Greece woke up to a chorus of “Chronia Polla” today as thousands named Eleni and Konstantinos celebrated their annual name day, one of the country’s largest popular feasts. While birthdays matter, many Greeks will tell you that the day dedicated to their patron saint can feel even more important — a tradition that still shapes social life from Evros to Crete.
A name day (onomastikí eortí) is the liturgical anniversary of the saint whose name a person bears. Because the Orthodox calendar commemorates at least one saint on almost every date, most Greeks have, in effect, a “second birthday.”
Traditionally, friends and relatives drop in without invitation, carrying flowers, sweets or a bottle of wine; hosts keep their doors open, lay out coffee and sweets and snacks, and may start the day with church before the informal parties begin. Phone calls and rapid-fire text messages of “Χρόνια Πολλά!” — “many happy years” — ensure nobody is left out, even from afar. In a modern twist, those celebrating are known to bring chocolates and sweets to their offices and schools, to offer to colleagues and classmates.
The practice is deeply woven into the country’s demographics. According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) 2011 census, the single most common male name is Giorgos, borne by 8.8 percent of the male population. Maria tops the female list at 8.3 percent of resident females. Giorgos, or ‘George’ is followed by Giannis (6.5%), Dimitris (6.4%), Konstantinos (6.0%), Nikolaos (5.7%). For the females, Eleni is held by 5.2% of the female population, followed by Katerina (3.7%), Vasiliki (3.2%) and Sofia (2.3%).
Each of those names comes with a firmly fixed celebration date — except one. Saint George, normally honoured on 23 April, shifts to Easter Monday whenever the 23rd falls during Lent or Holy Week so that feasting can proceed without the fasting rules that apply before Easter.
For English-speaking visitors who want to join in, two phrases cover most situations. A simple “Happy name day!” works everywhere. If you want to echo the Greek, say “Chronia Polla” (pronounced HRO-nya po-LAH), which literally means “many years.”
The calendar offers ample opportunities wish family, friends and aquaintances “Happy name day”. Giannis celebrates on 7 January, Giorgos on 23 April (or Easter Monday), Maria on 15 August, Dimitris on 26 October, and Sofia on 17 September.
Today’s honorees, Eleni and Konstantinos, share 21 May every year. Remembering these dates — or quickly consulting any Greek diary, which prints them alongside the saint of the day — is an easy way to delight colleagues, neighbors or new friends.
No public holiday is attached to name days, but the country pauses unofficially whenever the Dormition of the Virgin on 15 August fills beaches and mountain villages alike with family reunions. Gifts stay modest; sentiment and presence matter more than price. Even non-religious Greeks tend to keep the custom, a reminder that name-day cheer is as much cultural glue as church observance.
So if your Greek coworker disappears mid-morning to greet the priest or your neighbourhood bakery runs out of cakes by noon, there is a good chance it is someone’s name day — and a sure sign that a heartfelt “Chronia Polla” will be warmly received.
Happy Name Day, Eleni and Konstantinos!
