Orthodox Thanksgiving 2009

Yesterday we had our annual Orthodox Thanksgiving dinner. It was a beautiful day and there was an abundance of friends, food, and thanksgiving.

We had almost 50 people this year! I made the turkeys again and was much more prepared than last year. Though, to my father's dismay I'm sure, I still threw away the neck and the giblets. Last year they caught me by surprise and I almost needed DH to take over. However, this year I cleaned it out like a pro (well, sort of). At least I didn't shriek upon discovering the neck stuffed inside the cavity and the little bag of organs...

Halfway through our dinner we noticed a beautiful rainbow among the rain clouds that were drifting by. There was not a drop of rain and the rainbow was only there for a few short minutes but it left us with a spirit of peace and an appreciation for the beauty of God's creation.

Our priest gave the blessing, everyone filled their bellies with good food and then we started a campfire for the kids to toast marshmallows.

Afterward we all sat around the fire and read the Paraklesis to St. Nektarios, who we commemorate today, and a friend of ours chanted Agni Parthene, the hymn written by St. Nektarios.

Glory to God!