In an atmosphere of optimism, the traditional New Year’s cake-cutting ceremony (Vasilopita) was held at the headquarters of the Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies in Venice.

The Vasilopita was blessed by His Eminence the Metropolitan of Italy and Exarch of Southern Europe, Polycarpos, who extended his wishes of health and enlightenment to all for the new year. The guests were welcomed by the President of the Institute, Mr. Vasileios Koukοusas, who in his address referred to the multifaceted work carried out by the Institute with the contribution of its collaborators, friends, and staff, and wished everyone a creative and fruitful year.

Among those who honoured the event with their presence were the Honorary Consul of Greece in Venice, Mr. Bruno Bernardi, accompanied by his wife, as well as the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Venice, Mr. Dimitrios Zafeiropoulos, together with members of the Board of Directors and of the Community. 

The entire staff of the Institute was present, comprising both former and new employees, researchers, and Erasmus students. The gathering was also warmly embraced by friends of the Institute who joined the celebration.

The lucky winner of the event was Ms Melina Galani, Secretary of the Greek Orthodox Community of Venice, who found the coin in the cake and received a publication of the Institute as a commemorative gift.

The event concluded with an exchange of greetings, reaffirming the cooperation and interaction among the three institutions housed at Campo dei Greci—namely, the Holy Metropolis, the Greek Orthodox Community, and the Hellenic Institute—as well as their close and active relationship with the spiritual and cultural institutions of Venice.