Ways to Celebrate the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
In Orthodox Motherhood’s blog, the author sites different ways to commemorate the fast (lent); however, as the feast is already upon us, this also applies to what we can do to celebrate the feast day itself.
Sts. Peter and Paul are seen as the original evangelizers of our faith, with St. Peter bringing the faith to the West (Rome, namely) and St. Paul to the East (among many other Apostles who evangelized in this area).
1) Pray for Priests and Hierarchs
Our bishops today are the direct “descendants” of the apostles since the apostles’ teaching has been handed down to them, unbroken, through apostolic succession. Thus, it is fitting to include prayers for our hierarchs during this season [and feast day]. Perhaps your family can add your priest, bishop, and metropolitan to the prayer list in your icon corner and pray for them each night of the Apostles’ Fast [and on the feast day].
2) Pray for the Church Around the World
The apostles spread the Good News about Jesus all over the known world. The churches that they founded, plus those in other parts of the world, exist because of their missionary zeal. You can help your children begin to understand the global nature of the Church by including prayers for the Church around the world in your prayer rule. These could include prayers for our brothers and sisters experiencing persecution, prayers for churches in war-torn countries, and prayers for churches that your family is connected to ethnically or culturally.
3) Give to Missionaries
One wonderful way to give in honor of the apostles is to give to missionaries who are also spreading the Gospel throughout the world. Your family can save coins over the Apostles’ Fast to give, or you can strive to eat simply and give the money you saved to missionaries. Be sure to check out the OCMC’s (Orthodox Christian Mission Center) website to learn more about Orthodox missions, read missionary updates, and learn how to support a missionary.
Traditions In Ukraine
The petrivka fast is usually not as strict a fast in Ukraine due to the large amount of agricultural work done, and thereby requiring a little more sustenance in their meals. But come the feast day, it is still a joyous feast day when you go to church, preparing the house by whitewashing the walls, girls wearing vinky - вінки (flower wreaths) in their hair (especially with red poppies) followed by a wonderful communal meal and singing of petrivky - петрівчнаній пісні. The feast often features mandryky - мандрики (a cheese version of the babka), the name of which is said to be inspired by the Apostle’s traveling (mandruvaty - мандрувати) and fish, seeing as the Apostles used to be fishermen. There is even a tradition on the following day to kill, and eat, three roosters, in remembrance of St. Peter’s betrayal of Christ, before the rooster crowed on Great Friday.
A blessed feast to all!