The cutting of the Vasilopita in Pikridion, Constantinople

The devout Romanian Parish of Constantinople, headed by Parish Priest Fr. Sergios Vlad, held the ceremony of the cutting of the Vasilopita again this year. The event took place on Sunday, January 21, at the Church of Saint Paraskevi, in the historical Pikridion district and present-day Hasköy, on the shores of the Golden Horn.

This is the Church which was granted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the liturgical needs of the Romanian Orthodox faithful, and in which the holy relic of the Holy Martyr Argyra is kept as a great blessing for the Community of Pikridion, but also for the whole City.

On Sunday morning, the Matins service was celebrated, according to the Romanian Typikon, and then the Divine Liturgy, in the midst of the congregation from the Romanian Parish there and pilgrims from Constantinople, which was officiated by the Supervisor of the Tataoula District, His Eminence Metropolitan Stephanos of Kallioupolis and Madytos.

It is worth noting that the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in both Romanian and Greek, as was the reading of the Holy Gospel in both languages, for the sake of the Romanians and Greek pilgrims. Similarly, the chanting was conducted in both languages, by the Romanian chanter of the Church.

Afterwards, both the Clergy and laity made their way to the Community Hall where Metropolitan Stephanos greeted the faithful and conveyed to the members of the Romanian Parish the wishes of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, for a blessed year and His blessing in all the activities of the Community. Then, Metropolitan Stephanos blessed the Vasilopita and distributed it to the faithful. The gold coin went to Mrs. Veronika Iskit. Then all those who prayed together enjoyed the rich meal, which was prepared and offered with much love by the Romanian Parish. Members of the Ecclesiastical Committee of the Community, chaired by Mrs. Raphaelkas Koutsouknil, attended the celebrations.

The Community of Pikridion is an example of good cooperation in Constantinople, between the Commission and the Romanian Parish for the maintenance and longevity of the Church. Congratulations are due both to the active Committee, and to the capable and dedicated Priest Fr. Sergios Vlad for his zeal and willingness, and to all the Romanian Orthodox faithful, because they keep alive a Community of Constantinople which is far away from their homeland.