Garden Center Visit For January

Fr. Andrew told the story of St. Dorothy. Because of her strong faith in Jesus Christ, she was able to
convert those persecuted to Christianity before she was martyred.

Fr. Andrew blessing the St. Basil Sweet Bread. Wishing to distribute money to the poor, St. Basil put
gold coins in the bread.

Fr. Andrew cutting the bread as Laurie helps distribute it to all residents.

Kathleen found the coin in her bread, and according to traditional, she is considered the blessed one
for the year.

The Great Blessing Of Water

This Sunday during Divine Liturgy we celebrated Theophany – the Baptism of Jesus. Following the service
Fr. Paul performed the Great Blessing of Water.

Fr. Paul plunges The Cross into the water three times while the choir
sings the Troparion “When You O Lord were Baptized in the Jordan …” The church bells
are rung at this moment.

Fr. Paul blesses all the members of the congregation with Holy Water.

The altar servers process with Fr. Paul to the church school.

Fr. Paul blesses the classrooms.

Liturgy Of St. Basil and St. Basil’s Bread (Vasilopita)

On New Year’s Day, St. Luke Parish celebrated the Liturgy Of St. Basil and blessing of St. Basil’s Bread (Vasilopita). Father Paul prays over and blesses the Vasilopita.

Our thanks go out to Aristea for baking this delicious bread each year.

Father Paul cuts the bread and it given to all present.

Hidden in the bread is a coin. Tradition holds that whoever receives the coin receives the blessing of St. Basil for the coming year. This year Doreen received the coin.