The final days of October bring the feast of Saint Demetrios, one of the most beloved saints in Greece, as well as the transition into November’s crisp air. This week’s commemorations honor saints of faith, healing, and steadfastness.
Sunday, October 26
Names: Dimitrios, Dimitris, Demetrios, Demetri, Dimitra, Demetra, Mitsos, Mitsi, Mitsa, Dimi (Δημήτριος, Δημήτρης, Δήμητρα, Μήτσος, Μίτση, Μίτσα, Δήμη)
Who’s honored: Saint Demetrios the Myrrh-streamer, patron of Thessaloniki, celebrated for his martyrdom and miracles
Monday, October 27
Names: Nestor, Nestoris, Nesto, Nesta (Νέστωρ, Νεστόρης, Νέστο, Νέστα)
Who’s honored: Saint Nestor of Thessaloniki, companion of Saint Demetrios and martyr for the Christian faith
Tuesday, October 28
This day coincides with Ohi Day in Greece, a national holiday commemorating the historic “No” of 1940. While not traditionally associated with name day celebrations, many attend church services and patriotic events.
Wednesday, October 29
Names: Anastasia the Roman, Tasia, Tasoula, Taso, Anastasis (Αναστασία, Τασία, Τασούλα, Τάσω, Ανάστασης)
Who’s honored: Saint Anastasia the Martyr of Rome, remembered for her courage and faith under persecution
Thursday, October 30
Names: Zenobios, Zenovios, Zenovio, Zenovia, Zenovika (Ζηνόβιος, Ζηνόβιο, Ζηνοβία, Ζηνοβίκα)
Who’s honored: Saints Zenobios and Zenobia, physician siblings and martyrs who offered healing to the sick
Friday, October 31
There are no widely recognized name day celebrations on this date according to the Greek Orthodox calendar.
Saturday, November 1
Names: Anargyros (Ανάργυρος); Cosmas, Kosmas (Κοσμάς); Damianos, Damian (Δαμιανός, Ντάμιαν); David (Δαβίδ); Dionysos (Διόνυσος); Komninos (Κομνηνός)
Who’s honored: Saints Cosmas and Damianos the Unmercenaries, renowned healers who offered care without payment; Prophet David; Saint Dionysios the Areopagite; Saint Komninos of Trebizond