Traditional Greek Recipes for Phanouropita

Traditionally the Phanouropita is baked on the feast of Saint Phanourios on August 27th, at which time it is brought to church for a blessing either the evening before during Vespers or on the day of the feast during the Divine Liturgy. This is done to thank the Saint for whatever miracle he has done for us, most commonly in helping us to find lost items and for single people looking for a spouse. The Phanouropita can be baked any time of the year as well.

There is also a tradition that says the mother of Saint Phanourios was a hard-hearted and sinful woman who died unrepentant. Therefore, the Phanouropita is also baked on behalf of the mother of Saint Phanourios, to pray for her forgiveness. Alexandros Papadiamantis writes that whoever invokes the aid of Saint Phanourios must always say: “God forgive the mother of Saint Phanourios.”

After the Phanouropita has been blessed by the priest in the church, the cake is distributed to the faithful in the church or in the neighborhood. One tradition says to distribute it to at least seven houses where someone bears the name “Mary” or “Maria”. It is important that the ingredients always contain either 7 or 9 ingredients, since these…