On the morning of Monday, January 1st, the feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and the commemoration of Saint Basil the Great, the Matins and Divine Liturgy were celebrated at the Holy Temple of Panagia Koumariotissa in Neochorion. The liturgy was officiated by Metropolitan Athanagoras of Kydonia, the Patriarchal Exarch of the Bosphorus.
The Metropolitan was assisted by Archimandrite Seraphim Giannos, Protopresbyter Konstantinos Bartholomaios, and Deacon Anatolios Doxastakis. Many parishioners participated, including members of the two Boards of Trustees of Neochorion, led by Lakis Vingas, the Head Trustee, as well as pilgrims from various parts of the city and abroad.
Following the Divine Liturgy, in the community hall filled with the faithful, Metropolitan Athanagoras blessed the traditional New Year’s bread (Vasilopita) and, after a brief celebratory speech, distributed it to everyone, wishing for a better year. A group of parishioners sang the New Year’s carols, and then a festive reception followed, providing an opportunity for everyone, clergy and faithful alike, to further commune and celebrate in God’s grace.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou