Friday, January 7, 2011

My name day

Here in Greece birthdays are not generally celebrated.  Name days are.  Your name day is the day dedicated to the  saint after whom you were named; no Orthodox Greek, and there are few that are not, has a forename other than that of  a saint.  Today, according to the Greek Orthodox calendar, is St John’s day; my name day.  Not being Greek I am not bound to celebrate, but my greek friends will expect it of me and, despite having celebrated my birthday, western style, but two days ago my chums among the ex-pat community will think it churlish of me to deny them an another excuse for a night out.  I suppose, in consideration of the expectations of all these good folk, I must yet again sacrifice, solely for their sake, my annual post-birthday resolution to put away childish things. 
Altruism is not always easy - but it can be sometimes!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chronia Polla Iannis

J and G said...

Also belated Happy Birthday but as for "I must yet again sacrifice, solely for their sake,........" - I suspect you might still enjoy the sacrifice !!!!!! Have a wonderful evening. J&G

Anonymous said...

Such dedication to the needs of others is an inspiration to all. I don't think there is a Saint Insciens so I am just going to go for the day of our national saint here in Scotland. I look forward to the next Saint Andrew's Day with anticipation.

Claude said...

What a great custom! Saint John was a nice guy who would have wanted, like you, to please others. I'm sure you had a good time with your friends.

I'll remember you next November H.I.

The Flying Tortoise said...

It's Happy Birthday from me... Lucky I'm not there in Greece, I don't think there's a St Keith...