Mnimosino — Remembering
Every year on the 25th September we remember mother who left this world on this date many years ago. Her name, and other names, are read in church and a special hymn for peace and rest is sung by cantors. Then in her memory we share with worshippers a tray ‘kollifa’ and special bread after the Service just outside the church building. Other families do this for a loved one so at the end of the Service everyone takes home ‘kollifa’ and this ‘bread’! You can even eat these, there and then in the church yard. It is a very informal atmosphere, people greeting each other and chatting. I personally love ‘kollifa’ which is basically boiled\cooked wheat in water, drained and mixed with raisins, pomegranate, almonds and sesame seeds. A tray of this mixture is prepared and decorated at home, the main theme being the cross. One of my sisters took the responsibility to prepare this special tray. Family, extended family and friends are in the know about the mnimosino day so they come to the church specially. After the Service and the distribution of ‘kollifa’ these attendees meet at a family home for coffee and snacks. Mninosino is an event that brings families together every year for each of their deceased loved ones and are relaxed happy occasions of sharing and fellowship.
