In Greek Orthodox tradition, nearly every day of the year honours a saint or martyr. When someone is named after that saint, their “name day” is celebrated with the same joy as a birthday, often bringing together family, friends, and community in a cherished cultural tradition.
Tag: eastern Orthodox
“Xmas” is not a modern attempt to remove Christ from Christmas but a sacred abbreviation rooted in early Christian tradition, using the Greek letter chi to represent “Christos.”
In November 2025, Pope Leo XIV visits Turkey to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD), the historic gathering that produced the original Nicene Creed. The pope will pray at the submerged ruins of the Basilica of Saint Neophytos in İznik, a site linked to the council, and honor the shared Christian heritage at locations tied to both the First and Seventh Ecumenical Councils.
Newly appointed US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle meets Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in a pivotal Washington DC encounter, underscoring unbreakable US-Greece bonds and Orthodox faith. Explore the details.
Pope Francis, Vatican, funeral, St. Peter’s Basilica, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Christos Anesti, Greek hymn, resurrection, unity, ecumenism, marginalized, migrants, prisoners, transgender, homeless, white roses, Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, papacy, legacy, compassion, social justice, farewell
Have you ever stumbled upon a decoration or sign sporting “Xmas” instead of “Christmas” and…
Nestled in the scenic village of Kato Panagia, the Monastery of Panagia of Vlachernas stands as a testament to the rich intertwining of Eastern and Western ecclesiastical traditions. Celebrating the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on September 8th, this historic monastery traces its origins back to the Byzantine era, showcasing a unique blend of architectural styles and religious heritage.
In the village of Mavrolefki, northern Greece, locals gather at a small shrine, clutching icons…
On March 30 and on the Fourth Sunday of Holy Lent the Orthodox Church commemorates…
Istanbul’s magnificent Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of centuries-long religious and…
Have you ever stumbled upon a decoration or sign sporting “Xmas” instead of “Christmas” and…
The most diligent believers have already begun to fast from the beginning of Lent, however,…
With Jerusalem under lockdown last year’s Holy Fire ceremony was held in the near-empty church that is worshipped by Christians as the site of Jesus’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
