Panayia Theotokos ( Virgin Mary Mother of God ), Agios Georgios, Agios Dimitrios

Handpainted and imported from Greece. This is a limited stock item, typically delivered in 3-4 weeks. Please call us for express delivery options.

Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) - Name Day: August 15
The Virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ and the most highly honored and beloved saint. She has four names in the Greek Orthodox church: Theotokos (Mother of God), Panayia (All Holy), Aiparthenos (Ever Virgin), and Despina (Our Lady). August 15 is one of the most important church holidays.

Agios Georgios ( St. George the Great ) - Name Day: April 23 (or if it falls during Holy Week, it is celebrated on the first Monday after Easter)
In the Greek the name George is derived from a word meaning husbandman so in the texts for the day there are constant references to St. George as a spiritual husbandman, scattering the seed of the Word and cultivating the barren ground. The Orthodox Church celebrates his memory at April 23.

St. Demetrios the Great - Name Day: October 26
St. Demetrios, an officer in the Roman army, was put into prison for converting soldiers to Christianity in Thessaloniki in the early fourth century. He urged his friend, Nestor, to fight a famous gladiator and prove that, through prayer, the power of God could make him victorious. When Nestor killed the gladiator, the emperor was so angry, he ordered both Nestor and Demetrios executed. For many in Greece, October 26 also signifies the end of summer when the shepherds come down from the hills for the winter. St. Demetrios is the patron saint of shepherds, crops, and the city of Thessaloniki.
Relics: Mt. Athos; St. Demetrios Church, Thessaloniki; procession and celebration in Thessaloniki on October 26