Greek Name Day: Artemios, Diana, Henoe, Enoe, Kerasia

Greek Name Day Artemios derives from Saint Artemios the Great Martyr. Artemios was appointed the Military Governor of Alexandria and all of Egypt. After witnessing Emperor Julian subjecting two priests to torture, Artemios denounced the Emperors policies as being that of a demon. Consequently, Artemios was sentenced to prison alongside the priests. The Emperor gave Artemios a second chance to denounce Christ and accept the pagan gods, to which he denied, leading to his beheading.

The Greek names Henoe and Enoe are named after Saint Enoa. The names translate to ‘edge of a sword, awe’.

Kersia is a Greek name derived from Saint Matrona of Chios of the 15th century, born in the village of Volissos on the island of Chios, Greece. Saint Matrona led a monastic life, giving away her inheritance to the poor and towards building a monastery in her hometown. Miracles are said to have occurred after her death and many people suffering illness claimed to be cured after visiting her church.

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: Artemios, Diana, Henoe, Enoe, Kerasia.