The Orthodox Pages THE HIERATIKON PRAYER AT THE BLESSING OF THE BASILOPITTA ON NEW YEAR'S DAY
|
||||
|
|
|
||
|
The prayer for the blessing of the Basilopitta (New Year cake) can be said in any place and not necessarily only on New Year's Day. In Church, it can be said after the "Behind the pulpit prayer" on New Year's Day or on its own after the Dismissal. If it is the usual practice of the parish to have a communal breakfast or lunch after the Liturgy then it is preferable to be said there. In Greece and Cyprus, Priests are invited by various institutions, charity organizations, schools, government offices, religious groups etc, to bless and cut the Basilopitta at functions and gatherings held to celebrate the New Year. These are not all held on the one day, but throughout January.
After the “Behind the Pulpit Prayer” or after the Dismisal The Priest shall say: Let us pray unto the Lord.
O Creator of all things, Lord and
King of the ages, plenteous in mercy and bountiful in goodness, who didst
accept the Magi’s gifts in Bethlehem, who art the Bread of life that came
down from heaven, who by Thine authority didst establish the seasons and
the years and dost hold our life in Thy hands . Hear us who pray to Thee
on this holy day upon our entrance into the new year of Thy goodness and
bless (+) this cake, which has been offered to Thy glory and in honour of
our Father among the Saints Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in
Cappadocia. |
|