When He returned from exile in Egypt, our Lord Jesus Christ took up His abode in Nazareth of Galilee with His Most Pure Mother and Joseph the carpenter, with whom He worked. After His supposed father's death, Jesus continued working as a carpenter, supporting Himself and His Mother by His own labor and providing us an example of diligent toil. He concealed His wisdom and the might of His Divinity, neither revealing Himself as the Son of God and the Great High Priest come down from heaven, nor preaching since it was forbidden for anyone younger than thirty to assume the responsibilities of teacher or priest.

This year's 8,760 hours are rapidly coming to an end. During this time, were there any hours or days of fasting? There are certain days such as Wednesdays and Fridays, and others that are even more significant, such as Holy Friday, that must be days such as Wednesdays and Fridays, and others that are even more significant, such as Holy Friday.

At midnight on December 31st, when the clocks reach exactly 12:00, one full year--with all of its joys and sorrows--is fully erased, and a new year rises. The previous year becomes part of history; all of its 365 days are left behind, a simple memory.

The tradition of baking and cutting a special "pita" (which means a loaf of bread, a cake, or even a pie) each year on January 1st is observed in honor of our Holy Father Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia--hence its name "Vasilopita" meaning "St. Basil's Bread."  This tradition is observed in both parish churches and in the homes of the faithful. What is the meaning of this tradition and how did it begin?

Saint Basil preeminent among the hierarchs (bishops), wisest of saintly teachers, and wondrous favorite of God was born in Cappadocia toward the end of the Great Constantine's reign. His father was also named Basil, and his mother, Emmelia. He learned to read at the age of seven, and progressed so rapidly in his studies that five years later he was already engaged in philosophical inquiry. Eventually, he forsook his homeland and moved to Athens, Greece, the fount of Hellenic wisdom, where he took lessons with the renowned teacher Evvoulus, at the same time visiting the schools of Hemerius and Proeresius. Basil soon equaled, then surpassed his teachers, who were amazed at his diligence and intelligence, and still more at his modesty and purity.

On the 8th day after His birth, Christ received circumcision, as the Old Testament Jewish Law provided. Because He was born and lived in a particular environment, He kept all its regulations and customs. Nevertheless, His circumcision must be interpreted within the theology of the self-emptying (Kenosis) which He accepted for the salvation of the human race.