Mid-September brings a mix of solemn church feasts and joyful name day gatherings. In Greek-American communities, these days often blend the reverence of the liturgical year with the warmth of family traditions that have traveled across oceans.
Sunday, September 14
Names: Stavros, Stavroula, Steven (Σταύρος, Σταυρούλα, Στηβ)
Who’s honored: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of the most important feasts of the Orthodox Church. This day is a strict fast, yet it is also a major celebration for those named Stavros or Stavroula.
Monday, September 15
Names: Nikitas, Nikita (Νικήτας, Νικίτα); Visarion (Βησσαρίων)
Who’s honored: Saint Nikitas the Great Martyr and Saint Visarion, bishop of Larissa
Tuesday, September 16
Names: Efimia, Efemia (Ευφημία, Ευφημία); Lountmilla, Loudmila (Λουντμίλλα, Λουδμίλα); Melina, Melitini, Melitina (Μελίνα, Μελιτινή)
Who’s honored: Saint Euphemia the Great Martyr, Saint Ludmila of Bohemia, and Saint Melitina the Virgin
Wednesday, September 17
Names: Agape, Agapi (Αγάπη); Agathoklis, Agathoklia, Agathoklea (Αγαθοκλής, Αγαθόκλεια, Αγαθοκλεία); Elpida, Helpida (Ελπίδα); Olivianos, Olvianos, Olivia (Ολιβιανός, Ολβιανός, Ολίβια); Pantoleon (Παντολέων); Pileas, Pilefs (Πηλέας, Πηλεύς); Pisti (Πίστη); Sonia, Sonja, Sonya (Σόνια, Σόνια); Sophia, Sofia, Sofianos, Sofoula, Sofoulis (Σοφία, Σοφιανός, Σοφούλα, Σοφούλης)
Who’s honored: Saints Sophia and her three daughters, Faith, Hope, and Love (Pistis, Elpis, and Agape)
Thursday, September 18
Names: Ariadne, Ariadni, Ariana (Αριάδνη, Αριάδνη, Αριάνα); Evmenis (Ευμένης); Kastor (Κάστωρ); Romylos, Romilaia (Ρωμύλος, Ρωμιλαία)
Who’s honored: Saint Ariadne the Martyr, Saint Eumenius of Gortyna, and Saint Romylos the Monk
Friday, September 19
Names: Savatios (Σαββάτιος)
Who’s honored: Saint Savatios the Hermit of Solovki
Saturday, September 20
Names: Efstathios, Evstathios, Stathis (Ευστάθιος, Ευστάθιος, Στάθης); Theopisti (Θεοπίστη)
Who’s honored: Saint Eustathios the Great Martyr and his family, and Saint Theopisti the Martyr