Vasilopita On January 1st we observe a tradition, both in our churches and in our homes, which has been handed down from the 4th century. It is the baking and cutting of the sweet bread (or cake) known as the Vasilopita (Βασιλόπιτα), aptly named after St Basil the Great. St Basil came from a Christian family, and is considered one of the most wise and compassionate clergymen in the entire history of the Church! He was made Bishop of Cappadocia in Caesarea, and was the first to establish orphanages, hospitals and age-care homes. We are told that during a time [...]

YOUTH AND SOCIETY   HOW TO FACE THE NEW YEAR   A New Year is just around the corner. Yes, it is a time for joy and celebration, but these last a matter of days. The excitement of Christmas, the presents, and the holidays, subside, and are succeeded by the previous routine. It is then, that young people face the New Year with trepidation and uncertainty. You might wonder, why should they feel like that? The adolescents and the people who enter the period of early adulthood, have a very critical and penetrating mind, and understand that every day of [...]