Greek Name Day: Gervasios, Ignatios, Nazarios

Greek Name Day :

The name ‘Gervavios’, translates to ‘Gervais’, meaning ‘spear servant’. On this day, the holy saint Gervavios is celebrated. Gervasios lived his life as a monk at the monastery of Karakallou in mount athos and was considered a fool for christ, hence the name ‘St Gervasios the fool’. Those who celebrate are names derived from ‘Gervasios’, such as Gervase (English), Gervais (French), Gero (German) Gervasio (Italian and Spanish).

The name ‘Ignatios’ translates to ‘Ignatius’ meaning ‘Fiery’, and was very common during the Byzantine era. On this day, the holy saint Ignatios is celebrated to become a priest, and later a monk. He dedicated his life to the church and offered his help to the people of Lesbos. Those who celebrate are names derived from Ignatios, such as Ignatius (English), Ignacio (Spanish) and Ignazio (Italian).

The name ‘Nazarios’ translates to ‘nazario’, meaning ‘From Nazareth’. On this day, the holy saint Nazarios is celebrated. He dedicated his life to preaching Christ and aid Christains. He was beheaded, along with st Celsus under the reign of emperor Nero. Those who celebrate are names derived from Nazarios, such as ‘Nazarius’ (english), Nazaire (french), Nazario (italian, spanish) and Nazar (Turkish, Armenian)

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: Gervasios, Ignatios, Nazarios.