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Greeks Bake Orange Cake for St. Fanourios Lost-and-Found Saint

Thousands of pilgrims gathered Wednesday night at the Church of St.

By ap · 1d ago · Source: ap

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Thousands of pilgrims gathered Wednesday night at the Church of St. Fanourios, 10 kilometers northwest of Athens, to offer orange cakes in observance of the feast of St. Fanourios, a saint associated with lost items. St. Fanourios, known as the Revealer, is venerated as the patron saint of lost and found. An icon depicting his martyrdom was discovered on the island of Rhodes more than 500 years ago. Celebrations occur mainly in Greece and Cyprus. Maria Chanioti, 66, has attended the services since childhood. She prepared a cake using fresh orange juice, a pinch of nutmeg, and a recipe that includes 4 cups self‑rising flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, 12 tablespoons orange juice, 1/2 cup water, lemon zest, raisins, and walnuts, then baked it at 170‑180 Celsius for 45 minutes. She described the wish as private, noting that participants seek help with personal difficulties such as lost keys, relationship strain, or need for courage. Father Nikolaos Vlavianos, who blessed the cakes, said, "If someone prayed to win the lottery, that would have no spiritual benefit and would not go anywhere." He added that he has heard requests ranging from illness and bankruptcy to parking problems and sports slumps. Most attendees keep their wishes private, though the gathering included an outdoor ceremony, a church fair with vendors selling toys, clothing, and grilled meat, and a communal sharing of the baked goods. Chanioti said the ritual reflects a broader view of loss, encompassing emotional and material concerns, and stressed that love, understanding, optimism and freedom from sadness are more important than money. The tradition continues each year, offering participants a moment of reflection while the Church of St. Fanourios remains a focal point for the community.

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8/27/2026, 10:00:21 AM
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