October in Greece brings cooler evenings, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and the warm light of church candles. This week’s commemorations honor saints whose stories have been told in homes and monasteries for centuries.
Sunday, October 5
Names: Haritine, Haritini, Tina, Hara (Χαριτίνη, Χαριτίνη, Τίνα, Χαρά)
Who’s honored: Saint Haritini the Martyr, remembered for her unwavering faith and martyrdom in the early centuries of Christianity
Monday, October 6
Names: Erotiis (Ερωτίς)
Who’s honored: Saint Erotiis, venerated for her devout life in service to the Church
Tuesday, October 7
Names: Bakhos, Bakchos (Βάκχος); Polychronis, Polychronios, Polyhronis, Polyhronios, Poly (Πολυχρόνης, Πολυχρόνιος); Sergios, Sergio (Σέργιος)
Who’s honored: The Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, celebrated for their courage in the face of persecution; Saint Polychronios, remembered for his piety
Wednesday, October 8
Names: Pelagia (Πελαγία)
Who’s honored: Saint Pelagia the Righteous, known for her repentance and dedication to a life of holiness
Thursday, October 9
Names: Lot (Λωτ)
Who’s honored: The Righteous Lot from the Old Testament, remembered for his hospitality and faith
Friday, October 10
Names: Evlabios, Evlambios (Ευλάβιος, Ευλάμβιος)
Who’s honored: Saint Evlambios and his sister Saint Evlambia, both martyrs for the Christian faith
Saturday, October 11
There are no widely recognized name day celebrations on this date according to the Greek Orthodox calendar.