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.