Greek Orthodox Community Celebrates Vasilopita Online Amid Record Snowfall

Annual tradition of cutting the New Year's bread fosters unity and community bonds despite pandemic challenges.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Despite a record snowfall in New York City, the Greek Orthodox Church and Education organizations were able to hold their annual Vasilopita (New Year's Bread) event online. The event, organized by the Office of Education of the Holy Archdiocese of America, the Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America, and the Hellenic Paideia of America Organization, featured greetings from representatives of the Greek government, the honoring of prominent Greek-American educators and community leaders, and a discussion of the significance of the Three Hierarchs Day celebration.

Why it matters

The Vasilopita tradition is an important annual event that fosters unity and community bonds within the Greek Orthodox community. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and record snowfall, the organizers were able to adapt the event to an online format, allowing the tradition to continue and be celebrated. This highlights the resilience and adaptability of the Greek Orthodox community in preserving its cultural heritage and values.

The details

The online Vasilopita event included greetings from representatives of the Greek government, including the Head of the General Directorate of International European Affairs, Education of Greeks Abroad and Intercultural Education, the Director General for International and European Affairs, Education Department for Hellenic Diaspora, and other government officials. The event also honored several prominent Greek-American educators and community leaders, including Father Evagoras Konstantinidis, Dr. Styliani (Stella) Tsirka, Irini Prentzas, Betsy Sideris, Eftihia (Joy) Petrakos, Panagiota Lilikaki, and Stefania Antonoglou. The significance of the Three Hierarchs Day celebration, which honors the contributions of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom to Greek education and the early Christian church, was also discussed.

  • The online Vasilopita event was held on Sunday, January 25th, 2026 from 2:30-5:30 pm.
  • The Three Hierarchs Day celebration, which was discussed during the event, is an annual event that honors the contributions of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom.

The players

Father Gregory Stamkopoulos

Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne and Director of the Office of Education of the Holy Archdiocese of America.

Stella Kokolis

President of the Federation of Hellenic American Educators and Cultural Associations of America.

Vasiliki Filiotis

President of the Hellenic Paideia of America Organization.

Despina Afentouli

Master of Ceremonies, Journalist/Sociologist.

Styliani (Stella) Tsirka

Vice Chancellor of Stony Brook University, NY.

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What they’re saying

“The feast day of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom celebrates their combining Christian theology and Greek education. They promoted cultural heritage and the role of the Greek Orthodox in shaping the Greek identity.”

— Father Gregory Stamkopoulos, Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne and Director of the Office of Education of the Holy Archdiocese of America

“Congratulations to President Stella Kokolis for her immense support. Hellenic Paideia works for the Greek language and Greek Orthodox tradition. We are perpetuating our Greek education and Greek Orthodox faith with zeal and dedication.”

— Vasiliki Filiotis, President, Hellenic Paideia of America Organization

What’s next

The organizers plan to continue holding the Vasilopita event annually, adapting it to the circumstances as needed to ensure the tradition continues.

The takeaway

The successful online celebration of the Vasilopita event during a record snowstorm demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the Greek Orthodox community in New York City. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, they were able to come together virtually to honor their cultural heritage and the importance of Greek education and the Greek Orthodox faith.