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ol 3 (ERR SRST HEAT TRY FPA NT BES Ne SF FRE A 4 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- CHRISTMAS EDITION 1973 Zoi A a techs have unigue religious ceremony lo celobrate Christmas <s On Christmas Eve, chil- must include "cheridon," is not surprising that the water. From the shore and ~ 1%. dren of Greek families go from house to house singing carols to the accompani- ment of tiny clay drums and-tinkling steel triangles. They are rewarded with gifts of figs, walnuts, al- monds and sometimes money. Afterwards there is a Christmas Eve service, which begins at' 4 aan. and ends shortly before dawn. The family then begins feasting with "Christpso- mo," (bread of Christ), a simple cake studded with nuts, and "Kourbiedes," small cakes dusted with powdered sugar. The Christmas dinner roast plg. In rural "house- holds, these are fattened for the feast from midsum- mer on. If a family cannot afford to buy a pig, usually relatives or neighbors pro- vide one. There are no Christmas trees and no Christmas resents. St. Basil's Day or ew Year's Day is the on for exchanging gifts. St. Basil, "Hagios Vasilias," one of the four fathers of the Orthodox church, is the Santa Claus of Greek chil- dren. Blessing of the Waters Since Greece has always been a maritime nation, it blessing of the waters is an impressive part of the Christmas celebration. This takes plaee 'on Epiphany Day. : At high noon gn that day, the Archbishop" or highest ranking priest leads a pro- cession from the church to the waterfront. Dressed in magnificent vestments, he holds aloft before him a crucifix of gold or ebony with- a silver image of the Saviour. Acolytes and lesser clergy, also clad in rich vestments, accompany him, chanting as they march. The congregation follows in their wake, The procession halts at the water's edge. The Priest intones a prayer and then from boats, men and boys dive after it, The one who succeeds in bringing it up receives a special blessing from the priest and usually a gift of money from the onlookers. » In America, thls cere- mony of blessing the waters is likely to be celebrated wherever there is a sizable © Greek settlement. At Tar- pon Springs, Florida, where many Greeks are engaged in the sponge fisheries, and at Asbury Park, New Jersey, it is an annual event. The Church of St, Nicho- las in New York City has held this ceremony for many years at Battery Park, where the swimmers must plunge into the icy waters of New York harbor after after tying a scarf aroun the cross, hurls it into the the cross. ( R A barnyard full of very merry Christmas wishes to Al . The Legend of the Christmas Rose According to legend a little shepherd girl from Beth- , 2 ro oe . lehem followed the shepherds on their way to the manger. you. From ever grateful folks here. All the shepherds had gifts for Jesus but the little girl : had none. She felt very sad and unworthy about this and Merry = Christmas hung back from the others. Just before they reached the stable, an angel appeared in a blaze of light and scattered lovely white roses before the little girl. So she gathered them up and laid them before the manger. Be happy and full of . y good cheer now and throughout the holiday season. . . ° ® HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all our customers and friends NONQUON TRAVEL SERVICE 160 Queen Street | . Hl May the true meaning of Christmas bring you gifts of the spirit. . . peace, love, hope, joy ... and bless your life with treasures that grow richer with time. We appreciate your confidence and trust. We sincerely hope that your [J stockings are filled with the blessings of good friends and health, love and happiness. new go oir wishes Thanks for your good will. for a wonderful Christmas season. ALBERT'S CHESTER APPLIANCES BARBER SHOP | - SERVICE and SALES . | S| y Tn 0 - : This Christmas, let the bright rays of love, peace and understanding PD, \f enter our hearts and shine there always. wv ¥ ofl sur We extend grateful thanks to our loyal customers. the very Pi Christmas. Many thanks. Ver Si ncer Plumbing and Heating Vis ap Pars ' pid Manager of Parks for ' | 1gandf tener st rote to | | HOWARD FORDER LTD: REALTOR