Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas held the third annual Vasilopita Cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23 on the first floor of her main office at 118 N. Clark St. in Chicago.

"This celebration has become a solemn yet festive hallmark for welcoming the New Year in the County Building," said Pappas, the highest-ranking Greek-American elected official in Illinois. "It also serves as the first of several ethnic events we host during the course of the year. More than ever, this year's celebration will hold special meaning in its theme of hope for peace and prosperity for the months ahead."

His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of the Greek Orthodox Diocese in Chicago presided at the celebration. The tradition dates to the 3rd century when St. Basil, then a bishop, gave the needy special cakes, breads and sweets with gold coins inside. The tradition evolved into an expression of good wishes and a sign of "luck" for the persons whose bread contained a coin.

Dignitaries present were: Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan, Judge Robert Gordon and Cook County Commissioner John Daley.

Other co-hosts included: Greek Consul General Gabriel Coptsidis; Andrew Athens, World President of the Council of Hellenes Abroad; and Chris Tomaras, Vice President of the North and South American Region of Hellenes Abroad.