Which Names Are Celebrated on September 17?
The Orthodox calendar assigns September 17 to a defined set of given names. Individuals bearing these names traditionally mark the day with church attendance, family meals, and the exchange of small gifts. The names include Sophia and its many variants such as Sonia, Sofiani, Sofi, Sofina, Fifi, Sofoula, Sofitsa, Sofaki, Sofianos and Sofoulis. Additional names linked to the same feast are Pisti and Pistis, Elpida and Elpis, Agapi and Agapios, Sofianna, Agathoklis and Agathokleas along with Agathokleia, Olivianos and Olvianos together with Olivia and Olivia, Pantoleon and its forms Pantoleontas, Pantoleontis, Pantoleontia and Pantoleonti, and finally Pilefs and Pileas. The list is headed by the group around Sophia because that is the principal feast of the day. Every variant is tied directly to the memory of the saints honoured on this fixed date in the liturgical year. The source presents the full list without ranking beyond noting that the Sophia group leads the entry.
Which Saints Does the Orthodox Church Honour?
The Church commemorates several figures on this date. The principal group is Agia Sofia and her daughters Pisti, Elpida and Agapi. Other saints remembered include Agia Agathokleia the martyr, Osios Olivianos, Agios Pantoleon and Agios Pileas. Each of these names appears in the liturgical calendar because the corresponding saint is venerated on this fixed day of the year. The primary commemoration remains that of Sofia and her three daughters, while the others share the same calendar entry without further narrative in the source.
The Story of Agia Sofia and Her Daughters
According to Orthodox tradition, Agia Sofia and her three daughters lived during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117–138 AD). The daughters received their names from the New Testament verse in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that lists faith, hope and love, with love being the greatest. After Sofia became a widow she moved with her daughters to Rome. Their Christian faith became known to the authorities and they were arrested. The emperor ordered the mother separated from the children and questioned each daughter in turn.
The twelve-year-old Pisti answered first. Hadrian offered her wealth and a comfortable life if she renounced Christ. She replied with a verse from Scripture stating that she lived by faith in Christ who loved her and gave himself for her salvation. After torture she was beheaded. Ten-year-old Elpida was asked whether the suffering was worthwhile. She answered that her hope rested in the living God who saves all people, especially believers. She too was executed. Nine-year-old Agapi gave a similar reply before she was also put to death.
Sofia buried her daughters with honour and remained three days at their graves in prayer. She asked God to take her life as well. Her prayer was answered and she died beside the tombs. The account is preserved in Orthodox hagiographies and is read in churches on September 17. The source records that the girls were denounced as famous Christians, that the mother was kept apart during the interrogations, and that each daughter used Scripture to answer the emperor before her execution. The narrative ends with the mother’s death at the graves after three days of prayer. No additional events or later developments are supplied. The source leaves unsettled any further historical context beyond the reign of Hadrian and the specific ages and replies of the daughters.
Additional Saints Linked to the Date
Agia Agathokleia is remembered as a martyr whose steadfastness under persecution is cited in early Christian writings. Osios Olivianos is venerated for a life of ascetic practice. Agios Pantoleon, a physician turned martyr, and Agios Pileas appear in the same liturgical lists. Their feasts coincide with the commemoration of Sofia and her daughters, which is why their names also appear in the September 17 calendar.
How Name Days Are Observed in Greece
In contemporary Greece the day functions as a personal holiday. People named after the saints receive visits or telephone calls from relatives and friends. Many attend the Divine Liturgy in the morning and host an open house in the afternoon or evening. The custom is distinct from birthdays and is considered equally important in social and family life. Businesses and schools often excuse the celebrant from work or classes for part of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which names celebrate on September 17?
The names are Sophia and its variants, Pisti, Elpida, Agapi, Agathoklis, Olivia, Pantoleon and Pilefs, along with their feminine and diminutive forms.
Who are the main saints honoured?
The principal saints are Agia Sofia and her daughters Pisti, Elpida and Agapi. Agia Agathokleia, Osios Olivianos, Agios Pantoleon and Agios Pileas are also commemorated.
Why are the daughters named Faith, Hope and Love?
The names come directly from 1 Corinthians 13:13, a verse that lists these three virtues and states that love is the greatest.
Is September 17 a public holiday in Greece?
No, it is not a national public holiday. It is observed as a personal name day with family and church customs.
Are there other dates for the same names?
Some names, such as Olivia, appear on additional dates in the Orthodox calendar. The September 17 entry is the primary feast for the group centred on Agia Sofia.
