On Sunday 12 January, the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood welcomed the new year 2025 with traditional hymns sung by the Byzantine Choir at its annual Vasilopitta cutting officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas.
The warm and vibrant event was attended by 140 members of the Brotherhood, representatives of community associations, 3 Parliamentarians and many Local Councillors from the London Boroughs of Barnet and Haringey.
Welcoming people to the event, the Vice President of the Greek Cypriot Brotherhood, Christos Karaolis conveyed the wishes of the President, Aris Charalambides, for a happy and healthy new year. He reflected on 2024 saying, “In Cyprus we saw a renewed effort to restart reunification talks and here in the UK, a new Government was elected with Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Last year also carried special significance for the Brotherhood as we celebrated our 90th anniversary, since our establishment in 1934. We were honoured to mark this special anniversary with a dinner with Guest of Honour, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides.”
Mr Karaolis praised the contribution of the Cypriot diaspora to the UK and concluded his remarks by saying, “Now we look to 2025 being a year of progress on Cyprus reunification talks, stability, good health and joy.”
The Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Tony Vourou, praised the strong links between the Cypriot community and Barnet Council, highlighting the large diaspora that lives in the borough. He went on to congratulate the Brotherhood for its work and wished everyone a happy and healthy new year.
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Kyriacos Kouros, praised the work of the Brotherhood saying that, “It has long been a pillar of our community here in the United Kingdom. Your commitment to preserving our heritage, fostering unity, and supporting the diaspora is truly commendable.”
Sharing his hopes for the new year, he said, “As we enter 2025, we remain steadfast in our commitment to Cyprus and to achieving a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue.”
He went onto say that, “The diaspora is a vital extension of Cyprus itself. Through your efforts, you continue to promote our culture, traditions, and the enduring values of what constitutes a Cypriot. Your collective voice plays a key role in advocating for justice and peace for Cyprus.”
In his remarks, Archbishop Nikitas recalled the history of the vasilopitta and said that at these festive times, our minds turn to our homelands saying that he hopes “Turkey’s new year resolution is to allow Cyprus to be free and united.”
Speaking to the parents and children present, he urged them to “ensure that our cultures, traditions, faith and language are passed on to the next generation.”
In closing, the Archbishop wished everyone a blessed and healthy New Year, and he blessed, cut and distributed the vasilopitta.
Other guests in attendance included the Consul of Greece Christos Goulas; Minister of Justice Sarah Sackman KC MP; Bambos Charalambous MP; Dan Tomlinson MP; Mayor of Haringey Cllr Sue Jameson; Cllr Anne Clarke GLA Assembly Member; Barnet Council Cabinet Members Cllrs Ross Houston & Zara Beg as well as a number of Barnet Councillors; Acting Head of St Andrew the Apostle Greek Orthodox School Chris Martin, Deputy High Commissioner of Cyprus Spyros Miltiades; Consul General of Cyprus Odysseas Odysseos; Treasurer and General Secretary of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK Bambos Charalambous and Antonia Michaelides; Vice President of DISY UK Ioannis Kouvaros; Members of the Brotherhood Committee Phanos Theophanous (General Secretary), Nicos Argyrides, Anthony Solomou and Andreas Karaolis (Executive Secretary); Members of the Byzantine Choir of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain; Presidents of Community Associations and many members of the Brotherhood.
Photo Stavri Kay

Source: Parikiaki.com