The first week of December begins with the feast of Saint Andrew, one of the most celebrated apostles in Greece, especially in Patras where his relics are venerated.
Sunday, November 30
Names: Andreas, Andriana, Andriani (Ανδρέας, Ανδριάνα, Ανδριάνη)
Who’s honored: Saint Andrew the First-Called Apostle, patron saint of Patras and Scotland
Monday, December 1
There is no widely celebrated name day in the Greek Orthodox calendar on this date. Many take this day as a quiet continuation of the joy from Saint Andrew’s feast, with smaller family gatherings or visits to those who celebrated the day before.
Tuesday, December 2
Names: Habakkuk (Αμβακούμ)
Who’s honored: The Prophet Habakkuk, one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament.
Wednesday, December 3
Names: Sophonias (Σοφονίας)
Who’s honored: The Prophet Zephaniah (Sophonias), remembered for his call to repentance.
Thursday, December 4
Names: Barbara, Varvara (Βαρβάρα)
Who’s honored: Saint Barbara the Great Martyr, protector against sudden death, often celebrated with the preparation of kollyva or “varvara” wheat in some regions.
Friday, December 5
Names: Sava, Savvas (Σάββας)
Who’s honored: Saint Sabbas the Sanctified, founder of many monastic communities in Palestine.
Saturday, December 6
Names: Nicholas, Nikolaos, Nikoleta (Νικόλαος, Νικολέτα)
Who’s honored: Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra, patron saint of sailors and children.
Share Your Name Day Story
If you have a family recipe for “varvara” wheat or a tradition for Saint Nicholas’ feast, share it with us at nameday@cosmosphilly.com. We welcome your photos, stories, and memories.
The dates listed are the most widely observed for these saints in the Greek Orthodox calendar, but local traditions may differ.
Χρόνια πολλά to everyone celebrating this week, wherever you are in the world.