Hellenic Foundation Hosts its Annual Vasilopita Cutting and Office Blessing

On January 15, the Hellenic Foundation hosted its Annual Blessing of the Foundation and Vasilopita Cutting at the Hellenic Foundation offices located at 6251 W. Touhy Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Hellenic Foundation Board Members and Staff were in attendance.

In keeping with Hellenic Foundation tradition, the offices were blessed for the new year by Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos of Holy Taxiarhai and St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church. According to Greek Orthodox custom, the month of January is designated for the blessing of homes—and offices—as it marks the beginning of the new year.

The delicious Vasilopita was blessed and cut for those in attendance. The tradition of cutting the vasilopita dates back to the fourth century, when St. Basil the Great, as Bishop, wanted to help the poor by hiding gold coins in sweet bread that he distributed to families. This year, Hellenic Foundation Director of Communication Katherine Stamatis received the lucky coin in her slice of vasilopita.

Και του χρόνου!