On Friday, February 24, Protodeacon Victor Lochmatow served a special treat at the lunchtime trapeza at Holy Trinity Monastery: blini with traditional Russian toppings including herring and salmon which he had cured himself. Fr. Victor has prepared blini at the monastery during Cheesefare Week for many years, with willing help from seminarian volunteers.

After allowing other worthy chefs to serve the brethren for a couple of years, Fr. Victor emerged from “retirement” with something better: “I finally found a good recipe this year,” he said. Not only was it a good recipe, but he and his wife were up early in the morning to prepare the blini by themselves. A couple of seminarians helped with the final preparations. We would like to thank Father and Mrs. Victor Lochmatow for their dedicated service to Holy Trinity Monastery and Seminary for so many years and in so many ways.

Story and Photos: John Martin

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