Do you know the story of “AgiosVassilis” (Santa Claus) ?

 

Many years ago, and 329 years after Jesus Christ’s birth, a boy called Vassilios was born in a beautiful part of Asia Minor, Kapadokkia. Vassilios learned from a young age to love Christ and church and lived happily with his brothers and sisters, his parents and his grandmother in the city of Caesarea.

When he grew up, he shared his fortune with the poor, he made an orphanage, a nursing home, and schools, all of which were called "Vassiliada".

Then, after having grown and traveled a lot, he became a great hierarch in his city, Caesarea. They all loved him, and he was the wise bishop who protected the city and taught the people. But it seemsthat Christ himself loved him too, because he gave him the grace to be a really good writer, and to do miracles, as well.

This is why our little boy from Caesarea has become our good Saint Vassilios, who is celebrated on the first day of every New Year, we refer to him in New Year’s Carols, and as a good grandfather, hegenerously gives greetings, blessings and gifts.