We are beginning our walk through the New Year. The January shrill wind blows about as we enter 2016. There are several adapted customs giving the family a focal point for ceremony and celebration and explanation of Orthodox traditions in America. Marilyn Rouvelas has written a clear and comprehensive guide to the religious and secular life of the Greek-American community.

There are many wonderful qualities of Greek American life: the meaning of a special love called agape, the closeness of family. Most Greek customs have a religious basis. The church is involved in many events of life: birth, baptism, marriage and death. Church holidays are occasions of great celebration and family gatherings. This is a snapshot of how New Year customs and traditions are practiced in America. I share the joy and meaning.

As the Greeks say at New Year, Chronia polla (Many years) or Kali chronia (Good year).The Greek Orthodox combine the holidays of Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany into a period called Dodecameron (12 days). The period starts with Christmas on Dec. 25 and ends on Jan. 6 with Epiphany.

The most popular New Year’s custom is the cutting of the Vasilopita (bread for St. Basil). Everyone hopes to get the lucky coin baked inside the pita. One of the more beautiful and inspirational traditions of the Greek Orthodox church is the annual family celebration of the Vasilopita. It is translated as the “Sweet Bread of Basil.” When the bread is prepared, a sweet flavoring is added to the bread, which symbolizes the sweetness and joy of life everlasting. It also symbolizes the hope that the New Year will be filled with liberty, health and happiness.

The Vasilopita commemorates a miracle performed by St. Basil while serving as bishop. The legend varies as to how St. Basil became guardian of the gold, silver and jewelry of the people of Caesarea. Some say thieves had taken the valuables from the village and they were recovered. St. Bail became responsible for returning the riches to the people. However, they could not agree on the rightful owners. St. Basil suggested that the women bake the valuables into a large pita. When he cut the pita, each owner miraculously received the right valuable. Today, a single coin is baked into each loaf to honor this miracle, and the recipient has good luck for the coming year.

The church celebrates two special events on Jan. 1: The Circumcision of Christ and the Feast Day of St. Basil. The holiday season ends with the great feast of Epiphany or Theophania (God appears).The faithful appreciate the customs of Epiphany, especially in receiving the blessed holy water. Jan. 6, Epiphany-the Baptism of Jesus Chris and Jan. 7, the Feast Day of John the Baptist.

Theophania celebrates God’s first public revelation of the identity of Jesus, Christ’s baptism and beginning of Christ’s public ministry.

These are not easy years to live. A time when old beliefs and attitudes are being challenged by new beliefs and new attitudes. New ideas are not yet in control, old ideas are not yet gone. A part of us wants to hold on to the hope of a better world. We want to experience peace, joy and love.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Zaffie at [email protected].