A name day celebrates the feast of the saint whose name an Orthodox Christian bears. A gift is not required, but when one is given, something connected with faith or the person's patron saint can make the occasion especially meaningful.
Patron saint icon
An icon of the person's patron saint is one of the most natural name day gifts. Before choosing one, make sure you have identified the correct saint, since several saints may share the same name. See How to Choose a Patron Saint Icon as a Gift.
Cross or other devotional gift
A wearable cross, prayer book, icon, or other item used in Christian life can also be appropriate. The gift does not need to be expensive to be meaningful.
Does the gift need to match the person's nationality?
No. Orthodox sacred objects may reflect Greek, Ukrainian, Serbian, Romanian, Russian, or other artistic traditions without being restricted to Christians of that background.
Our article What Is an Orthodox Name Day? explains the tradition behind the occasion.
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Established with the blessing of V. Rev. Fr. Wiaczeslaw, Rector of Orthodox Christian Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (NY). |
