Throughout the year, Greek Orthodox name days are more than dates on a calendar—they are living links that keep families, friends, and faith connected. For Greek-Americans in Philadelphia and beyond, celebrating a name day is a way to honor our heritage and stay close to loved ones, near or far.
This new weekly series highlights the names and saints commemorated each day, along with modern observances, stories, and memories from our community. Whether you keep old traditions or simply want to say “Χρόνια πολλά” to someone special, we hope this column inspires new connections and keeps our shared culture alive.
As June begins, name days return to the center of community life. Maybe you’ll mark them with a phone call, a sweet treat, or a message to someone in Greece. However you celebrate, these days remind us of where we come from and the people who matter most.
If you see a familiar name this week, reach out to someone special—whether they’re across town or across the ocean.
Sunday, June 1
Names: Euelpistos, Ierax, Gerakas, Pyrros, Thespesios, Justin (Ευέλπιστος, Ιέραξ, Γεράκης, Πύρρος, Θεσπέσιος, Ιουστίνος)
Who’s honored: Saints Euelpistos and Ierax, Pyrros the Virgin, Thespesios, and Justin the Martyr
Also: World Milk Day, Global Day of Parents
Spotlight: Ιουστίνος (Justin) – Remembered for his wisdom and steadfast faith, Saint Justin’s legacy is a reminder that meaningful conversations and honest questions have always had a place in Greek life.
Monday, June 2
Names: Marinos, Nikiforos, Nikiforia, Nikifora (Μαρίνος, Νικηφόρος, Νικηφορία, Νικηφόρα)
Honored: Marinos of Vaanis, Nikiforos the Confessor
Note: Νικηφόρος (“bringer of victory”) is a name you’ll find in nearly every Greek community. While June 2 is the most common day, some families also celebrate it on March 13.
Tuesday, June 3
Names: Ieria, Hypatia, Patoula (Ιερία, Υπατία, Πατούλα)
Honored: Venerable Ieria, Martyr Hypatios
Also: World Bicycle Day
Wednesday, June 4
Name: Martha (Μάρθα)
Honored: Saints Martha and Maria, sisters of Lazarus
Also: International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
Remember: Μάρθα (Martha) is known for her hospitality and warmth, qualities found in every Greek-American home, whether your kitchen is in Philadelphia or Patras. Some traditions mark her feast on July 4, but June 4 is the day most recognized.
Thursday, June 5
Names: Dorothea, Dorotheos, Plutarchos, Kynthia, Apollo, Nikandria, Niki, Nikandros, Selini, Selina, and others (Δωροθέα, Δωρόθεος, Πλούταρχος, Κύνθια, Απόλλωνας, Νικανδρία, Νίκη, Νίκανδρος, Σεληνία, Σελήνα…)
Honored: Hieromartyr Dorotheos, Martyr Plutarchos, and the Ten Martyrs of Egypt
Also: World Environment Day
Friday, June 6
Names: Ilarion, Ilaria, Lariada (Ιλαρίων, Ιλαρία, Λαριάδα)
Honored: Venerable Ilarion
Fun fact: Ιλαρίων comes from the word for joy—a feeling that name days always bring, even if it’s just from a quick phone call or a kind word.
Saturday, June 7
Names: Zinaida, Panagis, Sebastiani, Sevasti, and more (Ζηναΐς, Παναγής, Σεβαστιανή, Σεβαστή)
Honored: Zinaida the Wonderworker, Panagis of Kefalonia, Sebastiani the Wonderworker
Regional Spotlight: Panagis of Kefalonia is the island’s patron saint. On the island, June 7 is marked by village celebrations, local sweets, and a sense of community that many Greek-American families in Philadelphia still remember fondly.
Community Spotlight
This week’s memory comes from Maria P. of Upper Darby:
“Growing up, my yiayia would bake a cake for every name day in the family—even for relatives in Greece. On my name day, she’d have us call my aunt in Thessaloniki, and we’d all say ‘Χρόνια πολλά’ on speakerphone. The calls always ended with laughter and someone saying, ‘Next year, here or there!’ Even when we were far apart, it made us feel close.”
Share Your Name Day Story!
Name days are part of who we are—whether it’s a memory, a recipe, or a way to keep in touch with family near and far. Do you have a name day tradition you keep alive? Maybe a favorite family recipe, a tradition from your village in Greece, or a photo from a recent celebration?
We’d love to hear from you! Send your story, memory, or photo to nameday@cosmosphilly.com. Each week, we’ll feature one in our Name Days roundup. Let’s keep these traditions—and our community—growing, one story at a time.
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!