Mid-July is here, and name days keep giving us reasons to reach out—sometimes just a quick message, other times a family gathering after church. Whether your traditions are big or small, these moments help us stay connected across generations and continents. Here’s a look at who’s being celebrated this week, along with a memory from our community.
Sunday, July 13
Names: Sara, Sarra, Iliofotos (Σάρα, Σάρρα, Ηλιόφωτος)
Who’s honored: Venerable Sara, Saint Iliofotos
Monday, July 14
Names: Nikodimos, Akylas (Νικόδημος, Ακύλας)
Who’s honored: Saint Nikodimos of Mount Athos, Apostle Akylas
Spotlight: Saint Nikodimos is highly respected in monastic circles and among those who value Orthodox spiritual writing.
Tuesday, July 15
Names: Vladimiros, Vladimir; Kirykos, Kerykos; Ioulita, Ioulitti, Gioulita, Gioulitti (Βλαδίμηρος, Βλαντίμηρος, Κήρυκος, Ιουλίτα, Ιουλίτη, Ιουλίττα, Γιουλίτα, Γιουλίτη)
Who’s honored: Saint Vladimir of Russia, Martyrs Kirykos and Ioulitta
Regional Note: Many in the Greek Orthodox tradition honor Sts. Kirykos and Ioulita as mother and child martyrs—symbols of faith and family.
Wednesday, July 16
Names: (No major celebrated names)
Who’s honored: Hieromartyr Athenogenes and those with him; Martyr Faustus; Fifteen Thousand Holy Martyrs of Pisidia
Thursday, July 17
Names: Marina, Marinos, Aliki, Alexandra, Alexia, Aleko, Aleka, Sandra, Sasha (Μαρίνα, Μαρίνος, Αλίκη, Αλεξάνδρα, Αλεξία, Αλέκω, Αλέκα, Σάντρα, Σάσα)
Who’s honored: Saint Marina the Great Martyr
Local Spotlight: St. Marina is not the name of a parish in our area, but the name is beloved by many families—especially for girls born in summer.
Friday, July 18
Names: Aimiliani, Aimilia, Emmy, Aimilianos, Aimilios (Αιμιλιανή, Αιμιλία, Έμμυ, Αιμιλιανός, Αιμίλιος)
Who’s honored: Saint Aimilianos the Martyr
Also: Nelson Mandela International Day
Saturday, July 19
Names: Garyfallia, Garifalia, Dios, Dias, Makrina (Γαρυφαλλιά, Γαριφαλιά, Διός, Δίας, Μακρίνα)
Who’s honored: Venerable Dios, Saint Makrina the Younger (sister of Saint Basil the Great)
Regional Spotlight: Saint Makrina is remembered in Pontic Greek communities as an example of faith and strength in adversity.
Community Spotlight
This week’s story comes from Steve D., Upper Darby:
“My sister’s name is Marina, and her name day always meant a family get-together in the summer. Even now, with everyone’s busy lives, we make time for a phone call or a piece of cake. It’s a simple tradition, but it keeps us close.”
Share Your Name Day Story!
If your family keeps a name day tradition, or you have a memory to share, send it to nameday@cosmosphilly.com. Your story helps keep our community’s connections alive.
Please note that some names are celebrated more than once in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Here, we highlight the date most widely observed, but your family might honor a different day. If you have a unique tradition, share it with us!
Χρόνια πολλά to everyone celebrating this week—here, in Greece, and wherever you call home!
