With the blessing of Metropolitan Polykarpos of Italy and the care of Archimandrite Ioannis Batsis, the head priest of the Greek Orthodox Parish of Milan, the first Christmas celebration of the parish took place in the afternoon of Sunday, December 15, 2024, in the courtyard of the church.
The event began with a warm welcome by the parish priest, who emphasized the true meaning of Christmas, reminding everyone that the focus of the celebration is the birth of Christ. He also thanked everyone for their participation and generous contribution to make this beautiful initiative a reality. The lighting of the Christmas tree, adorned with an elegant nativity scene, followed, inviting young and old to reflect on the miracle of the Incarnation.
The celebration included a rich program: the students of the Greek School of Milan and Pavia recited poems and sang songs, spreading the festive spirit through the voices of their children. The parish choir sang Christmas songs and carols from different regions of Greece, accompanied by the Santa Marcellina Carugate Philharmonic Orchestra. A special musical moment was provided by the Italian musician Ricardo Gregotti, who played the bagpipes.
For the little friends, creative activities such as face painting and ornament making were organized, and the children placed their handmade ornaments with their wishes on the Christmas tree. The women of the parish prepared a Lenten feast, offering warmth and hospitality to all those present. The evening ended with a Christmas bazaar, where traditional sweets and handmade items could be purchased.
This first celebration, full of joy, emotion and spiritual light, united the parish with the wider community. Special emphasis was placed on preserving the tradition and cultural identity of Greeks living abroad, with the Greek Orthodox spirit permeating every moment of the event. Greeks in the Diaspora, living far from their homeland, find in such events not only an opportunity to celebrate, but also to pass on to new generations their love for their cultural heritage, tradition and values that unite them and ensure that they never forget their roots.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
