Arcadians Celebrate the Cutting of the Vasilopita
in Their Office Building Facilties


by George L. Chiagouris, P.E.

On the afternoon of Saturday, January 12, 2008, members and officers of the Midwest District of the Pan Arcadian Federation of America (PFA), gathered in their office facilities to celebrate the Cutting of the Vasilopita.
This event took place in the first floor of the three story 10,000 square foot, debt free office building, which is owned and operated by the Midwest District of PFA, located at 880 North York Road, in Elmhurst, Illinois.


Arcadians anticipating the Vasilopita ceremony

The festivities were opened by Andreas Papantoniou, the Governor of the Midwest District, who welcomed all of the Arcadians and friends that came to celebrate this annual event. He then introduced Father Panagiotis Malamis, from nearby St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, to officiate and bless the Vasilopita ceremonies.

PFA President, Peter Evangelou, Ph.D., was also on hand and wished the capacity filled crowd Happy New Year and chronia pola kai eftihismena. Several current as well as past officers and members of PFA filled both meeting rooms that are utilized for social events. The first room was set up theater style where the Vasilopita was blessed and cut by Father Malamis and eventually a slice was given to everyone present.


Andreas Papantoniou, Governor of PFA Midwest District, at
left; Father Panagiotis Malamis, center; Ted Stamison,
Past PFA Board Chairman, right.

The second room was set banquet style where a delicious luncheon lunch was provided for everyone, which included the traditional macaroni with cheese and saut?ed beef and chicken. Refreshments were also served before and after dinner along with sweets and coffee, all compliments of the Midwest District.


From Left to right, Peter Evangelou, PhD, President of PFA, Andreas Papantoniou
/Governor of PFA Midwest District,
Father Panagiotis Malamis.

Right before the Vasilopita was distributed, Father Malamis and Ted Stamison, past PFA Board Chairman, led all the participants in the singing of traditional New Years Day Carrol: Agios Vasilis Erhete. The participants seem to enjoy all of the happenings of this Traditional Vasilopita Celebration, not only the singing and the luncheon but also the camaraderie and socializing with other Arcadians and friends. It is hoped that this Orthodox tradition will be continued for many years to come, in order to preserve, promote and live our Hellenic and Orthodox legacy.


(Posting date 20 January 2008)

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