The Society of Epirotes of Philadelphia “The Omonia”, sponsored a Vasilopita (New years bread) cutting this past Sunday at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Church in Philadelphia. The event was highlighted by Sunday services honoring the patron saint of Ioannina in Epirus, Greece, St. George of Ioannina. During service, Father Costa Christo blessed the Vasilopita, spoke on the history of the saint and then carried a replica icon of St. George through the church during liturgy services while members of “The Society “Omonia” and church members looked on.
At the end of the service, the church members receded to the hall for coffee and Vasilopita that was provided for all to bring in the New Year. This was followed by the first general assembly of the year by the chapter members of “Omonia”, Epirotes of Philadelphia. There, the “Tsipourovrathia” (dance) became the main order of discussion (scheduled for February 18th 2012 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox church). The meeting concluded with the annual Vasilopita cutting and sharing of the holiday bread that each member received. President Kostas Kravaris of the “Omonia” Society of Epiros was interviewed about chapter events and the Tsipourovrathia.