Justinian’s Christmas Gift

It was during Christmas, on December 26th 537, when Emperor Justinian dedicated the glorious and unparalleled Agia Sophia Church in Constantinople. The Divine Liturgy would reverberate within this world’s largest cathedral, for more than 900 years! Agia Sophia means Holy Wisdom, and it was dedicated to God. So, contrary to some erroneous references, this cathedral was not named after a Saint, but rather God’s Holy Wisdom. Also, the word cathedral comes from the Greek word καθεδρα (cathedra) meaning ‘seat’, as in the bishop’s throne. Accordingly, a cathedral is, by definition the central church for a bishop, metropolitan, archbishop or patriarch. When Agia Sophia was constructed, there were only hand tools, ropes and pulleys available. No power tools or cranes existed. Similar projects of that era required up to 30 years to complete. Yet, Agia Sophia was ready after 5 years, 10 months and 4 days! Its height is equal to a 15-story building, higher than the Statue of Liberty! The interior once included a 49 foot long icon screen, and a bishop’s throne, both of which were adorned in silver, bejeweled icons and gold mosaics. The naos or nave of Agia Sophia was chronicled by Russian envoys who visited the church in 987, in search of a religion for their nation: “We knew not whether we were in heaven or earth... We only know that God dwells there among men, and their service is fairer than the ceremonies of other nations." Even to this day, when walking into Agia Sophia, one is struck by a solemn, awe-inspiring feeling; and humbled by the church’s vast unobstructed openness and priceless iconography. As those holy icon images return your gaze, it brings attention to the fact; you have entered into a most holy and historic Christian edifice.

A New Year’s Gift From Our Forefathers Saint Vasilios (Basil the Great of Caesarea)

On January 1, 1906, the feast day of St. Vasilios, the great hierarch and father of Greek letters, the first liturgy was celebrated in a former fire station named Torrent 3, located on Walnut Street in Peabody, which was purchased from the Korn Leather Company. For this reason, the assembled faithful unanimously decided to name their new parish after St. Vasilios (Basil the Great). In 1913, only seven years after establishing a Greek Orthodox Church and school, the growing community had outgrown its facility. Realizing that provision would need to be made for continued growth in the parish, land at 7 English (Paleologos) Street was purchased. In April of 1913, the cornerstone of St. Vasilios church was laid at a ceremony attended by more than 2,000 people. The building was secured by a mortgage and the

construction was completed in the winter of 1917. The first liturgy in the new church building was celebrated on January 1, 1918, on the feast of the parish patron, St. Vasilios (Basil the Great), and exactly 12 years after the first liturgy in Peabody on the same date in 1906.

Please plan on attending the Feast Day of our parish on January 1st, 2018, when Saint Vasilios (Basil the Great of Caesarea) will be 100 years old. Celebrant of the important milestone will be Metropolitan Methodios of

Boston and the clergy of our parish.