Quick Patron Saint question

[StChristopherofPalestine]

Can a man take a female Saint as his patron or vice versa? A few people at my parish have talked about this and none of us knew the answer.

[ExOrienteLux]

Well, I know that women have taken male Saints as their Patrons. Our very own Seraphima is an example.

As for men taking the names of female Saints, I suppose there's nothing against it, but the only times I've heard of it being done is in the case of a man choosing the Theotokos as his patron (ie. Mario or Panagiotis - Hellenes, help me with the spelling, please!).

-Philip.

[StChristopherofPalestine]

I thought we weren't allowed to take the Theotokos as a patron.

[ExOrienteLux]

It's done, particularly in Greece. It might have something to do with the fact that she's the country's Patron.

[Matrona]

Yes, it's Panagiotis. :)

[Greg the byzantine]

My cousins name is Paraskevas but his patron saint is Ayia paraskevi.
My sister's name is Andriana and her patron saint is Sain Andrew.
I also think that the name Kyriakos has the patron St. Kyriaki (a woman)but then again they could celebrate their name day tou kyriou (of the Lord) on any of the major holidays.
A lot of girls have male Saints, Kostantina =St. Constantine, Georgia=St. George, Dimitra=St. Demetrios, Gregoria=St. Gregory, Stella=St. Stylianos but granted these are all Greek names.

[Kolya]

Well, I know that women have taken male Saints as their Patrons. Our very own Seraphima is an example.


Stephanida is another example. Most Male Saints in Russia and Greece have a female form to the name. My wife's name is not made up, it is a Russian female name. Those of you who have read "The Third Circle" by Solzhnietzen will know that there is a Seraphima in the story, and many nuns have taken the name.

The reverse - male forms of female saints - is not the norm.:)

[Moros]

Panagiotis sounds like some kind of painful disorder.

[Greg the byzantine]

Panagiotis sounds like some kind of painful disorder.
:D It's pronounced panayotis