CUTTING ST BASIL-PIE AT SCHOOL OF SION
On the Wednesday which followed New Year’s Day, namely the 2nd/15th of January 2014, the cutting of St Basil-pie took place at the School of St Sion, by his Beatitude Theophilos, our Father and Patriarch of Jeusalem, in the context of a humble ceremony at the Patriarchal School on the hill of St Sion, in Southeastern Jerusalem.
Attending the ceremony was the Greek Consul-General to Jerusalem, Mr Georgios Zacharoudiakis and his esteemed wife; the President of the School Board, the Elder Sacristan, His Eminence Isidoros, Archbishop of Hierapolis; Board member Hierodeacon f. Martyrios, as well as other Hagiotaphites and parents of students at the School.
The ceremony began with an address by the Principal, Physics Professor, f. Photios, and was followed by a performance of the Apolytikia of the feast of the Circumcision, of St Basil, and of Hagiotaphite Carols. His Beatitude went on to cut the pie, wishing that the New Year be “favourable, peaceful, blissful and spiritual”, and distribute the pieces among those honouring the ceremony with their presence, as well as to the students.
Young student Pavlos Kokovides was offered the piece which contained the hidden coin.
After the distribution of the pie, His Beatitude and the Consul General offered Christmas presents to the novices.
The ceremony ended with Patriarchal advises to the novices.
From the Secretariat-General
httpv://youtu.be/_lyPi3wr7D8