The first full week of November is rich with commemorations, honoring martyrs, bishops, and miracle workers. In villages and cities alike, these days bring small gatherings, church services, and traditional treats.
Sunday, November 2
Names: Akindynos, Elpidoforos, Anempodistos, Afthonios, Pegasios (Ακίνδυνος, Ελπιδοφόρος, Ανεμπόδιστος, Αφθόνιος, Πηγάσιος)
Who’s honored: The five martyrs of Persia—Akindynos, Pegasios, Anempodistos, Afthonios, and Elpidoforos—remembered for their steadfast witness to the faith
Monday, November 3
Names: Anthimos (Άνθιμος)
Who’s honored: Saint Anthimos of Chios, bishop and healer known for his compassion
Tuesday, November 4
Names: Ioannikios, Ioannikos, Nikos, Niki (Ιωαννίκιος, Νίκος, Νίκη)
Who’s honored: Saint Ioannikios the Great, monk and ascetic of Mount Olympus in Bithynia
Wednesday, November 5
Names: Galaktion, Epistimi (Γαλακτίων, Επιστήμη)
Who’s honored: Saints Galaktion and Epistimi, a married couple who embraced monastic life and martyrdom
Thursday, November 6
Names: Paul, Pavlos, Pavlina (Παύλος, Παυλίνα)
Who’s honored: Saint Paul the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople, who defended the Orthodox faith against heresy
Friday, November 7
Names: Lazaros, Lazarus (Λάζαρος)
Who’s honored: Saint Lazarus the Wonderworker, Bishop of Galesion, known for his miracles
Saturday, November 8
Names: Michael, Michail, Michalis, Mikis, Mikhail; Gabriel, Gavriil, Gavros; Raphael; Sarantis; Stratis; Taxiarchis (Μιχαήλ, Μιχάλης, Μίκης, Γαβριήλ, Ραφαήλ, Σαράντης, Στρατής, Ταξιάρχης)
Who’s honored: The Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, along with all the heavenly bodiless powers