Save My Sinful Mother - Saint Phanurius

The Great-martyr Phanurius and Newly Appeared of Rhodes is a fantastic Saint for kids to learn about. Most of us know him for his intercessions when we lose something! But did you know about the great faith he had to pray for the salvation of his mom? What a beautiful son and example for our children. This is a story all kids should hear!

Here is a brief description of his life from www.abbamoses.com

"Little is known of the holy Martyr Phanurius, except that which is depicted concerning his martyrdom on his holy icon, which was discovered in the year 1500 among the ruins of an ancient church on Rhodes, when the Moslems ruled there. Thus he is called "the Newly-Revealed." The faithful pray to Saint Phanurius especially to help them recover things that have been lost, and because he has answered their prayers so often, the custom has arisen of baking the Phaneropita ('Phanarius-Cake') as a thank-offering."
There is a tradition that his mother was a great sinner, and that he was unable to convert her in her lifetime. After her death he prayed more for her salvation than for his own. As he was being stoned to death, he prayed: 'For the sake of these my sufferings, Lord, help all those who will pray to Thee for the salvation of Phanurius' sinful mother.' So, in Egypt, where he is much revered, many Christians pray 'O Lord, save Phanurius' mother and help me, a sinner.'


Phaneropita Recipe

4 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup olive oil
1 cup sugar, plus
2 tablespoons sugar
2 oranges, juice and zest of, plus enough extra
2 cups fresh orange juice, in total
1/2 cup brandy or water
1 cup golden raisin
1 cup walnut, roughly chopped, toasted

Directions
* Preheat oven to 350°F.
* Butter and flour a 12-inch, round cake pan or a 9x13x2
* Mix the flour with the spices.
* In a bowl mix the oil, sugar, orange juice, brandy and orange zest.
* Mix well.
* Add the flour, the raisins and the walnuts.
* Mix well.
* Pour batter into prepared pan.
* Bake the Phaneropita for 45 min to an hour
* Insert a toothpick to see if it's ready

Allow to cool and decorate with powdered sugar if you'd like.
The Phaneropita is offered on either the eve of Aug 26 for Vespers, or for the Saints' feastday on August 27th. After the blessing, this special treat is divided for everyone to enjoy.

May our kids someday intercede for our souls with the same fervor!