In the Orthodox Faith it is characteristic for us to be named after a saint. This saint is then said to be our “patron saint,” as St. John the Baptist is in my case. Because each saint has a particular date on the Church calendar upon which they are commemorated, that day becomes our “Name’s Day” (Dyen Angeli or “Angel’s Day” in Russian).
In many Orthodox countries it is customary for the priest to simply ascribe to your child the name of whatever saint happens to be commemorated either on the day of the child’s birth or baptism. This method, however, is not without its flaws. Although born years apart, my great grandfather and his brother both were named Peter because that was the saint which, corresponded to the day of their baptisms.
In this same cultural milieu, it is also very traditional to celebrate a person’s Name’s Day rather than their birthday. A special meal is planned, friends bring flowers and gifts, and there is usually lots of toasting and well-wishing.
However, the most important aspect to celebrating one’s Name’s Day is to know the life of your patron saint, pattern your life after theirs, and to utilize them in your spiritual life as an intercessory to our Lord.
If you do not know who your patron saint is or would like to learn their life’s story, please see Fr. Joseph or myself for this information.
Every church also celebrates a Name’s Day or Temple Feast (Xhramovoi Prazdnik). It might be a feast of Christ (e.g. Holy Resurrection Church, Epiphany Cathedral, or Nativity of Christ Chapel), of the Virgin Mother (e.g. Dormition Cathedral, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Church, or Chapel of the Annunciation), or of any number of Saints (e.g. St. Nicholas, St. Andrew, and St. Theodosius).
In the case of this parish, our Patronal Feast is of the Holy Archangel Michael and All of the Bodiless Hosts of Heaven, which falls on November 8. So Happy Name’s Day St. Michael’s!
