March 8: Saint Gregory Palamas and Name Day Celebrations

Today, March 8, the Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessaloniki, one of the most important figures in Orthodoxy. The day is the 2nd Sunday of Lent, dedicated to the Saint.

Saint Gregory Palamas was born in Constantinople and dedicated himself to monastic life on Mount Athos. He was an important exponent of the Hesychastic tradition.

Also commemorated on this day are the Synaxis of the Saints who shone in Laconia, Saint Theophylaktos, Bishop of Nicomedia, Saint Hermes the Apostle, and Saint Paul the Confessor, Bishop of Plousias.

Those named: Christodoulos, Christodouli, Julianos, Gregory, Grigoria celebrate their name day.