Why do Greek Orthodox celebrate name days?
Why do Greek Orthodox celebrate name days?
Celebrating Greek name days is an Orthodox tradition observed throughout Greece. According to the Orthodox Calendar, each Greek name day of the year is dedicated to the memory of a saint or martyr; and there are usually more than one on the same day. Each saint or holy person has their own feast day.
What are Greek name days?
Name days are the days where a saint, martyr, or otherwise holy person is commemorated by the Greek Orthodox Church. Otherwise known abroad as “feast days”, these anniversaries usually are of the saint’s or martyr’s death due to refusing to denounce their faith at the hands of prosecutors of Christendom in the past.
What is happy name day in Greece?
Greek translation: χρόνια πολλά για τη γιορτή σου
| English term or phrase: | Happy Name Day! |
|---|---|
| Greek translation: | χρόνια πολλά για τη γιορτή σου |
How do I find my Greek name day?
If you are named after one, or if your name has the same meaning or derives from the name of one, their feast day is your name day. So if your name is John, for example, your official name day is January 7, the feast day of Aghios Ioannis (Saint John).
What happens on a name day in Greece?
Name Days in Greece are celebrated even more than birthdays, opposite to all other countries. On someone’s name day, there is an open house held and a feast is laid on for everyone who wants to come. Neighbors and friends or relatives usually call and can visit the house, without waiting for an official invitation.
What is the most popular holiday in Greece?
Easter is by far the most important holiday in Greece. With approximately 90% of the population Greek Orthodox, Easter follows the Orthodox calendar which means it is often a different date than Catholic Easter.
How they celebrate Easter in Greece?
Greek Easter Sunday means eating Greek lamb, goat, kokoretsi, wine, tsoureki bread and cracking red eggs, while visiting family, friends, dancing etc. but also enjoying the beautiful nature and wildflowers everywhere. Omilo students enjoy the atmosphere of the Easter days, as well as the meals.
What do you say when someone says Xronia?
For example in Greece we say something like “Xronia Polla!” which means something like “live long” or “Christ Has Risen!” and they usually reply “He has, indeed!” What do you say in England?
What do you say on someone’s Greek name day?
“Χρόνια πολλά!” [hronia polla] “Many years”, is the most common wish that fits almost all joyful events. You can use this wish for birthdays, name days, New Year, Christmas, etc..
Do Greek Orthodox believe in saints?
Written by GreekBoston.com in Greek Orthodox Religious Information. Orthodox Christians celebrate the lives of various saints. It’s true that the saints are an important part of the Orthodox Church and it is a part of the calendar year to learn about the saints and honor their contributions to the faith.
What are Greek traditions?
Most Greeks are named after a religious saint. A very important tradition is that everyone who has a name coming from a saint celebrated by the church celebrates his name on a given day of the year. On the “name day” of someone, his friends and family visit him without invitation and offer wishes and small presents.
What is considered rude in Greece?
Greeks are very hospitable to foreign visitors. Bring a gift to show your gratitude. Don’t thrust the palm of your hand in front of someone’s face, it is considered a very rude gesture, so don’t attempt to do this even jokingly!
