Feast Day November 25th

St Catherine of Alexandria is celebrated on November 25th in the Orthodox Church. She is a beloved saint known for her wisdom, courage, and unwavering faith. Patron saint of unmarried women, craftspeople who work with wheels (potters and spinners), philosophers, students, and those seeking knowledge, St Catherine’s day offers a beautiful opportunity to reflect on her legacy through tradition and food. In this post, we’ll share a special recipe inspired by her feast day—a dish that brings together rich history and flavors, perfect for honoring this remarkable saint with your family or community. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply seeking a meaningful connection, this recipe will be a cherished treat for years to come!

More about St Catherine - Born in the 3rd Century, daughter of the governor of Alexandria, Catherine possessed a rare beauty and intellect, and received an excellent education studying the works of the greatest philosophers and teachers of antiquity. However, her beauty and intellect meant nothing when she gazed upon an icon of the Theotokos in a dream, who said to her Son, “Behold Thy handmaiden Catherine, how fair and virtuous she is.” The Child turned His face away from her saying, “No, she is ugly and unbelieving. She is a foolish pauper, and I cannot bear to look at her until she forsakes her impiety.” After this encounter with Christ, Catherine sought to be instructed in the Faith, and was baptized. Catherine would go on to expose the errors of paganism and perform the miracle of the broken wheel in front of crowds leading up to her martyrdom.

St Catherine's Feast Day around the World 🌎

In the UK, during the Tudor period, “Catterntide” became a popular holiday which marked the start of the advent season. Catterntide was primarily associated with lace makers who baked Cattern cakes to mark the occasion. For a special tradition, try making "cattern" cakes! @seeking.theosis created an adapted a fast-friendly version that are tasty and delicious!

Guest Blogpost and Recipe from Cindy Dale of Seeking Theosis (Instagram: @seeking.theosis)

Here you’ll fast-friendly adaptation of a traditional English “Cattern Cake,” which is historically prepared to honor the feast day of St. Catherine.

While the original recipe is made with self-rising flour, eggs, cinnamon, caraway seeds, ground almonds, candied citrus peels, and currants, I made some substitutions:
Self-rising flour 👉🏼 rolled oats
Eggs 👉🏼 mini white chocolate chips as binder
Caraway seeds 👉🏼 fennel seeds
Candied peels 👉🏼 orange zest
Currants 👉🏼 dried cranberries

Bonus: If you’re a breastfeeding mother, these also make a great vegan lactation cookie!

Cindy of Seeking Theosis (IG: @seeking.theosis) is quickly becoming one of my favorite accounts to follow as she is sharing feast day foods for many of the popular feast days! Her ideas are simple and brilliant! Do give her a follow!