely incredible! The kids and I have already eaten it straight from the bowl! This is my favorite pesto so far. It is so fresh tasting because it doesn’t have garlic in it. I hope you love it as much as we have! I hope that you have a blessed Holy Cross Day ! I’d love to hear how you are celebrating the day!