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kosta_karapinotis

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What do people here do to celebrate their name days? Most people barely even remember all the name days, and last year I almost forgot about it. But I know that some people love to honor their name day. I am curious what people do. I have a friend who tries to go to church if there is a service. Other friends go out for dinner, as if they are celebrating a birthday.
 
What do people here do to celebrate their name days? Most people barely even remember all the name days, and last year I almost forgot about it. But I know that some people love to honor their name day. I am curious what people do. I have a friend who tries to go to church if there is a service. Other friends go out for dinner, as if they are celebrating a birthday.
I go to church as I do most Sundays. We used to get a flower but that stopped.
 
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When growing up (I am now 85) I never knew anyone's B'day. We only celebrated name days, and they were big house party events with lots of food, music, dancing and drinks with relatives and friends. My name day was easy to remember since my name is Xpristos (Christ). If you are guessing, it is Christmas day. Those parties seem to have gone by the wayside. In fact I don't recall going to any name day parties after my dad died in 1957. And, I don't recall either of my sisters who married Greek boys ever celebrated name days.
 
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I have every intention to really honor my name day but some years, it totally passes me by, especially if the day doesn't fall on a Sunday. I celebrate both Saint Katherine (birth certificate) and Saint Kaliope (baptismal name) ... This past year I totally forget Saint Kaliope is celebrated in June. I have a calendar alert now. I would love to treat the name days as if they were my birthday!
 
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I have every intention to really honor my name day but some years, it totally passes me by, especially if the day doesn't fall on a Sunday. I celebrate both Saint Katherine (birth certificate) and Saint Kaliope (baptismal name) ... This past year I totally forget Saint Kaliope is celebrated in June. I have a calendar alert now. I would love to treat the name days as if they were my birthday!
I wonder when the name of a muse was sanctified, and about this custom of 2 names, such as you have. In my native S. Italy [Magna Graecia], a baby used to be named after the saint whose feast was celebrated the day he was born, or after a grandparent, or both [///as probably also in your case?] In my case: Amedeo [a recent and rare aristocratic name] Luigi [maternal grandfather] Giuseppe [the eve of St. Joseph's].
 
I wonder when the name of a muse was sanctified, and about this custom of 2 names, such as you have. In my native S. Italy [Magna Graecia], a baby used to be named after the saint whose feast was celebrated the day he was born, or after a grandparent, or both [///as probably also in your case?] In my case: Amedeo [a recent and rare aristocratic name] Luigi [maternal grandfather] Giuseppe [the eve of St. Joseph's].
We can technically take on a different name than our given name when we were born when we are baptized - we can choose. I see this a lot with adult converts. My convert friends consciously pick a saint they identify with. Kaliope is my grandmother's name. Saint Kaliope was martyred in 250 AD - she suffered "branding" right before her death. My grandmother (I never met her) is said to have hated her name and before she died, made my mother promise not to name me after her - I am the first born and that was the tradition in our family. My mom made a compromise and now Kaliope is my baptismal name.

That is a cool tradition your family practices - I think a lot of it depends on the family. Turns out, the Orthodox Church doesn't actually make these naming rules, families have their traditions... I didn't realize this until I was an adult, I just thought I was different. LOL
 
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We celebrate it like our birthday. It's a bigger deal for my wife than it is for me because she's from Greece and I'm not. Fortunately, it's easy for me to remember her name day because it's only a week after her birthday.
 

Navigating Greek Lenten Fasting - Advice?

Lent is here and all my friends and family have been asking "what are you doing for lent this year?" They're all "giving something up" but I decided I wanted to fast. I would love your help and advice because this is the first time I am doing things in a stricter way. I resolve to see it through!

It's supposed to be a a time of reflection, purification, and preparation for the celebration of Easter, and the diet plays a significant part in this spiritual journey. I don't want to get so obsessed with the "rules" that I lose myself in them and forget why I am fasting int he first place.

Thanks in advance!

Tips for Learning and Teaching Greek

I know how to speak Greek okay, but I am not great at it. I want to brush up on my skills, and I also want to teach some of my family members. I am good enough at it to the learn the basics. I am looking for advice, but I've also compiled some ideas:

1. Spend an extended period of time in Greece

There’s no better way to learn Greek than to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Greece. If you have the opportunity, consider spending an extended time in Greece, studying or working, taking a sabbatical, or just exploring the country. Living in Greece can help you understand the nuances of the language, such as the different accents, dialects, and slang that are used. You’ll also have the chance to practice your Greek with locals, watch Greek TV or films, and read Greek books or newspapers. I would imagine this is the best way to learn fast!

2. Use a language program

If you can’t travel to Greece or you prefer a more structured approach to learning Greek, consider using a language program. There are many language programs available online or in your local area, ranging from self-paced courses to interactive classes. Some popular language programs for Greek include Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Pimsleur. From what I understand these are all great options and I can learn at my own pace.

3. Take classes

Taking classes is another excellent way to learn Greek, especially if you prefer face-to-face interaction and feedback. You can find Greek language classes in community colleges, universities, language schools, or private tutors. Taking classes can help you improve your Greek skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You’ll have a teacher who can guide you through the learning process, answer your questions, and give you homework or assignments that challenge you. You’ll also have classmates who share your passion for Greek and can practice with you.

4. Find ways to immerse yourself outside of Greece

Even if you can’t go to Greece or attend classes, you can still immerse yourself in Greek in your daily life. One way is to find Greek-speaking communities or events in your area, such as cultural centers, festivals, or meetups. You can also use online resources to connect with Greek speakers, such as language exchange websites, social media groups, or chat apps. Listening to Greek music, watching Greek videos or podcasts, or reading Greek literature can also help you familiarize yourself with the sounds and patterns of the language.

Honestly, I plan to try all 4 - whatever I can do. I think it will all help.

Advice about making Greek coffee

I've developed a fascination with Greek culture and cuisine, and one aspect I'm particularly eager to explore is Greek coffee. I've heard that it's a unique and delicious brew, but I'm not quite sure how to make it at home.

I understand that Greek coffee is traditionally prepared using a special pot called a briki, but beyond that, I'm a bit lost. What type of coffee grounds should I use, and how finely should they be ground? Are there any specific brands or blends that are favored for making Greek coffee?

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Greek Naming Traditions?

I have noticed that in Greece, there are some traditions associated with naming their children. Although some Greek families in the United States have done this, many have seemed to lose the traditions.

Does anyone know what some of these traditions are? I am helping a friend name his upcoming child... Here's some of what I have learned:

1. Firstborn daughter names after maternal grandmother
2. Firstborn son named after paternal grandfather
3. Firstborn son named after father

Those are the ones I have figured out. I don't know what is traditional from Greece and what has just been made up amongst Greeks in the US.

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I am helping someone plan her Greek wedding. I wanted to make a list of all the traditions we need to keep in time for the big day. Did I miss anything?

The Stolisma

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The Krevati

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The Crowning (Stefana)

One of the most iconic rituals during the ceremony is the exchange of crowns or 'Stefana.' I believe they need to buy the crowns they want in advance?

Koufeta

No Greek wedding would be complete without 'Koufeta'—sugar-coated almonds given to guests as wedding favors. These bittersweet treats represent the ups and downs of married life and are shared in odd numbers to symbolize indivisibility and shared life.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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