Join EMBCA and other Hellenic American organizations for the Annual “Traditional Cutting of the Vasilopita 2025” on Wednesday, January 15, 2024 at 6:30 P.M.. There is no cost for attending the event, which will be catered, but registration is required.

Vasilopita, “Basil’s bread,” is a traditional Hellenic cake or bread prepared to honor St. Basil the Great, whose feast day is January 1st. This custom is integral to Hellenic New Year celebrations, symbolizing blessings and good fortune for the coming year.

Before baking, a coin is hidden within the dough of the cake/ bread. The individual who finds the coin in their slice is believed to receive a blessing and enjoy good luck throughout the year.

The origins of this tradition are linked to a legend involving St. Basil. According to the story, to distribute wealth to the poor without embarrassing them, St. Basil instructed that coins be baked into loaves of bread, which were then distributed. Miraculously, each person received a loaf containing a coin, ensuring equitable distribution.

The vasilopita can vary in form, ranging from a simple bread to a more elaborate cake, often adorned with almonds or powdered sugar. Besides families, organizations and communities also partake in this tradition, cutting the vasilopita during gatherings throughout January to extend blessings and foster unity, as we will be doing on January 15.

Join us for this cherished custom, and maybe the coin will be in your slice, which not only commemorates St. Basil’s generosity but also reinforces cultural heritage, marking the New Year with hope and communal spirit.

EMBCA is an organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under Internal Revenue (IRC) Section 501(c)(3), classified as a public charity, and qualifies to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522 . Donors can deduct contributions they make under IRC Section 170. Thank you all again for your continuing enthusiasm and support of our events !!