The beginning of the new year, 2026, dawned with the Feast of the Circumcision according to the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ and the commemoration of Saint Basil, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, the Great Heaven-Revealed, during which our Most Reverend Shepherd, Metropolitan of Chalkida Mr. Chrysostomos, presided at Orthros and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Metropolitan Holy Church of Saint Demetrios in Chalkida.

After the festive Divine Liturgy, the official Doxology for the beginning of the year and the blessing of the Saint Basil’s cake were held, in the presence of the elected and military authorities of the region.

The Most Reverend, offering his paternal wishes to all, emphasized that the change of the year, although celebrated by most people, cannot offer anything substantial to them. However, the need for our own change, from the old to the new person, which is achieved through repentance, the cultivation of faith in God, and our harmony with His will, brings not only the fulfillment of wishes but above all our sanctification and salvation.

After the “Through the prayers…”, the Most Reverend Mr. Chrysostomos and the Right Reverend Bishop of Skopelos Mr. Nikodimos went to the Hall of the Municipality of Chalkideon, where, in the presence of the Mayor, Mrs. Elena Vaka, the official New Year reception of the Municipal Council of the Municipality of Chalkideon took place.