Greek Name Day: Ablia, Apellis, Aristovoulos, Narkisos, Stratoniki (and variants)

Greek Name Day: The name Ablia and its variants derive from Ampliatus the Apostle who was a disciple among the seventy disciples. He stood alongside the apostles Urban of Macedonia, Stachys, Apellis, Narcissus of Athens and Aristibulus of Britannia to assist Saint Andrew in the Christian Church. Saint Ampliatus served as the bishop of Odessos in Bulgaria and died a martyr.

The name Apellis is derived from Apelles the Apostle who was a disciple among the seventy disciples. He stood alongside the apostles Urban of Macedonia, Stachys, Ampliatus, Narcissus of Athens and Aristibulus of Britannia to assist Saint Andrew in the Christian Church. Saint Apelles was bishop of Heraclea in Trachis and died a martyr.

The name Aristovoulos derives from Saint Aristobulus, who was appointed bishop by Saint Paul. Saint Aristobulus was sent to preach the Gospel in Britain where he successfully baptised and converted many to Christ. He was martyred by the pagans, suffering brutal torment and malice.

The name Narkisos is derived from Narcissus of Athens, an apostle among the seventy disciples. He stood alongside the apostles Urban of Macedonia, Stachys, Ampliatus, Apelles of Heraklion and Aristibulus of Britannia to assist Saint Andrew in the Christian Church. Saint Narcissus was ordained as the bishop of Athens in the 1st century AD. He suffered martyrdom in 52 AD.

The name Stratoniki derives from Stratonica the Martyr, a blind Christian woman upholding the world of God. Stratonica was the mother of Hieron the Martyr, who was imprisoned, killed and had his hands cut off after bravely defending Christ. Stratonica raised Hieron to lead a

life devoted to Christ and upon his death, was gifted one of her son’s severed hands.

Name Days are often named after a Christian saint or martyr and are mainly celebrated in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox countries. On this day, the holy person is celebrated, as well as anyone named after this person. Often, these celebrations are more important than birthdays. Celebrated today:
Ablia, Amblia, Amblios

Apellis, Apelis

Aristovoulos

Narkisos

Stratoniki