Cutting of the Vasilopita at the Patriarchate of Alexandria
On New Year’s Eve, 31 December 2024, the Patriarchal Palace of Alexandria radiated joy within the “warm and united family” of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, encompassing the clergy of the Patriarchal Court and the lay staff working in the Patriarchal Palace, both men and women. This joyous atmosphere was enriched by the spontaneous and sincere smile of the kind and caring Father, His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa.
Following the presentation of festive greetings and traditional carols performed successively by the Clergy of the Patriarchal Court, the African students of the Patriarchal School of Alexandria, and the staff of the Patriarchate to Pope and Patriarch Theodoros II in his Private Office, the Great Vespers service commenced. It marked the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and Saint Basil the Great, presided over by the Patriarch, at the Patriarchal Chapel of Saints Theodores, which was filled with faithful from the local community and visitors from Greece.
Assisting him were Metropolitan Panteleimon of Ptolemais, Chief Secretary and Member of the Holy Synod, and Metropolitan Narcissus of Pelusium, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, along with Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiathus, Head of the Holy Monastery of Saint Sabbas of Alexandria, and other Greek and Arab clergy of the Holy Archdiocese of the Great City.
Also present were Ioannis Pyrgakis, the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, accompanied by his wife, Aikaterini; Andreas Vafeiadis, President of the Greek Community of Alexandria; the President of the Arab Orthodox Community of Alexandria; the President of the Arab Orthodox Ladies’ Union; Lilikas Thlivitou, President of the Nautical Club of Alexandria and the Association of Greek Scientists “Ptolemy I”; educators, members of the Egyptian-Greek community, and visiting pilgrims.
Afterwards, in the Throne Room, the Patriarch blessed the traditional Vasilopita (New Year’s bread), cut the first piece, and invited the official representatives—the Consul General of Greece and the President of the Historic Greek Community—to each cut a piece, a gesture symbolising the unity of all Greeks in Alexandria. The golden coin was found by Lilika Thlivitou, President of the Nautical Club and the Association of Greek Scientists, as well as Atef Gobran, a devoted assistant and driver of the Patriarch. Warm wishes were extended to them for continued good fortune in their lives.
The event concluded with heartfelt words from the venerable Primate, who, deeply moved, called on everyone to direct their thoughts and fervent prayers to the afflicted Ukrainian citizens enduring the wartime aggression of the fraternal Russian nation, as well as to the innocent civilians, children, and vulnerable elderly in Palestine, Sudan, Central Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, other regions of the Sahel, and war-torn Somalia.
In closing, with great love, Patriarch Theodoros expressed paternal gratitude and conferred the Patriarchal commendation on Metropolitans Panteleimon of Ptolemais and Narcissus of Pelusium, as well as Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiathus, who selflessly and devotedly bear the multifaceted cross of their sacred hierarchical duties alongside their Patriarch. His appreciation extended to all the clergy of the Holy Archdiocese of Alexandria, who diligently strive to spiritually uplift and sustain their flock within their ancestral homes. Through the Consul General of Greece, the Patriarch conveyed the gratitude of the Alexandrian Church to the homeland of Greece, which consistently supports the ancient Patriarchate. A festive reception hosted by the Patriarch concluded the celebration.
Source: orthodoxtimes.com
