Greek Orthodox Saints Honored in Today's Name Day Celebrations

Thursday, 14 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Today, May 14, the Greek Orthodox Church marks the feast day of several saints according to the traditional religious calendar. In Greece and Crete, name days are celebrated similarly to birthdays, and locals bearing the names of honored saints will receive well-wishes from friends and family. If you meet someone named after today's saints, a simple "Chronia Polla" (many years) is the appropriate greeting and will be warmly appreciated. Name day celebrations often involve small gatherings at homes, tavernas, or kafeneions, giving visitors a genuine glimpse into local social customs. No public events or closures are expected, so tourist sites, restaurants, and transport remain unaffected. This is a low-key cultural moment, but one that reflects the deep role of Orthodox tradition in everyday Cretan life.