On January 18, i.e. today, the annual event for Vasilopita of Cyprus Travel Writers and Journalists was organized by the President of the Travel Writers & Journalists Association Phivos Nicolaides. The event took place in a unique place. Lots of writing were involved. All members have been given new press identity cards. Very proud of this and posting mine.
The bishop himself came to praise us. The beautiful speech was magnificently delivered by his loud baritone and congratulated everyone on 2025. On that occasion he was given the honor: to cut a huge cake for the participants. One piece was with a lucky coin in the middle. Finding a coin in the cake will make a person very happy all year! Had a fun raffle later with some great winnings. Why am i feeling so happy? Bought 3 raffle tickets and even won 2 of them! Knowing that there were only 15 lucky tickets. Got a free flight to Athens and a pedicure. Woohoo! I’ve never won so much before, so I’m celebrating today!
After drinking coffee and eating nicely prepared snacks, we were all invited to a modern, recently built planetarium for a tour. Later – to a nearby church of wonderful beauty and extremely luxurious, built by a Russian millionaire. Golden, round domes shone chicly in the sun. There was an unreal luxury inside. Such beautiful religious buildings have not yet been seen in Cyprus, because their churches and chapels are much more modest than in Lithuania, Italy or Malta. Unique paintings by masterful hands dominated on walls and ceilings. A lot of things were shining with gilded details. The crystal wall was shining in different shades from the light. Walking on the marble floor. I lit candles for my loved ones, wishing them good things and peace. 
I highly recommend to everyone to visit this place because there you will find a lot of interesting things for both adults and children. The place is called Holy Bishop of Tamasos & Orinis near Nicosia. From our house to here we arrived in one hour 20 min. Thankful for the organizers of this event for the fun tours today and my raffle winnings. 
The magnificent Cyprus Planetarium which is located nearby the Holy Bishopric of Tamasos and Orinis.
The picture of the Russian family is immortalized in the House of God, symbolically a golden, miniature church donated by the patron to the bishops. The man who built this church is still alive. He is now 73 years old. It’s better to build up than to tear down!
P.S. Don’t start criticizing me for stepping foot in church. I have never been to any of Lithuania, and here was an organized excursion for travel writers & journalists. Arts and religions have nothing to do with wars.
Dear Phivos Nicolaides. Thank you so very much for organising Writers meeting today and to Association’s 2025 Vasilopita Event. Cutting of New Year’s Vasilopita in the Holy Bishopric of Tamasos and Orinis was an amazing experience for us. Thanks for the Surprise Lottery and my winnings. Lucky me. All the Best for the future!
Neli Amber: Facebook
