Archdiocesan District Cantors Ring in the New Year With Annual Vasilopita Cutting

On the evening of Tuesday, February 7, 2023, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was warmly received by the cantors of the Archdiocesan District, who convened at the Church of Saint Catherine & Saint George in Astoria, New York, for the annual cutting of their Society’s Vasilopita. His Eminence blessed this first meeting of the year with the traditional offering of the Vasilopita, and was then informed of the Society’s progress, objectives, initiatives and upcoming events. Following the Archbishop’s remarks of paternal encouragement, praise and support, the gathering continued in the parish’s community hall, where everyone joined in a delightful evening of mutual fellowship and song, organized by the cantors themselves.

Head Cantor of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, Mr. Dimitrios Katsiklis, "wins" the Vasilopita coin. Hidden within the Vasilopita bread, the coin is a sign of good luck in the new year for whomever finds it in their slice.