New Year’s Day celebrated in Neochorion of the Bosphorus

On Monday morning, 1 January 2024, on the feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the commemoration of the memory of Saint Basil the Great, the Matins and Divine Liturgy took place at the Holy Church of Panagia Koumariotissa in Neochorion, Constantinople. The Hierarchical Divine liturgy was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of Kydonia, the Patriarchal Exarch of the Bosphorus.

The Metropolitan was assisted by Archimandrite Seraphim Giannos, Protopresbyter Konstantinos Vartholomaios, Vicar General of Neochorion, and Patriarchal Deacon Anatolios Doxastakis. Many parishioners were present for the feast day celebration, including members of the two Boards of Trustees of Neochorion, led by Mr. Lakis Vingas, Archon Grand Hartofylax, the Head Trustee, as well as pilgrims from various parts of Constantinople and abroad.

Following the Divine Liturgy, in the community hall filled with the faithful, Metropolitan Athenagoras blessed the traditional New Year’s Vasilopita and, after a brief festive address, distributed pieces of the Vasilopita to everyone, wishing for a better year ahead. 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 communicate, enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the feast day.