On Friday, February 7, the Cretan Association of Sydney & New South Wales held its annual Agiasmo Blessing and Cutting of the Vasilopita at Ashbury Senior Citizens Centre, with approximately 100 members and youth in attendance.
The evening marked the first week of dance lessons and member gatherings for the year.
Cretan Association President Terry Saviolakis warmly welcomed members and youth in attendance and outlined several upcoming plans for 2026, a milestone year marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete and the 160th anniversary of the Holocaust of Arkadi. He also announced the commencement of adult dance lessons in March, to be led by dance teacher Fotini Parliaros.
Mr Saviolakis then warmly welcomed Very Reverend Archimandrite Fr Eirinaios Trialonakis from the Parish of St Nicholas, Marrickville, who arrived from Crete last year. It was announced that the committee had unanimously decided to welcome Fr Eirinaios as a member of the Association.
Fr Eirinaios thanked the Association for the warm welcome, expressed his appreciation for the work of the Cretan Association, and stated that he would be a friend to all.
He also welcomed visiting chef Tasos Bagourakis from Crete, who would be hosting a “Taste of Crete” event the following evening. Both guests expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome.
Following the blessing, members and friends of the Cretan Association shared a meal together, enjoying fellowship and celebrating the start of the year.
