Six kids gather around the kitchen counter in giddy anticipation of scooping flour, pouring water, watching yeast bubble, sinking their small hands into bread dough, and pushing the stamp down deep into the dough. Would it be easier for me to make the prosphora all by myself? Yes. Would it be faster if I didn’t have six pairs of hands begging to have their turn pouring, stirring, and kneading? Yes. But…memories are being formed. Techniques are being taught. Traditions are being passed down.
These cousins are making bread as their precious offering to God. They’ve devoted their time and energy into creating a gift they will offer up to the Lord as they carry it to the church early on Sunday morning. This whole experience has left them feeling a vital part of the church community…and leaves an imprint on their minds as they grow older and eventually marry and have children of their own to later teach how to make prosphora.
