As July arrives, the tradition of sharing “Χρόνια πολλά” carries on through quiet wishes at home, a quick phone call, or a name day gathering at church. This week’s calendar brings together some of the most recognized names in the Greek community, with saints whose legacies are felt both here and across the ocean. Here’s a look at who’s being celebrated, and a story that shows how these small customs can keep us close, even from afar.
Sunday, June 29
Names: Petros, Petros, Petris, Petras, Petrakis, Petroulas, Petrinos, Petra, Petroula, Petria, Petrina; Pavlos, Paul, Pavlina, Polina, Pavliani, Paola (Πέτρος, Παύλος, Παυλίνα, Πωλίνα, Παύλιανη, Πάολα, Πετρής, Πετράς, Πετράκης, Πετρουλάς, Πετρίνος, Πέτρα, Πετρούλα, Πετρία, Πετρίνα)
Who’s honored: Saints Peter and Paul, the Apostles
Note: The feast of Saints Peter and Paul is one of the great summer celebrations in the Orthodox world. In our community, you’ll likely know a Petros, Pavlos, or Paul—be sure to wish them well today. Χρόνια Πολλά to everyone marking their name day!
Monday, June 30
Names: Apostolos, Tolis, Apostolis, Lakis, Apostolia, Lia, Apostolina, Polina, Lina; Meliton, Melitonas, Melitos, Melitis; Gervasios, Gervasia (Απόστολος, Τόλης, Αποστόλης, Λάκης, Αποστολία, Λία, Αποστολίνα, Πολίνα, Λίνα, Μελίτων, Μελίτωνας, Μελίτος, Μελίτης, Γερβάσιος, Γερβασία)
Who’s honored: Synaxis of the Holy Apostles, Saint Meliton the Martyr, Saint Gervasios of Patras
Tuesday, July 1
Names: Anargyros, Anargyri, Anargyroula; Damianos, Damiani; Kosmas; Mavrikios, Mavrikis, Moris, Mavrikia, Mavrika (Ανάργυρος, Ανάργυρη, Αναργυρούλα, Δαμιανός, Δαμιανή, Κοσμάς, Μαυρίκιος, Μαυρίκης, Μωρίς, Μαυρικία, Μαυρίκα)
Who’s honored: Saints Kosmas and Damianos, the Holy Unmercenaries; Saint Mavrikios
Regional Spotlight: In many Greek villages, especially in the Peloponnese, July 1 is a day of special veneration for the “Anargyroi”—saints who offered healing freely.
Wednesday, July 2
Names: Iouvenalios, Iouvenalis, Giouvenalis, Iouvenalia (Ιουβενάλιος, Ιουβενάλης, Γιουβενάλης, Ιουβεναλία)
Who’s honored: Deposition of the Holy Robe of the Theotokos at Blachernae, Patriarch Iouvenalios of Jerusalem
Thursday, July 3
Names: Anatolios, Zouboulia, Hyakinthos, Hyakinthi, Ianthi (Ανατόλιος, Ζουμπουλία, Υάκινθος, Υακίνθη, Υάνθη, Ιάνθη)
Who’s honored: Saints Anatolios and Evlampios, Saint Hyakinthos the Martyr
Also: International Day of Cooperatives
Fun fact: The name Hyacinthos (Υάκινθος) is especially celebrated in Crete, where his ancient chapel is a place of pilgrimage.
Friday, July 4
No major name day; instead, a moment to recognize a special American holiday: Independence Day (July 4th) is celebrated across the country, including in many Greek-American homes. Whether you’re gathering with family, heading to a local park, or just watching the fireworks, it’s a chance to celebrate both American and Greek heritage with those you love.
Saturday, July 5
Names: Lampados, Lampadia, Lampadina, Lampadi (Λαμπαδός, Λαμπαδία, Λαμπαδίνα, Λαμπαδή)
Who’s honored: Saint Lampados the Venerable
Regional Note: In some regions of Northern Greece, the name Lampados is connected to ancient traditions of light and midsummer festivities.
Community Spotlight
This week’s story comes from Paul M., Hamilton:
“In our family, name days have always meant gathering together—sometimes after church, sometimes just with a phone call. Even though not everyone in the family has a Greek name, sharing wishes and sweets always makes us feel a little more connected to our roots.”
Share Your Name Day Story!
If you have a family custom, a favorite name day recipe, or just a memory that’s meaningful, share it with Cosmos Philly at nameday@cosmosphilly.com. We’d love to feature your story and keep our community’s connections strong.
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!