GREETING

By His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

At the Vasilopita for Hellenic Organizations

Sponsored by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce

Archdiocesan Cathedral – Chiotes Hall

New York, New York

January 16, 2024

Beloved sisters and brothers in Christ,

Once again, we gather together with the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce to celebrate this Vasilopita today. All of the organizations of the Omogeneia that are represented here are special – each in their own way. All of you contribute to the health and vitality of our Community, and I thank you for your spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism.

This annual and sacred tradition, here in Chiotes Hall, at our Archdiocesan Cathedral, is a powerful reminder of what binds our Community into one – our Greek Orthodox identity. Within the Omogeneia, the Orthodox Christian Faith is the bond – the glue – that binds us together.

In celebrating this Vasilopita today, we are making important affirmations about our relationships with one another. For each of us – individually, and in our specific organizations – is like a piece of the Vasilopita. Each of us has both substance and sweetness – the distinct flavor of our service to the Community.

And each of us has the potential of tremendous value, like the coin hidden within. The difference is that our virtual Vasilopita – represented by all of you – has a coin in every piece.

All of the organizations bring something unique and very special to the Omogeneia, which is made ever stronger by our synergies with one another.

I congratulate you for the contributions that each of you bring, and I thank you for your service to the Community. Let us never forget all the causes that are of supreme importance to all of us:

the Ecumenical Patriarchate,

the Church in general and our parishes,

Greece and her security, prosperity and liberty,

Cyprus – and a just resolution to the illegal seizure of one third of the island nation,

Our elderly patriotes, and our young people,

Our language, culture and learning enduring here in the States.

All of these are part of what it means to possess a Greek Orthodox identity. And it is these that constitute us as the Γένος.

Therefore, dear friends:

Let us receive this Vasilopita for God’s abundant blessings in this New Year of 2024.

May the Good Lord bless us all!