Greece Celebrates Saints Constantine and Helen on May 21

Wednesday, 20 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

On May 21, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the feast day of Saints Constantine and Helen, one of the most significant holidays in the Orthodox calendar. Constantine the Great was the first Roman emperor to legalize Christianity, and his mother Helen is venerated for discovering the True Cross in Jerusalem. In Greece and Crete, this day is a major name day celebration for anyone named Konstantinos, Konstantina, Eleni, or related variants, which are among the most common Greek names. Visitors may notice churches holding special liturgies, with some businesses closing early or operating on reduced hours. Local tavernas and kafeneions are likely to be lively as families gather to celebrate. If you know any locals with these names, it is customary to wish them "Chronia Polla" (many happy years).