Slava Kolach

In Serbia and countries that have Serbian Communities families, schools, churches and other organizations have a Krsna Slava or patron saint day. I belong to the  Circle of Serbian Sisters at Saint Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in  Indianapolis. The "Kolo" celebrates the Nativity of the Mother of God.  Krsna Slava is celebrated with as much gusto and fanfare as a birthday party.  In a way, it is a birthday. It celebrates a history, one that you can feel, see and touch. 

The Slava Kolach is prepared prior to the celebration.  The Kolach can be a rather simple flour, yeast, water recipe to a rather elaborate one that includes butter, eggs and milk.  Traditionally, the top and sides are decorated with a cross or a crown shape. How it is decorated varies according to organization and family.  The bread  represents Jesus Christ as the Bread of Life. It is also symbolic of our thanks to God for being saved through Its Son.  During a special service in church (or in a home) priest cuts a cross in the bread, which reminds us of Christ' S death on the cross for the remission of our sins.

In addition, the zito or wheat (Kolijivo) is prepared in honor of God and all of his blessings of which we receive. It is also prepared to commemorate the ancestors of the family (or organization) who have passed on in the Orthodox faith. The wheat represents our hope in the resurrection.

  I was asked to make the Slava Kolach and Zito this year, which is always an honor for me to do so.