Summer is in the air and, once again, name days give us a reason to reach out—whether you’re sharing wishes with friends in Philadelphia, calling a cousin in Greece, or just thinking of a loved one who always remembers your special day. Here’s a look at who’s being celebrated this week, and a story from one of our readers that reminds us how these small traditions can bring families together, near or far.
Sunday, June 8
Names: Kalliopi, Kalliopia, Popi, Kalia, Pitsa, Naukratios, Naukratis (Καλλιόπη, Καλλιοπία, Πόπη, Κάλια, Πίτσα, Ναυκράτιος, Ναυκράτης)
Who’s honored: Pentecost, Saint Kalliopi the Martyr, Saint Naukratios
Also: World Oceans Day
Spotlight: Pentecost is a major celebration for Orthodox Christians everywhere, marked by special church services, the blessing of greenery, and gatherings that bring families together.
Monday, June 9
Names: Rodanthi, Rozanthi, Triada, Trias, Korinos, Kori, Korina (Ροδάνθη, Ροζάνθη, Τριάδα, Τριάς, Κορίνος, Κόρη, Κορίνα)
Who’s honored: Feast of the Holy Spirit, Saint Rodion
Note: Triada (Trinity) is celebrated in many parishes with extra hymns and coffee hour treats. In some families, those named after the Holy Trinity receive double wishes—one for the name, another for the feast.
Tuesday, June 10
Names: Timotheos, Alexandros, Antonini (Ιερομάρτυρος Τιμοθέου επισκόπου Προύσσης, Μαρτύρων Αλεξάνδρου και Αντωνίνης)
Who’s honored: Hieromartyr Timotheos of Prussa, Martyrs Alexandros and Antonini
Wednesday, June 11
Names: Bartholomew, Barnabas, Loukas, Loukia, Loukitsa, Zafeiria, Zafeiros (Βαρθολομαίος, Βαρνάβας, Λουκάς, Λουκία, Λουκίτσα, Ζαφειρία, Ζαφείρω, Ζαφείριος, Ζαφείρης)
Who’s honored: Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas, Saint Loukas of Simferopol, Saint Zafeirios
Note: Parishioners at St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church in Broomall celebrate their church’s namesake this week. Χρόνια πολλά to everyone named for St. Luke—and all Loukas and Loukias in our community!
Thursday, June 12
Names: Onoufrios, Onoufris, Onoufria (Ονούφριος, Ονούφρης, Ονουφρία)
Who’s honored: Saint Onoufrios the Egyptian
Also: World Day Against Child Labor
Friday, June 13
Names: Tryphyllios, Tryphyllia (Τριφύλλιος, Τριφύλιος)
Who’s honored: Saint Tryphyllios
Fun Fact: Tryphyllia means “trefoil”—a rare, nature-inspired name tied to hope and renewal.
Saturday, June 14
Names: Elissaios, Elisso, Elisso, Niphon (Ελισσαίος, Ελισσώ, Ελισώ, Νήφων)
Who’s honored: Prophet Elissaios, Saint Niphon of Mount Athos
Also: World Blood Donor Day—consider giving blood this week in honor of someone celebrating their name day. Small acts like this bring our community closer together.
Regional Spotlight: In rural Greece, the feast of Prophet Elissaios is celebrated with outdoor prayers and blessings of the fields, especially in farming villages.