9TH. JANUARY 2011 EPIPHANY - WATER CEREMONY AND BILISHT
Early in the morning on Thursday, a couple of us presented our residency papers for renewal. The process takes time! Later in the morning, we gathered with many others outside the Orthodox Cathedral. At 11.00a.m. six priftis in full vestments came to the side of a pool and chanted prayers. The focus of the prayer was the Baptism of Jesus. At one point, the main prifti threw the crucifix that he was holding, into the pool. At once, a number of persons, mainly young people, jumped in to retrieve it. The successful person was rewarded financially for his work! Also, television and camera crews were there in plenty.
In the evening we were invited to dinner by the Franciscan Sisters, Bilisht. The Sisters have just moved into their newly built house. They are delighted with it.For us, as it is larger, we found it a little chilly! We had a marvellous meal, and we were given little gifts to celebrate the feast - an Italian custom.
Today finishes Christmastime. There is a 'Back to school' feeling about it. As I came to do the blog, a sentence caught my eye.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: indeed its the only thing that ever does" Margaret Mead.
This lady was our guiding light in sociology student days - we respected her material!
Have a great week!
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