Orthodox Church of the Holy Martyr Saint Eleftherios: December 2013

1/1/2014: The Feast of Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Tradition of the Vasilopita

The Holy Martyr Saint Eleftherios parishioners commemorate the Feast of Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ
and also celebrate the Tradition of the Vasilopita.

On the eight day of His Nativity, our Lord Jesus Christ was circumcised in accordance with the Old
Testament Law. All male infants underwent circumcision as a sign of God's Covenant
with the holy Forefather Abraham and his descendants. (Genesis 17:10-14, Leviticus 12:3)

The tradition of baking and cutting a special "pita" (which can mean a loaf, a cake, or even a pie)
each year in January 1 is observed in honor of our Holy Father Basil the Great,
archbishop of Caesarea, in Cappadocia. - hence its name is Vasilopita.
This tradition is observed in both parish churches and in the homes of the faithful.
(Reference: The Orthodox Church in the Philippines - Iglesia Ortodoxa sa Pilipinas.)

December 29, 2013: Sunday After the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ

The parishioners of the Holy Martyr St. Eleftherios Orthodox Church
in Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines, especially the children,
receives gifts: candies, chocolates, school supplies, and toys
from Mrs. Ana Davis,
a faithful Orthodox in the United States of America,
who is also a friend of Fr. Chrysostom,

The Feast of the Nativity of the Lord

The parishioners of the Holy Martyr St. Eleftherios Orthodox Church in Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines
celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord with a Divine Liturgy,
December 25, 2013.

After the Divine Liturgy, each family joyously receives home censers from
Fr. Barnabas Chrysanthou of Larnaca, Cyprus.
With a thankful heart, they prayed to God to bless the one who blesses them.

Another highlights of the celebration is the merry-making
of the children, the youth, the adults, and the guests.

December 15, 2013: Feast Day of St. Eleftherios

The Holy Martyr Saint Eleftherios Orthodox Church in Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines celebrates
their patron's feast day with a Divine Liturgy,
hears the message from the Metropolitan of Hongkong,
each one receives an icon from Deacon Barnabas of Larnaca, Cyprus
of St. Eleftherios and Mother Anthea,
warmth encouragement from one another
while having a very simple agape fasting meal after the Divine Liturgy.