Annual New Year’s Reception
On 25 January we held our annual New Year’s Vasilopita Reception, graciously hosted by HE Archbishop Nikitas at Thyateira House in Bayswater.
The annual Cypriot tradition of the cutting of the Vasilopita was carried out by HE the Archbishop, in the presence of HE Andreas S Kakouris (High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus), HE Ioannis Raptakis (Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic), the Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP (CFCyprus President and MP for Chipping Barnet), Ben Everitt MP (MP for Milton Keynes North), Mike Wood MP (MP for Dudley South), David Burrowes (Deputy Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief), and other distinguished guests.
The following message was provided by the Prime Minister and read out at the reception:
“I wish the Greek Orthodox community of Great Britain every blessing for 2022. As you come together to share the Vasilopita, I am reminded of the enormous contribution the Orthodox community makes to this country. From the food bank of St Nektarios feeding the hungry in Battersea to the help of the Archbishop in encouraging everyone to come forward and take their booster jab. I look forward to the visit of his all holiness the Patriarch this year who is blessing our country with his presence — so I am confident 2022 will be a special year for us all.”
Congratulations to Dr Ian Twinn CBE for winning the lucky coin! The commemorative coin, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the estalishment of the Greek Orthodox Archidocese in the UK, was generously donated by HE the Archbishop.
Thank you also to our generous sponsor, Cllr Maria Alexandrou.
What is the Vasilopita tradition?
A Vasilopita, a sweet bread or cake, is prepared in honour of a miracle performed by Saint Basil the Great - the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Cappadocia (modern-day Kappadokia, Turkey) in the 4th century. According to centuries-old tradition, this cake contains a coin, and at the beginning of the New Year families gather together, say a prayer in honour of St Basil, and cut and distribute the pieces. The person who finds the hidden coin accepts it in faith as a sign of a blessed, fruitful, and healthy year ahead.
Following this tradition, it is customary for institutions and organisations to cut their Vasilopita in 1st month of the New Year. Since 2017 the Conservative Friends of Cyprus have hosted an annual reception to mark the occasion and share this wonderful and ancient tradition with friends.
Photos courtesy of Alexios Gennaris.
An article in Parikiaki newspaper (27 January 2022)
