Let me help you understand, why we, as Orthodox Christians celebrate our name days. On December 6th we will be celebrating Saint Nicholas (Άγιος Νικόλαος). We have Nicholas's in our family. I have a nephew by the name of Nicholas and an Uncle that passed away long before I was born. May God rest his soul.
It is known to the Greek Orthodox tradition, nearly every day of the year is dedicated to a Christian saint or Martyr. When someone is named after one of the saints, that day becomes their "name day" and, traditionally, is celebrated.
All Orthodox Christians that I know celebrate their name day by inviting family and friends to their home. Since this day is to focus on the saint, his/her icon is prominently displayed. Whoever comes to visit wishes "Happy Name Day" to the celebrant. Favors or token gifts can be part of the day, but with a significant difference, the person whose name day it is gives the gifts rather than receives them. Giving is the best sign of gratitude for Christians. Saint Nicholas gave gifts. Below is short history story about Saint Nicholas. If you are interested in reading the full story here is the link for Saint Nicholas. Lets all celebrate and remember Saint Nicholas. Happy name day to my nephew andall the Nicholas's around the world!
The Life of the Holy Hierarch and Wonderworker Nicholas Archbishop of Myra in Lycia - Commemorated on December 6th
Saint Nicholas was born in Patara of Lycia about the middle of the third century, of devout and wealthy parents who provided him with a Christian upbringing and education. He was orphaned at an early age.
It is known to the Greek Orthodox tradition, nearly every day of the year is dedicated to a Christian saint or Martyr. When someone is named after one of the saints, that day becomes their "name day" and, traditionally, is celebrated.
All Orthodox Christians that I know celebrate their name day by inviting family and friends to their home. Since this day is to focus on the saint, his/her icon is prominently displayed. Whoever comes to visit wishes "Happy Name Day" to the celebrant. Favors or token gifts can be part of the day, but with a significant difference, the person whose name day it is gives the gifts rather than receives them. Giving is the best sign of gratitude for Christians. Saint Nicholas gave gifts. Below is short history story about Saint Nicholas. If you are interested in reading the full story here is the link for Saint Nicholas. Lets all celebrate and remember Saint Nicholas. Happy name day to my nephew andall the Nicholas's around the world!
The Life of the Holy Hierarch and Wonderworker Nicholas Archbishop of Myra in Lycia - Commemorated on December 6th
Saint Nicholas was born in Patara of Lycia about the middle of the third century, of devout and wealthy parents who provided him with a Christian upbringing and education. He was orphaned at an early age.
Later he was ordained a priest, and when the bishop of his district died, he was made Bishop of Myra of Lycia. Saint Nicholas is distinguished for his great faith, for his struggle in the name of Orthodoxy and especially for his charity. His faith was so great, that with his prayer he calmed a stormy sea while on a trip to the Holy Lands. For this reason sailors pay homage to him as their protector.
He fought for the predominance of Orthodoxy and took part in the First Ecumenical Synod of Nicea. Especially well known is his charity and his love for children. He used his great wealth to relieve all who were in need: poor families, widows, and especially orphans and poor children. For this same purpose he founded, as Bishop, a poorhouse, hostelries, and a hospital. He was the personification of Christian love and affection. As such he is honored by all the Christian world, both the Eastern and the Western. In the West especially he is considered as the great patron Saint of children and the cheerful giver of gifts under the name Santa Claus.
This Saint lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, and reposed in 330, As a young man, he desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a pilgrimage to the holy city Jerusalem, where he found a place to withdraw to devote himself to prayer. It was made known to him, however, that this was not the will of God for him, but that he should return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for many. He returned to Myra, and was ordained bishop. He became known for his abundant mercy, providing for the poor and needy, and delivering those who had been unjustly accused. No less was he known for his zeal for the truth. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325; upon hearing the blasphemies that Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Saint Nicholas struck him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to strike any man at all, his fellow bishops were in perplexity what disciplinary action was to be taken against this hierarch whom all revered. In the night our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos appeared to certain of the bishops, informing them that no action was to be taken against him, since he had acted not out of passion, but extreme love and piety. The Dismissal Hymn for holy hierarchs, The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock ... was written originally for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron of all travellers, and of sea-farers in particular; he is one of the best known and best loved Saints of all time.
For all of us Saint Nicholas is a "Canon of faith and an image of goodness and kindness." Άγιος Νικόλαος
