The congregation of Christ Church Ayia Napa were joined on Sunday by deputy mayor Antonis Christou, at a special gathering to cut the Vasilopita—a cake prepared at the beginning of each year in honour of St Basil the Great.
According to tradition, in the 4th century a powerful ruler laid siege to St Basil’s city, Caesarea in Cappadocia, and demanded a heavy tribute. Fearing for their lives, the people entrusted their valuables to St Basil, but the attackers suddenly withdrew and abandoned the siege.
St Basil then faced the difficult task of returning the valuables to their rightful owners. Not knowing who had given what, he ordered small loaves of bread to be baked, placing coins and pieces of jewellery inside them. These were distributed among the people and, by God’s providence, each person received back exactly what he or she had offered. A coin (‘flouri’) is therefore baked into the annual Vasilopita, believed to bring blessing and good fortune to the person who finds it in their slice. The Vasilopita is cut in a ceremonial fashion, with the first piece symbolically offered to Jesus Christ.
Reverend George Vidiakin thanked the deputy mayor for the atmosphere of religious tolerance and freedom of belief that prevails in Ayia Napa, allowing Christ Church to hold Bible studies and other gatherings in public places.
“Christ Church Ayia Napa keeps the local authorities in its prayers, and prays for the flourishing and well-being of the town and the wider region,” he said.
Recalling that he and Fr George took up their respective posts at around the same time, Mr Christou said his door was open to all and encouraged residents to be in communication with local authorities.
Wishing all a blessed and happy new year, Mr Christou thanked Christ Church Ayia Napa and the Scandinavian Church—whose administrator, Camilla Asprou, was also present—for their initiatives and fruitful cooperation with the municipality.
Enjoying their pieces of Vasilopita, the flouri was found by Julie Jardin—who was further rewarded with a prize of green tea!
