One of the most beautiful and inspiring traditions and customs of the Orthodox Church is the observance of the Vasilopita. It is this annual observance, together with many other traditions that brings together our families and increases our awareness of the needs of the poor.

The world Vasilopita is a compound Greek word which means the sweet bread of St. Basil the Great, the one that is cut New Year’s eve or New Year’s day. Usually it is cut by the senior member of the family.

Portions of the Agiovasilopita or Vasilopita are distributed as follows: The first portion is cut in remembrance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The second is for the Holy Mother of our Lord, Virgin Mary. The third is for St. Basil the Great, the other portions are cut for the members of the family including the Church, house, for the traveler, the visitor and the poor.

In one of those portions is a coin and whoever receives that coin, is believed to have a special blessing for the New Year. The traditional Vasilopita with the gathering of the family members and with the holiday atmosphere is one of the most beautiful traditions of our families.

Visit the the Emperor's Vasilopita recipe from the Island of Marmara (Preikoneisos).

One of the most beautiful and inspiring traditions and customs of the Orthodox Church is the observance of the Vasilopita. It is this annual observance, together with many other traditions that brings together our families and increases our awareness of the needs of the poor.

The world Vasilopita is a compound Greek word which means the sweet bread of St. Basil the Great, the one that is cut New Year’s eve or New Year’s day. Usually it is cut by the senior member of the family.

Portions of the Agiovasilopita or Vasilopita are distributed as follows: The first portion is cut in remembrance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The second is for the Holy Mother of our Lord, Virgin Mary. The third is for St. Basil the Great, the other portions are cut for the members of the family including the Church, house, for the traveler, the visitor and the poor.

In one of those portions is a coin and whoever receives that coin, is believed to have a special blessing for the New Year. The traditional Vasilopita with the gathering of the family members and with the holiday atmosphere is one of the most beautiful traditions of our families.

Visit the the Emperor's Vasilopita recipe from the Island of Marmara (Preikoneisos).