With due ecclesiastical splendor and modesty, the feast day of the Synaxis of Saint John the Baptist and Forerunner was once again celebrated this year in Xirokrini, with the center of the celebrations taking place at the Church of Saint John.
According to the prepared program, on Saturday evening, 6 January 2024, the Great Vespers were celebrated, during which the Great Prokeimenon of the Feast Day was chanted “Our God in heaven and on earth, whatever he wills, he does” (Psalm 113).
On the morning of the next day, Sunday 7 January 2024, the Matins and Divine Liturgy took place, presided over by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Kydonia, Patriarchal Supervisor of the Region. The Grand Catechist, Archimandrite Chrysanthos, Parish Priest of the neighbouring Community of Megalo Revma joined the Metropolitan in the Divine Liturgy along with Patriarchal Deacon Anatolios Doxastakis.
The regular Chanters of the Megalo Revma Community chanted the sacred hymns of the feast day fervently.
Despite the bad weather, many faithful Christians attended the church service, both from the surrounding area of the Bosphorus, as well as from other parts of Constantinople, among whom was present, Mr. Stelios Mouhlidis, President of the Xirokrini Community.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the service for the blessing of Vasilopita was performed, which Metropolitan Athenagoras cut and distributed to the faithful, offering also a short address related to the feast of the Epiphany and the custom of the Vasilopita of Saint Basil, wishing all those who were present well for the new year. The traditional gold coin was found in the piece belonging to Ms. Erifilis Karakayia.
This was followed by a reception and exchange of feast day wishes for a happy, peaceful, and blessed new year.
