Which names are celebrated on September 15?
The September 15 feast day is linked to two main name groups. The first group includes Nikitas, Nikiti and Nikita. The second group covers Vissarion, Vissarionas, Vissaris, Vissaria and close variants. These names are traditionally given on or near the feast in Greek Orthodox families. The day brings forward beloved names and two distinct figures from ecclesiastical tradition, with the Orthodox calendar highlighting their memory each year without shift to another date.
Who was Saint Nikitas the Martyr?
Saint Nikitas lived among the Goths settled north of the Danube during the reign of Constantine the Great. He received instruction in the Christian faith from Bishop Theophilos, who often reminded him of the words of the Apostle Paul: remain steadfast in what you have learned. From a young age you know the Holy Scriptures, which can impart the true wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. When the ruler Athanaric seized Nikitas and threatened him to deny Christ, the young man stayed immovable in what he had learned from childhood. He confessed Christ with courage before the ruler, who became greatly enraged. He immediately ordered Nikitas to have his bones broken in the most terrible way. Yet the hatred of the barbarians was such that afterward they threw him into the fire, where he met his death. The fire, however, by divine will respected his remains. A pious Christian took the body and preserved it in a reliquary. His story is preserved in early martyrologies that describe his steadfastness under persecution.
Who was Saint Vissarion of Larissa?
Saint Vissarion was born in 1490 in Porta Panagia near Trikala, a few decades after the fall of Constantinople. He entered monastic life at a young age and rose through the clergy. He served as bishop of Elassona from 1517 and later of Stagoi from 1521. In 1527 he was elected metropolitan of Larissa, a position he held until his death. Contemporary accounts note his efforts to ransom captives, support the poor and construct public works including roads, churches and bridges across Thessaly and neighboring regions. Although conditions were very difficult, he was raised by his devout parents in the sacred teachings of the faith and the ideals of his people within a family environment full of piety. From his youth he was distinguished for his intelligence, prudence, upright character, purity, temperance, humility, deep faith and boundless love. From a very young age he showed inclination toward monasticism. At only ten years old he became a novice under the metropolitan of Larissa, Mark, who ordained him deacon and presbyter. He endured slanders and harsh trials with admirable forbearance, shining like gold in the furnace.
Bridge building and public works
Under Vissarion’s supervision several bridges were completed that connected lowland and highland areas. These included crossings over the Portaikos at Porta Panagia, the bridge at Sarakina of Kalambaka, the Peneus river, the bridge of Korakos on the Achelous that links Thessaly with Epirus, and the first bridge at Plaka that unites Tzoumerka with Arta and Ioannina. He also founded the monastery of the Savior at Dousiko on Mount Koziakas between 1527 and 1535. The monastery remains standing and houses his relics. Three surviving wills record his instructions for the administration of these institutions and the maintenance of the monastic enclosure. He made many long journeys as far as the Balkans, Hungary and Czechoslovakia to secure funds. He built the monastery on the ruins of an older one and established its rule of enclosure for women, which is still observed with great reverence. The monastery was later rebuilt from the foundations by his nephew Neophytos II of Larissa between 1550 and 1552/57 and was painted by the skilled artist Tzortzis in 1557; it is preserved today in excellent condition.
Date of death and local veneration
Vissarion died on 13 or 15 September 1540. His feast is kept on 15 September. The skull is preserved at his monastery. In Trikala the relic is carried in procession on the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman. Local tradition attributes to him intercession against dysentery, smallpox, scarlet fever and plague, as well as protection of crops and livestock. He also heals animal diseases, destroys locusts, calms the sea’s storm and aids the fertility of the earth. The first hymnographic and synaxarion texts about him were written soon afterward by Pachomios Rousanos in 1552. Services are held at the monastery of Dousiko and at churches dedicated to the two saints. In Larissa, Trikala and Kalambaka the day includes liturgical celebrations and processions. Families marking the names Nikitas or Vissarion often hold private gatherings. The feast remains a fixed point in the annual Orthodox calendar without transfer to another date.
How is the September 15 feast day observed today?
Services are held at the monastery of Dousiko and at churches dedicated to the two saints. In Larissa, Trikala and Kalambaka the day includes liturgical celebrations and processions. Families marking the names Nikitas or Vissarion often hold private gatherings. The feast remains a fixed point in the annual Orthodox calendar without transfer to another date. The fragrant holy skull is kept at the sacred monastery. The memory is celebrated with particular reverence and splendor at the monastery, in Pyli and in Kalambaka; in Trikala the holy skull is carried in procession on the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman.
Frequently asked questions
Is September 15 a movable or fixed feast?
September 15 is a fixed date in the Orthodox calendar and does not shift according to the lunar cycle.
Are there other saints commemorated on the same day?
The principal commemorations are Saint Nikitas the Goth and Saint Vissarion of Larissa. Additional lesser commemorations may appear in some local calendars but are not universally observed.
Which regions keep the memory of Saint Vissarion most prominently?
The strongest traditions are maintained in Thessaly, especially at the monastery of Dousiko, in Trikala and in Larissa.
Do the names Nikitas and Vissarion share the same feast in every Orthodox country?
The same date is used across Greek-speaking Orthodox communities. Other national calendars may list different saints on September 15 while still recognizing the Greek commemorations.
Is there a modern civic holiday connected to the feast?
No civic holiday is attached to the date. Observance remains religious and cultural.
