Under the guidance of Metropolitan Polykarpos of Italy and the leadership of Archimandrite Ioannis Batsis, the Greek Orthodox Parish of Milan celebrated its first Christmas event on Sunday, December 15, 2024, in the church courtyard.
The festivities commenced with a heartfelt welcome from the parish priest, emphasizing the significance of Christmas as the birth of Christ. Gratitude was expressed to all attendees for their contributions, making the event possible. The lighting of the Christmas tree, adorned with a beautiful nativity scene, encouraged reflection on the miracle of the Incarnation for both young and old.
The program featured various activities, including poetry recitations and songs by students from the Greek School of Milan and Pavia, spreading holiday cheer through the voices of children. The parish choir and the Santa Marcellina Carugate Philharmonic Orchestra performed traditional Christmas songs from Greece, complemented by a special bagpipe performance by Italian musician Ricardo Gregotti.
Children enjoyed creative activities like face painting and ornament crafting, adding their handmade decorations and wishes to the Christmas tree. The parish women prepared a Lenten feast, extending warmth and hospitality to all attendees. The evening concluded with a Christmas bazaar offering traditional sweets and handmade goods for sale.
This inaugural celebration, filled with joy, emotion, and spiritual enlightenment, fostered unity between the parish and the broader community. It underscored the importance of preserving Greek tradition and cultural identity among diaspora communities, ensuring that love for heritage, tradition, and values endures across generations.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
